Redmyre Farm by Longforgan was the venue today (Friday) for a visit by Primary 7 of St Madoes Primary School.
The class had been invited by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Royal Highland Education Trust to take part in the ‘Beyond the Farm Gate’ experience which allowed the children to see first-hand what environmental benefits there were from sensitive game and wildlife management in the countryside.
The event was held as part of National Science and Engineering Week and involved Redmyre’s gamekeeper Neil Gunn and estate manager Brian Kaye.
The class took a walk through the farm, visiting a red squirrel hide and flight pond before learning about predator management techniques and woodland management. A tractor and trailer ride to the top of the hill provided stunning views of the Tay which was an excellent backdrop to discuss deer and game bird feeding.
A finale of a gun dog training display ensured the pupils and teachers enjoyed a most educational day which ended back at the school where they cooked venison and redcurrant sausages generously provided by Hubertus Game of Pitlochry.
“We had an excellent day at Redmyre and are extremely grateful to Brian and Neil for their hospitality and expertise,” said Katrina Candy, Head of PR & Education (Scotland) with GWCT – a scientific-based charity.
“These Beyond the Farm Gate events are an excellent way to educate youngsters about how and why our countryside is shaped the way it is. The grant we received as part of National Science and Engineering Week was incredibly useful and allowed us to transport the children to the farm where we could explain, in situ, how gamekeepers and farmers benefit wildlife.”
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Caption: (l to r) Estate manager Brian Kaye, GWCT education assistant Alex Towns and gamekeeper Neil Gunn with the P7 pupils from St Madoes Primary School.
Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is an independent wildlife conservation charity which carries out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.
For information, contact:
Playfair Walker
Telephone: 0131 445 5570
Email: richard@playfairwalker.com