BIODIVERSITY ACTION IN KINROSS-AREA


Since the publication of the Tayside Biodiversity Action Plan last year much has been happening throughout the area with implementation of over 400 actions taking place and many Partners playing a leading role in ensuring the proposed action becomes a reality on the ground.


Daniele Muir, Perth and Kinross Ranger for the Kinross area, sits on Tayside’s Education sub-group which is ensuring ‘lifelong learning’ aims are incorporated into the Action Plan. From nursery school age through to the 5-14 Curriculum and well beyond, there are many opportunities for everyone to get involved and play an active part in safeguarding or enhancing our local biodiversity.


Daniele has, for instance, been working with a number of Kinross-shire schools to highlight the biodiversity message: more than 20 children from the Cleish Out of School Club enjoyed two Ranger visits – one to search for minibeasts, and a second to enjoy a nature ramble. The children got an excellent view of a drinking yellowhammer and also tried to catch butterflies (unsuccessfully this time!). A dozen children from the Milnathort Out of School Club later joined in a search for Minibeasts of Scotland and Around the World too.


Nearly 60 children from Fossoway Primary explored the Crook of Devon - Rumbling Bridge path with Daniele for which the school is producing a guided leaflet. A survey of the surroundings by the children focussed on the minibeasts, trees, plants and birds found there.


It’s not just children who can get involved. Everyone is welcome to ‘adopt’ his or her own Local Patch and to complete a simple survey form on what is seen there. It can be “anywhere” - a local footpath, a golf course, school grounds, around a health centre or sheltered housing complex or perhaps the workplace – or it could be a private garden, park or churchyard.


If any SWT members living in Kinross-shire would like to take part, contact me for a copy of the leaflet on 01738 476481; e-mail tayside.biodiversity@ukf.net. CD copies of the 1st Tranche Local Biodiversity Action Plan are also available on request, as is an introductory booklet about the Plan.


Catherine Lloyd, Tayside Biodiversity Co-ordinator