Creag Meagaidh NNR Case Study

Rural Skills at Creag Meagaidh NNR

SNH staff member Rory Richardson together with colleagues Ross Lavin and Francois Chazel have been providing practical land management experience to S3 children from Kingussie High School.

These staff have received a recognition award from Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based sector, on behalf of SNH for their work with school pupils in Badenoch and Strathspey under the Rural Skills programme.

The pupils have been visiting NNRs one day each fortnight over two years to undertake practical and monitoring work. This work included building maintenance at Invereshie & Inshriach NNR, and path/track repair work and tree planting at Creag Meagaidh NNR. This work allows them to gain estate management and conservation experience through Scottish Progression Award  modules approved by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

This vocational study time has helped youngsters understand local issues and identify potential employers, as well as develop skills which will help them achieve nationally recognised qualifications.

Rory said "This has been a worthwhile experience for the schoolchildren and it would be fair to say they've helped us as much as we've helped them! I'm also grateful to the school for providing the staff and time for us to teach the kids about aspects of land management here on their own doorstep."

"The kids have been brilliant throughout and have been keen to learn as much as they can about land management and the natural heritage."

Further information

To find out more about Rural Skills on East Highland NNRs please contact Rory Richardson at Creag Meagaidh NNR: 01528 544 265 or by e-mail: rory.richardson@snh.gov.uk

The National Nature Reserve web-site has more information on Creag Meagaidh NNR  .