Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust (PKCT) welcomes its first Discovery, Learning and Engagement Officer, Catherine Leatherland, to is team.

Catherine will carry out educational activities that support PKCT’s conservation and access strategies.

She will engage with formal and informal education across Perthshire and develop discovery and learning opportunities for youth, adults and community groups, including vulnerable groups.

PKCT believes that the outdoors is for everyone and that developing an understanding through education will in turn lead to care of the natural environment. A better knowledge of the countryside will allow visitors and regular users to have a more rewarding, memorable experience when visiting Perthshire, whilst making sure that the natural environment and natural and human heritage is protected and enhanced.

Catherine commented:

“Access to green spaces and spending time in nature is so important, and it’s also a lot of fun. Having the opportunity to work with people of all ages to educate them about it is incredible. I look forward to meeting everyone and sharing information about the great work PKCT does, through its many projects, to conserve and develop access to the amazing Perthshire countryside.”

Peter Quinn, PKCT Trust Manager, said:

“Catherine is a great addition to our team, especially given her years of experience with the Scottish Wildlife Trust. She will lead the way on PKCT’s exciting new venture into education with residents and visitors of all ages. We’re sure she’ll inspire the love for and respect of the countryside we at PKCT hold dear.”

PKCT is an independent charity that negotiates access to land, builds paths, helps care for the countryside and undertakes conservation projects all to improve and promote access to the countryside for walker, cyclists and horse riders. It manages Perthshire Big Tree Country, the Cateran Trail, and Perthshire Conifer Conservation Programme; is developing the River Tay Way; and works with communities.