A Tree for Every Child in Perthshire – Pilot Project 

In 2022 we are excited to launch a pilot of our new education tree planting project – A Tree for Every Child in Perthshire.  

This project will cover the importance of trees, tree planting sessions, and the aftercare needed to ensure the trees survive and thrive through a series of workshops. Where possible, the workshops will take place outside, using nature to enhance the learning experience for all. In its initial pilot phase, the project is working with four schools and Pitlochry Festival Theatre, throughout the autumn and winter of 2022/2023. It is hoped that the project will grow and continue in future years, culminating in thousands of trees for all the children of Perthshire to enjoy. 

As well as providing every child with the chance to experience tree planting and to make connections with their local nature, this project has a direct impact on conservation. Planting native species helps to combat both climate change and biodiversity loss – trees lock up carbon and a diverse woodland provides numerous benefits to other wildlife, supporting greater biodiversity. This is before we even mention all the added benefits that trees provide, sometimes known as nature-based solutions, such as flood prevention, reducing soil erosion, and cooling the surrounding air temperature.  

All of the trees planted this year will also count towards the Queen’s Green Canopy – an initiative that encourages people to plant trees for the Queen’s platinum jubilee. It will be so exciting to see everyone’s plans and learning coming together later this year – we can’t wait to get started!  

Tree for Every Child in Perth and Kinross with Strathallan School pupils (c) Strathallan School

Supporting the John Muir Awards with Our Lady’s Primary 

PKCT knows the value that completion of awards schemes such as the John Muir Award provides for children and young people and we are looking at developing a strategic way in which to provide support and opportunities for schools offering the John Muir Award through our outdoor learning programme. 

To this aim, we are working with Our Lady’s Primary in Perth through to spring 2023, to help their P6/P7 and P7 classes complete their Explore award! We hope to include lots of fun nature activities and a trip to Kinnoull Hill. Children will be challenged to see new places and habitats, learn new skills and gain confidence in the outdoors.  

If you are interested in the John Muir awards and how we might support your class to complete these through outdoor learning, please do get in touch.  

Wildlife Watch 

PKCT is excited to be partnering with the Scottish Wildlife Trust to launch a new Wildlife Watch group in Perth. Wildlife Watch is a network of children’s nature clubs, run by the Wildlife Trusts across the UK.  

Perth Wildlife Watch Group is launching this autumn on Saturday 12 November 2022 at the South Inch in Perth with a FREE fun-filled outdoor and nature activities morning for children aged 8-12. 

Similar FREE events will be held once a month throughout Perth and Kinross on a Saturday morning for children. Check back here to see where and when the next event is planned and get your kids involved!

To sign your children up, just email [email protected]

You can also follow or like Perth Wildlife Watch on Facebook for all the latest updates here.

Newcastleton Wildlife Watch group © Jamie Grant