Schools and community groups across Perth and Kinross have had the opportunity to learn and appreciate the outdoors in recent weeks as Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust’s Wild Journey outdoor learning programme marks it first anniversary this month.

The free structured outdoor learning programme from Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust has seen over 400 children from 11 schools and clubs take part in a range of activities as varied as litter picking, shelter building, bug hunting, and making nature collages in 2025 alone.

The Wild Journey programme features over 30 activities for young people to choose from with “how-to” guides available on the PKCT website to support teachers and group leaders to deliver. In-person expert-led sessions are also available on request subject to availability.

Pupils from Kinloch Rannoch learn about campfire safety (c) PKCT

Catherine Leatherland from PKCT said:

“It is fantastic to see so many classes and groups getting involved with Wild Journey during its first year. From a community litter pick in Muirton in May with pupils from Riverside Primary, to a campfire with the Scouts in June it’s heartening to see young people spending time outside and appreciating the benefits that time in nature can have, both for our planet and also for our own health and wellbeing.”

Pupils from Aberuthven, Kinloch Rannoch, and Riverside primary schools are among those looking to complete two of the six activity streams to achieve their bronze certificates. Catherine added:

“There has been some friendly competition between schools vying to become the first group to earn their certificates and make it onto the online wall of fame. Seeing the enthusiasm of the classes is infectious and I wish them all good luck in their adventures.”

Pupils and parents from Kinloch Rannoch show off their shelter building skills (c) PKCT

Trust chairperson Stephen Woollard said:

“In only its first year, Wild Journey has managed to reach people of all ages and stages across the length and breadth of the region.  There’s always something to learn about nature and our environment, whether we’re in a park or garden or out in the countryside, and we hope that this project continues to support young people, their parents and carers to appreciate our natural surroundings.

We would also like to thank The Gannochy Trust for their generous funding that made this project possible.” 

All guides, activities, and project information can be found HERE

The checklist used by pupils during their "Big Bug Hunt" (c) PKCT