Outdoor education in Perth and surrounding area is earmarked to receive £10,000 per annum for three years to help develop discovery and learning opportunities for youth, adults and community groups, including vulnerable groups.

 The Forteviot Charitable Trust has made the donation to support the work of Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust’s (PKCT) new Discovery, Learning and Engagement Officer, Catherine Leatherland, as she delivers educational activities across Perth and its surrounding areas.

This funding means Catherine can engage with formal and informal education to help everyone develop an understanding and appreciation of the outdoors so that they in turn will help care for 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.

PKCT Eduction officer Catherine Leatherland with primary school pupils in nature © Ian Biggs

Catherine commented:

I cannot wait to start delivering our outdoor education activities with local communities, schools, and groups, and funding like this will greatly enhance what we are able to offer! I will have the ability to buy project and group-specific equipment, tailor workshops, engage with people of all ages in Perth and beyond, and work in tandem with PKCT’s team as they conserve and develop access to the countryside.

Lord Forteviot as Trust chairman, said:

Outdoor education in Perth is something the Trust is passionate about, so we are very excited to support the work of PKCT’s new education officer as she works with people across the area of all ages. Perth’s countryside is unique and has an abundance of natural spaces for everyone to enjoy and learn about. We look forward to seeing what Catherine does to promote and foster engagement in the outdoors among Perthshire’s residents.