Buchan Bog Buddies

March 17, 2023

The RSPB and Aberdeenshire Rangers have been working with P6/P7 classes at New Pitsligo and Strichen Primary schools on an exciting Peatlands educational programme, supported by 5 dedicated RSPB volunteers.

Buchan Bog Buddies Buchan Bog Buddies is a 12 session project to raise awareness of the climate and ecological emergency we are facing and how bog restoration can help. The pupils have learnt about the history of the Buchan Bogs, how they were formed after the last ice age, and the important cultural associations with cutting peat for fuel.  They have also explored Sphagnum Moss and discovered how its water retaining properties lead to the formation of raised bogs. The third session looked at the value of the bogs for wildlife like insects, insectivorous plants, wading birds and cranes.  In the fourth session we examined how the bogs are being restored through the IUCN Peatland Action program and how community action groups can play a role in the restoration and protection of their local bogs.

 

They have also been taken on a guided walk across a local bog so they can relate all they have leant to the real world around them. As part of the learning process the pupils have made their own Bog in a Bottle, explored a 10,000 year bog and human history timeline, researched biodiversity on the bog, spoken with family members about their memories of the bogs, handled some traditional peat cutting tools and discovered the wonderful way in which Cranes dance.

Buchan Bog Buddies Now the children have learned the basics of bog biology and restoration, they will now become community leaders, co-creating an exhibition for their community sharing all they have discovered and been excited about and creating a new buzz about how important and special the bogs of Buchan are. Both classes will come together to share their exhibits. As we are now just at the beginning of the co-creation stage it’s impossible to say what we will see, but options include, posters, video, animations, models, games… the possibilities are many! I’m looking forward to seeing what the pupil’s imaginations and creativity will lead to.

The exhibition will be taking place on 11th May between 12-6 at the Ritchie Hall, Strichen.

Buchan Bog Buddies
Buchan Bog Buddies The RSPB and Aberdeenshire Rangers have been working with P6/P7 classes at New Pitsligo and…
Global Peatlands Initiative
Global Peatlands Initiative project: State of the Worlds Peatlands On the 17th of November 2022, at the UNFCCC COP27 in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt, the Global Peatlands…
Water
South West Peatland Partnership: Counting sheep to help restore peat across the UK's South WestPeatland restoration isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It takes a range of innovative techniques…
Birchinlee (c) Moors for the Future Partnership
Moors for the Future Partnership releases series of scientific and monitoring reports from MoorLIFE 2020 projectIn September 2022, MoorLIFE 2020, the landmark project which had been the focus of much of the work…
Cuilcagh Mountain after restoration work
Ulster Wildlife webinar: Lessons learned: 20+ years on from blanket bog restoration at Cuilcagh MountainJoin Ulster Wildlife, RPS Ireland and the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark to discuss what…
Peatland code version 2.0
Launch of the Peatland Code Version 2.0The IUCN UK Peatland Programme has today launched a new and highly anticipated update to the…
Molinia, Peatlands and Climate Transition Workshop
Save the Date: Molinia, Peatlands and Climate Transition Workshop’Hosted by National Trust Marsden Moor, the ‘Molinia, Peatlands and Climate Transition Workshop’…
Demonstrating Success cover art
Peat-free Horticulture Addendum: Further case studies released This addendum to the IUCN UK Peatland Programme's 'Demonstrating Success - Peat-free Horticulture'…
England Peat Map team at Winmarleigh Moss
Working Towards a Peat Data StandardThe England Peat Map project is mapping the extent, depth and condition of England’s peat. Find out…
Cors Caron Copywrite Drew Buckley Photography
Conference 2022 - Registration closedRegistration for this year's IUCN UK Peatland Programme conference taking place live in Aberystwyth…
Mar Estate © Mark Nicolson
100 Project Milestone for the Peatland CodeThe Peatland Code now has 100 projects registered under the UK La