Last week RSPB Scotland hosted “Christmas Tweats”, a well-attended CPD (continuous professional development) event at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. The event focused on how teachers and their classes can get school grounds wildlife-friendly ready for Christmas. Teachers enjoyed listening and learning with our singing birds’ Christmas Choir, made bird feeders, and built up knowledge about creating wildlife-friendly spaces, however big or small.

There was also an introduction to our international engagement through the “Save the Albatross” and the “Save the Sumatran Rainforest” appeals, and a heads up for our Big Schools Bird Watch in January 2012, which all received an enthusiastic response. Lots of ideas and laughter were shared, and tasty mince pies and mulled wine provided a heart-warming ending to the afternoon.

RSPB Scotland’s partnership with the National Museum of Scotland
During the 2011/2012 school year, RSPB Scotland field teaching staff - in partnership with NMS staff - will deliver a series of workshops to primary and secondary pupils visiting the museum’s new gallery spaces, which re-opened in July 2011 after extensive refurbishment.

The workshops are focussed on Scotland’s wildlife and special habitats. Primary pupils learn about creature adaptations and habitat creation, whilst secondary pupils discuss the effects of reintroduction projects on ecological systems, and examine in detail the reintroduction of White-tailed eagles.

If you are a primary or secondary school teacher and would like to book a workshop, please contact the NMS at schools@nms.ac.uk, or 0131 247 4041.
The Youth & Education team at RSPB Scotland can be contacted at educationscotland@rspb.org.uk.