News archive

September 2008

Tuesday, 9 September 2008

School children pond dipping

Bird Friendly Schools

The RSPB has a long term investment in Education and has an important role in making sure that young people can learn to understand and care for the natural world they depend on.

In 2008 the RSPB will begin an exciting new project called Bird Friendly Schools in which staff and volunteers will work with schools to make school grounds better for birds and to give teachers advice on how to use the school grounds for learning about birds. Staff and volunteers will visit schools and give pupils hands-on help with their wildlife improvements.

The Glasgow Local Group has decided for the coming year to help support a Bird Friendly School in the Glasgow area. In the first place, this support will take the form of a monetary donation and we have already handed over our first contribution. Additionally, it is hoped that some of our members will volunteer to form part of a team introducing this project to the Glasgow area. Details of what will be expected of volunteers and how they might gain from the experience are given below.

The Role of a Bird Friendly Schools Volunteer
The volunteer will work in the Greater Glasgow area during School term time (Sept-Dec, Jan-July). Typical commitment would be one training day and 3 visits each to 2 to 3 schools per year (Nov, Jan, May). That is 10 - 15 days in total.

Requirements: Experience of working with children would be advantageous but not essential. A limited knowledge of birds is required (training will be provided); together with good communication skills. You must be happy to talk to children and teachers about how to care for birds and other wildlife in their school grounds.

What's in it for you: The opportunity to inspire children and help them become aware of the wildlife around them. You will be part of the team introducing this exciting new project to the Glasgow area. We can help you gain skills and give you a valuable insight into the work of the RSPB.

Why we need you: The Bird Friendly Schools initiative aims to enthuse and inspire primary school children about birds and wildlife in their local area. Volunteers will play an essential role in delivering this educational programme through visiting schools and providing and presenting educational resources and activities.

Notes: Appropriate training will be provided and expenses will be re-imbursed where necessary. The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, helping to create a better world for all of us. We belong to BirdLife International, the global partnership of bird conservation organizations. Your time and skills could make a real difference to the work of the RSPB and it would be great if you could join us.

For more information, contact:
Sandy Grant, Bird Friendly Schools Officer,
RSPB, 10 Park Quadrant, GLASGOW G3 6BS
Telephone: 0141 331 0993 Fax Number: 0141 331 9080 Direct Dial: 07912074178
Email: Sandy.Grant@rspb.org.uk

Thursday, 4 September 2008

Adult and children with book and binoculars birdwatching

Items of Interest

Meetings referred to at Indoor Meeting on 3 September 2008. Please advise if you respond to any of these contacts (rogerlpadams7@aol.com).

Birds of Prey: talk in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum at 12.30-13.30 on Wednesday the 24th September 2008. Just turn up or contact Jennie.Tweedie@rspb.org.uk.

Machair Conservation: Successes and Challenges. Monday 8th December 2008, 10.00 to 17.15 in the Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow. A Joint Conference between the RSPB and the Glasgow Natural History Society. £15 for members. Further information and application forms from info@gnhs.org.uk.

Scottish Home Improvement and Self Build Show at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October 2008. RSPB will be attending the show and have 200 free tickets. Contact jo.macfarlane@rspb.org.uk

Volunteers needed for RSPB projects:

- Hen Harriers at Clyde Muirshiel: Interpretation of CCTV footage. Contact paula.baker@rspb.org.uk

- Ospreys at David Marshall Lodge. Interpretation of CCTV footage (also Barn Owls and various Tits etc). Contact Andrea.Williams@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.

- Kings Park Fun Day on Saturday, 13th September 2008, 12.00 to 16.00 and
- Feed the Birds Day in the Botanic Gardens (Glasgow) on the 25th and 26th October, 11.00 to 15.00. Attending stalls and selling merchandise and talking to people. Contact Jackie Brown at Jacqueline.Brown@rspb.org.uk