Friends of Blairs Loch are inviting schools to use outdoor learning facilities at revamped beauty spot on the edge of Forres

LOCAL volunteers hosted training for groups interested in nature.

Blairs Loch was the setting for a continual professional development (CPD) session, organised by Moray Outdoor and Woodland Learning Group (MOWLG) and attended by 12 educational professionals from schools, nurseries and third sector groups across Moray.

Friends of Blairs Loch (FBL) treasurer, Brian Higgs, confirmed the event was delivered by MOWLG members Julia Mackay and Dan Puplett at the boat house and adjoining buildings renovated by FBL.

Brian said: “We have educational resources available for use free of charge to schools. The aim was to introduce teachers and youth group leaders to opportunities for outdoor learning. Feedback was positive with attendees gaining new skills and knowledge to transfer to their own groups.”

Morning workshop attendees discussed barriers and challenges to going outside with client groups, including toileting, boundaries, handwashing and shelter. The group also learned basic knots before trying out shelter designs to suit their own settings, such as a playing field with no trees.

“Julia showed the range of resources on site,” said Brian, “such as pond dipping, tree and mini beast identification kits. She also demonstrated how to put up tarpaulin above the outdoor classroom.”

Microscopes and binoculars are also available for use at Blairs Loch.

During the afternoon workshop, Dan explained why connecting to nature is important. Participants engaged in activities and games aimed at helping to understand the natural world. These helped them develop observation skills, memory and curiosity - they required little to no equipment and included ‘meet a stick/tree’, a nature memory game, ‘predator prey’ and sound map.

Schools looking to use the resources at Blairs Loch are invited to email fofblairsloch@gmail.com.