Fisheries Trust introduce schools to ecology of waterways
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CHILDREN from local schools have been introduced to fishing by Findhorn Nairn and Lossie Fisheries Trust (FNLFT).
Anderson's, Kinloss and Pilmuir Primary pupils enjoyed workshops run by FNLFT director Bob Laughton before visiting Kellas Trout Fishery as part of the ‘Salmon Go To Schools’ project funded by the Tesco Bags of Help scheme.
Mr Laughton said: "I delivered the first phase of “Schools go to Fish” back in January which included classroom talks and discussions. The pupils were introduced to the ecology of the salmon and other fish within the River Findhorn. The presentation also covered the threats to the fish and their habitat, how we can manage them, and also highlighted the importance of angling to our local waters."
Although angling is still a popular pastime, there has been a noticeable decline in younger people participating in recent years so the second part of the project involved encouraging the pupil to give it a try.
"They included P6 pupils from Pilmuir who visited Kellas Fishery to try out their angling skills," said Mr Laughton. "We were blessed with excellent weather and the pupils landed over 20 rainbow trout, ensuring that fish was definitely on the menu for dinner!"
The pupils also conducted a bugs and beasties hunt in the nearby River Lossie to further improve their knowledge of wildlife in the local rivers. Data they collected indicated the river is in good health.
Pilmuir P6 teacher, Ms Natalie Montgomery, said: "This project linked very well with the topic the pupils had been working on previously about the River Findhorn.
"They learned about the features of rivers, food chains, salmon life cycle, Celtic folklore regarding the Salmon of Knowledge and careers/jobs that the river provides."
