River Tweed becomes a living classroom with launch of new education resource
The landscapes of the River Tweed catchment are set to become a living classroom for schoolchildren with the launch of an important new outdoor learning resource.
Unveiled by Tweed Forum, the new TweedWATCH Education Pack has been created for pupils aged 7-11 in north Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.
It uses the landscapes, wildlife and heritage of the River Tweed to connect children with nature, build their confidence and teach them about a range of curriculum-linked topics through a mix of outdoor exploration and classroom work.
Through a series of engaging, hands-on activities the children will learn about river wildlife, riverside trees and plants, water pollution, flooding, climate resilience and the rich archaeology of the Tweed catchment.
The pack has been developed as part of the Destination Tweed and EU LIFE WADER projects.
Tweed Forum education officer, Jenny Holmes, said: “Outdoor learning can be one of the most powerful ways for children to understand complex ideas and the environment surrounding the Tweed is the perfect classroom.
"We’re looking forward to working with teachers to help them make the most of this important new resource.”
Tweed Forum’s Destination Tweed project director, Luke Fisher, added: “Destination Tweed is about restoring and celebrating the River Tweed and its surroundings for the benefit of nature and communities and education is central to that vision. The TweedWATCH Education Pack allows young people to explore the river at first hand, gaining an understanding of how it works, why it matters and how their actions can make a difference. By helping children build a genuine personal connection to the Tweed and its many waterways, we are investing in the future custodians of this remarkable river.”
LIFE WADER project manager, Liz Humphreys said; “The LIFE WADER project is working to improve river, intertidal and marine habitats across the Tweed catchment and Northumberland coast for the species that depend on them.
"Increasing understanding of this special environment is a hugely important element of our work and we hope that by encouraging learning beyond the classroom through this new Education Pack, young people will be inspired to take an interest in the habitats and species that surround them.”
The TweedWATCH Education Pack is available to download free of charge from the Destination Tweed website. Printed packs are also being offered to eligible schools.