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Through our JMA conserve it challenge at Saltwells NNR, our students are not only helping wildlife but learning new skills and putting existing ones into practice. Over the last couple of weeks we have worked on team work, communication, safe manual handling, using tools correctly and safely and fine and gross motor skills.

Our groups have continued work on their conserve it and share it challenges towards our JMA Explorer Award. The construction of a log wall for amphibians, reptiles and insects is coming together well. In addition to providing a valuable habitat, the log wall is an attractive feature in the eco-garden at Saltwells NNR. After each session, we write up our record books and read aloud the entries to share our individual experiences of the days activities with the group. Once again a big thank you to Tom and Emma, the reserves wardens for accommodating us this term. We look forward to next term when we will complete the log wall and start work on making a path from the wardens base entrance to the eco-garden.

With the help of Mr Macneil, P6/7 planted some cherry, apple and plum trees in a light part of the garden. They also planted some different types of bushes including berry.

Mr Dempsie and his company FireLink Services volunteered their services to help power wash all the stones and Monoblock in the garden, to get the moss and dirt out of the path and bricks.

Primary 6/7 began scraping and cleaning the fence preparing it for paint. They also were digging up the weeds from the mud and stones using gardening tools and gloves. The community payback team came in for 2 days to work on clearance and making safe of the wilderness area at the back of the garden. They took all of the thorny willow branches and old roots from the wilderness area floor and cleared all debris into the skip, allowing for a safer workspace for children.

We first had to measure the area of the front two flower beds nearest the entrance to calculate the amount of membrane needed. When it arrived, P6/7 laid it out and pegged it into the ground and then cut it to shape. This will hopefully stop any weeds coming through, ready for new soil and flowers.

Supping is a great way to get to visit nature from a different view and explore a great new place. Today the team was out on the water some learning to use Stand up Paddleboards at Crombie Park and some honing their skills. It was a great morning of sunshine and a light breeze, 'best day ever in school'. The fear of falling in is much worse than the reality of falling in. A metaphor for life, falling in is really good, as getting it over with, finding out it's not that bad and getting back on will free you to enjoy the experience. There is lots more that can be done on a board, next time may be get the team to try a bit of yoga on the board. 😂