Scourie pupils learn how to deal with environmental invaders
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Pupils at Scourie Primary School have been learning about invasive species and how to stop them spreading as part of the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative.
The children took part in outdoor learning sessions led by biologist Dr Shona Marshall of the West Sutherland Fisheries Trust.
They set up a wildlife camera and mink raft in a bid to monitor potential mink activity in Scourie.
Dr Marshall gave each child a biosecurity kit with a field guide to identify invasive species, and contact numbers to report any outbreaks.
The pupils were also given hoof picks to clean their boots after a walk, thus avoiding spreading invasive seeds from one area to another.
Teacher Sian Curley said: “The children are making a film about invasive species with the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative and Media Education.
“We expect this will be finished by the end of term."
A five-year partnership project, the initiative was set up to tackle invasive non-native species such as Himalayan balsam growing alongside rivers and watercourses in northern Scotland.
