Children in east Glasgow rewarded for park photography project

As part of the ‘Simple pleasures, easily found’ campaign, SNH has awarded 40 children, from primary schools in east Glasgow, certificates for their enthusiasm and creativity when exploring their local parks.

Inspired by Glasgow’s Green 2015, the pupils’ task was to capture a series of treasure hunt images while on a photo walk with their teachers, and workshop leader and photographer Becky Duncan of Open Aye. A video of the project was also produced.

Becky said: "This had been a fantastic project. Whatever the weather, the kids got outside, we had a lot of fun, found simple pleasures in nature and recorded it all in photos. Together, the school children produced some beautiful work which can now be shared. Brilliant!"

The local parks – Bishops Loch and Hogganfield Park, both part of the Seven Lochs Wetland Park – and Robroyston Local Nature Reserve are all very close to the four schools taking part: St Catherine’s Primary School, Croftcroighn Primary School, Avenue End Primary School and Cranhill Primary School.

Bailie Liz Cameron, Chair of Glasgow’s Green 2015 from Glasgow City Council, was on hand to present the certificates and enjoy the first public screening of the new documentary video of the schools’ project, kindly hosted by the Ranger Service at Pollok Country Park.

Bailie Cameron said: “This has been such a worthwhile project for the children involved, and I’m delighted it’s been inspired by Glasgow’s Year of Green 2015. It’s clear from the video that the children have produced much more than photographs for this project, but they’ve also learned about teamwork, increased their confidence, and enjoyed being outdoors, while learning about nature.’’

SNH will promote the video and instruction booklet across Scotland to teachers, facilitators and group leaders to show how they can run their own photo walk project and the benefits it can bring.

Theresa Kewell from SNH said: “The aim of the project was to help inspire the schools to work outdoors more often and also to inspire the children to take themselves and their families and friends outdoors more often too. We know being outdoors keeps people happier and healthier, so we are encouraging everyone in Glasgow and wider Scotland to visit their local park or countryside regularly. Every village, town and city has amazing pockets of green space, so head out and explore on foot, on your scooters or bikes – or on a photo walk and see what you can find.”

Photo caption: Children from St Catherine’s Primary School, Croftcroighn Primary School, Avenue End Primary School and Cranhill Primary School, as well as (left to right) Bailie Liz Cameron, Chair of Glasgow’s Green 2015 from Glasgow City Council, and Theresa Kewell , SNH Communications Officer.

ENDS