Peatlands' role in climate change probed by Ross-shire pupils as part of Science Skills Academy programme
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More than 1600 high school pupils across the region are taking part in outdoor science sessions exploring the role that peatlands play in the fight against climate change.
This term, the Science Skills Academy (SSA) is running more than 90 sessions for first-year pupils.
Working in small groups, the young people have been carrying out a variety of practical activities, including identifying and classifying plants that thrive in local peatlands.
April Conroy, STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] engagement manager at SSA, said sessions gained a fantastic response from the pupils.
“Peatlands are one of the most valuable ecosystems on Earth, particularly as they provide safe drinking water, minimise flood risk and help address climate change.
“Pupils are enjoying finding out about peatlands, and their significance both locally and globally. We’re helping them classify the mosses and lichen found in Highland peatlands. We hope they’ll be able to recognise these plants and have a new appreciation of just how special our local environment is.”
SSA is a partnership project led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) as part of the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal.
Its aim is to help increase the number of young people with STEM skills needed for the
future economic growth of the region.
All sessions have been raising awareness of COP26 – the UN Climate Change Conference which will be taking place in Glasgow this November.
Peatland restoration is a key part of the Scottish Government’s goal of achieving a net-zero Scotland by 2045.
