Latest news with #FinestWoodsAwards
Glasgow Times
27-07-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Renfrewshire nursery won national award for outdoor learning
West Johnstone Early Learning and Childcare Centre (ELCC) received the Alba Trees Early Years' Trophy at Scotland's Finest Woods Awards for its use of woodland-based learning. This award, presented by the Scottish Forest Commission, recognises the nursery's commitment to outdoor education, including daily sessions in Rannoch Woods through its Forest Kindergarten programme. The nursery also runs family forest days and provides forest bags to encourage families to continue outdoor learning at home. Children in Rannoch Woods (Image: Supplied) Children in Rannoch Woods (Image: Supplied) Read more: UWS project to help new nurses tackle complex healthcare needs Elaine Stevenson, head of centre at West Johnstone ELCC, highlighted the importance of outdoor learning to the nursery. She said: "We have a strong commitment to ensuring our approaches and links to the forest and outdoor environment are key to supporting and nurturing our children's wellbeing, learning, and natural curiosity. "We are committed to transforming the lives of our learners by providing daily opportunities outdoors to play and learn. "We are delighted to be winners in the Early Years category. "Our Forest Kindergarten sessions help children to collaborate both verbally and non-verbally and set themselves challenges and take valuable risks. "During risk-taking play, our children demonstrate perseverance, resilience, and determination as they control their body movements through climbing and balancing. "They apply concentration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. "Ensuring children are supported to spend as much time as they can engaging in outdoor experiences is an integral part of our vision here at West Johnstone ELCC." Children in Rannoch Woods (Image: Supplied) Children in Rannoch Woods (Image: Supplied) Read more: Two-child benefit cap impacting over 1200 homes across Renfrewshire Councillor Emma Rodden, convener of Renfrewshire Council's Education and Children's Services Policy Board, praised the nursery's success. Cllr Rodden said: "West Johnstone ELCC's commitment to daily outdoor learning opportunities and visits to their local woods is a fantastic experience for young children. "This award is well deserved for everything the nursery does to promote forest learning, nurturing children's wellbeing, and building resilience."
Glasgow Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Farming family to host free event at Hillhead Farm
East Dunbartonshire's Imrie family, featured on the BBC's This Farming Life, is teaming up with Scottish Forestry for the event at Hillhead Farm. Through the event, the family aims to showcase how tree planting has benefitted their business. Read more: What is the law on cutting trees down in your garden? How to avoid hefty fines Imries Planting site at Hillhead Farm (Image: Perthshire Picture Agency) Aimed at farmers and land managers, the event will be held on Tuesday, July 15, between 1pm and 4pm. It is set to offer attendees a look into the Imrie family's approach to integrating trees on their farm. Matt Imrie said: "We've been farming beef cattle and sheep for many years within the family's 500-acre business. "In the past, we've never really considered the benefits of tree planting. "This changed when it became clearer that there were many advantages to growing trees. "The woodland creates shelter and shade for livestock, improves the landscape, and really gives a boost to biodiversity. "Importantly, growing trees has also created a natural asset for the family to take advantage of well into the future. 'I'm very happy to share our experiences of growing trees so that it helps others who are considering it too.' The family's efforts at Hillhead Farm have been recognised for their excellence in farm woodlands, with Matt and his father John receiving a trophy at Scotland's Finest Woods Awards ceremony. Their upcoming free farm visit event is part of the Integrating Trees Network initiative, supported by the Scottish Government and Scottish Forestry. Read more: 'Fantastic': Glasgow tree planting projects awarded funding Through this network, farmers across Scotland share the best practices for tree planting. Interested attendees must book their spot in advance through the Integrating Trees Network's booking site. Lyn White, forestry and farming development officer at Scottish Forestry, said: "By speaking to those who have already been and done it, these practical farm visit events provide a great way to learn what worked well, or not, when it comes to tree planting. "Scottish Forestry staff will be on hand on the day if anyone wants to know more about what grants are on offer and how best to go about applying."
