I have been gathering information about wildlife, trees, lichens, mosses and fungi for the teacher resources, activity trail and new signage over the last two days. This has given me time to investigate some of the native Scottish species such as the red squirrel and the Scots pine. From my research I am starting to gain an understanding of the importance of each species in the local ecology and also the unique habitats that are found in the Scottish highlands. I was surprised by the sheer diversity of life found in areas such as the Cairngorm plateau. As a hillwalker and climber I have often found these areas to be quite barren and I never really taken the time to notice the plants, animals and other organisms such as the lichens that live there. I am often to focused on where I am heading, the peak, the climb or whatever the goal is that day. Now that I have a little more knowledge I will definitely take the time to notice and look for some of the living things explored in my research.
The focus of my research has come through ongoing communication with Chris and Mike about what they want for TreeZone. The plan is to create an area on the TreeZone website where teachers can download information and activity sheets which focus on the habitats and species that are found on the TreeZone site. Initially we had discussed looking at the area around the site and into the Cairngorm National Park itself but as the idea is to add value to the TreeZone experience so it makes more sense to focus on the species present on-site and to create activities and resources for use within the grounds of the assault course.
We are going to create an activity trail with signage around the TreeZone site and hopefully an outdoor classroom area where teachers can spend some time with the children. The idea is to get them to enjoy the challenge of the course but also to spend some time appreciating the environment in which it was built.
The focus of my research has come through ongoing communication with Chris and Mike about what they want for TreeZone. The plan is to create an area on the TreeZone website where teachers can download information and activity sheets which focus on the habitats and species that are found on the TreeZone site. Initially we had discussed looking at the area around the site and into the Cairngorm National Park itself but as the idea is to add value to the TreeZone experience so it makes more sense to focus on the species present on-site and to create activities and resources for use within the grounds of the assault course.
We are going to create an activity trail with signage around the TreeZone site and hopefully an outdoor classroom area where teachers can spend some time with the children. The idea is to get them to enjoy the challenge of the course but also to spend some time appreciating the environment in which it was built.