Cumbernauld students visit to Parliament

Last night Ian and I had the pleasure of attending the Scottish Environment LINK “Generation Earth: Celebrating Young Environmental Campaigners” event with 3 outstanding young people from Cumbernauld Academy. Mr Parker P.E. teacher had brought through a small group of students who have taken part in the ‘Engaging Communities‘  project which ended last year. The event was delivered to MSP’s, and other high level individuals from across Scotland to show of the work of young people and their passion for protecting the environment.

There was a lot of interest in the work the young people have carried out in the town from MSP’s in Dumfries and Galloway and Angus, to a representatives from Scottish Countryside Ranger Association and Archaeology Scotland. It was incredible to see how much of an impact ‘Engaging Communities’ could have to other areas around Scotland and was encouraging to see this level of interest especially now that we are in the process of developing a new project which would expand upon this model. Creating Natural Connections would be a major expansion of the work we have done over the past 5 years. The new project would include working with primary through to high schools and college, working with community groups to deliver Wild Ways Well to those at risk of poor health and well-being, delivering training, event and volunteering opportunities and delivering a range of capital works for the woodlands and parks in the town.

All of this because of the amazing work the young people in the town have started!

It was so good to see how over the course of a year and a half how much the young peoples confidence has grown and not unexpected to see the newer students shyness and apprehension of such a big event. It would be great to go back in a year or two’s time to see if the new project had as much, if not more impact on the new groups of young people. Thanks to Courtney, Chloe and Logan for coming along and supporting Cumbernauld Living Landscape at this event.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Cumbernauld Academy for their exemplary approach to supporting young people and for taking a chance with us on such an innovative project. Mr Cairns your pupils are a credit to the school and the community and I hope we are able to continue work with your students on the future project.