Estates That Educate deliver a free countryside and upland education project to both primary and secondary schools hosted by Scotland’s Regional Moorland Groups (SRMG). The events are hosted on local sporting estates, coordinated by SRMG and delivered by their members, the true grass roots, the rural workers.
The format is simple, schools can access Estates that Educate as a day trip or as a more in-depth weekly program working with Pathways to Rural Workforce and Countryside Learning Scotland. Youngsters from secondary schools are offered a 4-5 week program and each estate visit covers a range of topics including conservation, wildlife & biodiversity, maintenance, moorland management, sheep programmes, tick control, employment & community, fishing, deer stalking, grouse & pheasant shooting, game larder and hill to plate.
Throughout each programme, rural workers from estates deliver an interactive experience for the youngsters with practical demonstrations, group exercises, walks and talks to give a valuable learning experience which will broaden their understanding and knowledge of the countryside as a whole. These rural workers live and work on the local sporting estates and look after and conserve the moorland habitat that you see around our iconic uplands.
This initiative is actively bridging the gap between cities and the countryside for communities. Successfully raising awareness of the different career opportunities that are available on estates and in rural working life through outdoor learning for young people. With an overwhelming response from primary and secondary schools and pupils, the work has had a positive impact on local communities and businesses and benefits the conservation of rare species and heather moorlands. It also is an opportunity for children to experience a new environment in the countryside, socializing and learning skills with other young people.