Drama

John Muir - Community Woodland Project

(in conjunction with Aker Solutions and Bucksburn Newhills Community Council)

On Saturday 6 November 2011 (the inaugral day of the project) over fifty people, comprising of Bucksburn Academy pupils, members of the local community and Aker Solutions staff met at Sclattie Wood. This was the second day of a community led project which set out to improve Sclattie Wood and make it a more attractive green space for local people to use and enjoy.

Those willing to participate had previously registered with the school or Aker Solutions. The intergenerational group gathered at noon and the enthusiasm and excitement were apparent to all. For two hours the group worked as a formidable team and accomplished the following tasks with efficiency, care and commitment.

A group of children made bird boxes
Adults did a litter pick up
Overgrown shrubbery and branches in the wood were cut back
Spring plants and bulbs were planted
Bird and bat boxes were erected around the wood

To end the day, people made eco friendly faces from clay and other natural resources in the wood. These were placed with pride on the trees and branches. What fun!!

Mr Mike Duncan of Swailend Nursery, Newmachar, delivered the plants and bulbs and was on hand to offer gardening advice on the best locations for bulb and plants. He also added to the generous donation of £100 of bulbs by Bucksburn and Newhills Community Council by giving an additional £50 pounds of bulbs and several plants and shrubs. Bucksburn Academy's Environmental Club donated £100 of plants and Aker Solutions paid for the bird box kits, bat boxes and additional bird nesting boxes. Aker Solutions also supplied safety gloves, glasses and refreshments while Bucksburn Academy purchased gardening tools to aid the various activities.

There was a tremendous atmosphere in the wood as the intergenerational volunteers worked in teams with such enthusiasm and commitment. This was indeed an example of community spirit and work at its finest. If anyone is interested in helping out on our next community day please contact Miss Shanley at Bucksburn Academy.

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John Muir - Castle Projects

(in conjunction with National Trust for Scotland and BAA)

Pupils from Bucksburn Academy are involved in ongoing projects at local National Trust for Scotland castle grounds to discover, explore and conserve these for all. Pupils have been involved in a number of projects at:

Crathes Castle
Castle Fraser
Fyvie Castle
Drum Castle

Pupils spend a day at a time out of school out at the castles. Thanks to BAA and National Trust for Scotland all transport and equipment is provided and full safety briefings given to the pupils before they start any work. On an average castle visit pupils can expect to have some climate building games; killer frisbee, wildcat-salmon-midgie and best friend/worst enemy to name but a few! The National Trust for Scotland have been astounded at some of the work pupils from Bucksburn Academy have managed to achieve e.g. 440 trees planted over two days. Activities undertaken by pupils to date include:

Lining, digging out and laying wheelchair friendly paths
Thinning out of evasive bushes and shrubbery followed by controlled bonfires
Planting of native tree species within the castle grounds

At the end of the day pupils clear away equipment and will undertake some outdoor games like Stag and Doe but also creating environmental art before travelling back to school.

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John Muir Class teach the primaries

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For the last four weeks the JMA class have been working with Primary 5 pupils from Stoneywood Primary. The seniors have been teaching nature lessons to the primary pupils. Stoneywood pupils divided themselves into three groups called, the Worms, Squirrels and Rabbits. The senior pupils designed three interesting lessons each week and the Primary 5 pupils rotated around each work station.

Two milestones at Sclattie Wood

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It is now two years since the Sclattie Wood Project began and it still continues to be such a positive experience for all involved.

Sclattie Woodland Day

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Last Saturday thirty five Bucksburn Academy pupils and some of their parents, volunteered to work at Sclattie Wood with members of the community, teachers and their families, some Stoneywood Primary School pupils and staff from Aker Solutions.