Duke Goes Green to Help Scottish Schools
More than 2,000 pupils will be given the chance to help offset their school’s deadly carbon emissions at the free Drumlanrig Schools Open Days.
For every bus that pupils take to the historic estate, the Duke of Buccleuch has pledged to offset the carbon emissions by planting the equivalent number of trees.
And it is hoped the event will help pave the way forward for similar initiatives across Scotland.
Queensberry Estate Manager Mark Coombs said the event was believed to be the first of its kind in Scotland to specifically help schools in such a way.
He said: “There is no escaping the fact that we all have a role to play in helping protect our world for future generations and Buccleuch Estates are keen to do what we can.
“Caring for our unique natural environment has always been a top priority for Buccleuch and this seemed an ideal way to help others do the same.
“It’s a small step, but a step in the right direction.”
Around 2,200 schoolchildren traveling in around 35 buses are expected to attend from across the country are being given a unique chance to enjoy a hands-on experience of a modern estate.
Estate staff will plant hundreds of trees to help redress the carbon balance.
Pupils will gain an insight into a range of businesses and skills needed to help steward the heritage of the estate and manage the special landscape that provides more than 250 jobs.
Staff from different departments will offer interactive displays giving children and young people, aged from three to 18 years old, a chance to try out tasks first hand.
From food and farming to sporting and ranger services, children will get an exclusive peek behind the scenes and insight into current countryside issues as well as crucial career information.
The event will be run over two days at the Queensberry Estate and schools from the Central Belt, Scottish Borders, Cumbria as well as Dumfries & Galloway have been invited to a day of hands-on educational experience, fulfilling many recommendations of a Curriculum for Excellence.
School Open Day will take place on 23rd and 24th May 2007 at Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfriesshire and spaces are still available.
Contact Barbara Hardie: Tel: 01848 600283 email: bhardie@buccleuch.com for further information or to book.
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