Musselburgh children take part in new initiative to help safeguard the future of golden eagles in the South of Scotland

21 January 2020

Original source: South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project

A group of home schooled children from Musselburgh recently took part in the groundbreaking South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project to help safeguard the future of Golden Eagles in the UK.  

The group of children are the first in East Lothian to take part in the pioneering initiative, learning from experts and creating a large golden eagle on Musselburgh beach.

The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project has been set up to address concerns about low numbers of golden eagles, which play a vital role in helping to maintain a healthy local ecosystem, in the south of Scotland. To date over 10,000 volunteers and special project participants of all ages (aged 4 to 92) have taken the golden eagles under their wings, as they’ve supported the project through a wide range of tasks and initiatives.

Speaking about his work with the home-schooled children from Musselburgh, Rick Taylor, Community Outreach Officer for the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project said: “Significant community support, like that of the families today, plays a vital role in helping golden eagles flourish once again in the south of Scotland. We were absolutely delighted to see the passion and enthusiasm from the children and young people today. It certainly gives us great hope for the future. Their involvement and continued enthusiasm will truly help to protect iconic species like golden eagles for generations to come.” 

Speaking about her involvement Grace Lorraine Davis (age 13 from Musselburgh) said: “I loved making the Eagle and field sketching. I drew an Oystercatcher. I’d love to do this again.”

Nathanael David Michael Davis (age 11 from Musselburgh) added: “I found the day really fun and I’d definitely do it again.”

The South of Scotland Golden Eagle project team has successfully translocated four golden eagles from the Scottish Highlands to the south of Scotland. The four birds have settled into their new habitats and are now fending for themselves. Support from volunteers, participants and local communities plays a pivotal role in helping the iconic species continue to grow and thrive in the area.

Project partners include RSPB Scotland, Scottish Land & Estates, Scottish Forestry, NatureScot, and the Southern Uplands Partnership. Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, project partners, Scottish Power Renewables, the Scottish Government and local LEADER Programmes. The initiative is a key project under the Scottish Government’s 2020 Challenge for Scottish Biodiversity (which sets out a route map to protect and restore Scotland’s biodiversity).

For the latest news on the project visit: www.goldeneaglessouthofscotland.co.uk

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