BIGSAVINGS

Burnside Primary pupils could see some green benefits in the near future.

That’s because the school has secured extra funding for its outdoor learning through a micro grant award from Burnside community council.

The funding, which was awarded before the coronavirus outbreak saw Scotland’s schools shut down, will go towards a wide range of activities aimed at helping pupils enjoy nature, wildlife and the great outdoors.

Stephen Miller, the school’s acting depute head, told the Reformer: “We’re pleased to get the funding, because it will really increase the opportunities for what we can do at the school.

“It should be able to increase the biodiversity and increase the wildlife that we can have in the school.

“It’s really important that the kids learn about the outdoors and the environment, and this funding will help with that a lot.”

The school was recently awarded its fourth green eco flag, representing the work it has done to combat litter and waste.

The funding will go towards work due to start in November.

Stephen continued: “We would be looking to buy and build bird houses, bird feeders and a bird hide, from which our children could study and observe the visiting birds.

“Our main focus this year is biodiversity in the school, particularly in the school grounds, and the funding will not only help develop our bird watching area but will form part of a wider project to improve biodiversity across the whole school.

“It can help with things like hedgehog houses and bug hotels, so there are a lot of benefits for the whole school, and the entire community.”

He added: “We are already working with groups on various ideas and projects and we can continue with this.

“The hope is that we can create a spectacular sustainable outdoor learning environment for children and visitors to the school to enjoy.”

The £500 grant was one of several handed out recently by the community council in Burnside.