CASE STUDY

RSPB’s Wild Challenge

Brock Lueck's Story

When working for a charity dedicated to taking action for nature, it can be easy to focus exclusively on all things wild and leafy if you’re not careful. The ‘human world’ is over there, with it’s messy and intractable problems and the natural world has got plenty problems of its own, right? Let’s not mix them up. But of course, the two need each other. Nature needs people to change behaviours and do things to protect it, and it’s become increasingly clear how much people need nature for their physical health, mental well being and quality of life. At the RSPB, we feel this shared need is particularly true for children and young people. Like other nature-based organisations in Scotland, we look for different ways to engage children and young people with nature and help them find their voice. We do this through our awards scheme; Wild Challenge. Wild Challenge can be used by families or at school to help children make connections with nature and want to help it. Open to all ages and abilities, it is most suitable for those in primary school and is a great way to engage children in learning many topics. Last year, over 13,000 awards were earned by children in Scotland and teachers all over the UK have great things to say about the impact on their classes. For some, it’s a great first step in progressing on to some of the other amazing nature-based awards delivered in Scotland. Link here to Awards Network? The Wild Explorer and Phoenix Groups Our Wild Explorer (7-13 yrs) and Phoenix Groups (13 – 18 yrs) bring together different ages of children in their local areas once a month to have fun while learning about and taking action for nature. Volunteer run, these groups are community based while benefitting from the expertise and resources of the whole charity. Exploring the nature and wildlife on their doorstep, children experience nature together and develop the connections to want to save it in the future.

The Youth Network for Nature In addition to getting their hands dirty outdoors, we know as children get older they want to learn more about animals and habitats, find out about potential jobs in conservation and do more to be heard by decision makers. RSPB’s Youth Network for Nature brings young people together (12 – 18 yrs) from all over Scotland through monthly online meetings as well as different opportunities in between. It’s a youth led initiative that helps young people learn and gain confidence in areas they choose, outside of traditional curricular pathways. For instance, a YNN meeting might start with a young person giving a presentation about an animal they are interested in, followed by an RSPB staff member describing their work as a wildlife crime investigator, then exploring the creative nature journalling everyone as done that month. There is something for everyone!

"I am absolutely delighted that my class has received the Bronze award. Learning for Sustainability and global citizenship are not only part of our curriculum but also something I am passionate about and they intertwine perfectly with my other passion – children learning through play/outdoors. My pupils (and staff) will be very proud that their efforts have been recognised in this way and I'm sure it will boost their motivation to continue to engage with the rest of this challenge. Thank you again and I look forward to sharing photos etc of pupils completing the rest of your tasks to complete Silver and Gold."
Ellaine Monk, New Abbey Primary School, Dumfries and Galloway

RSPB’s Wild Challenge

Outcome

As Scotland considers educational reform, it’s important for all organisations who offer ways for children and young people to learn outside of the classroom to be heard. Not only heard, but understood for the diversity of approaches to helping children develop and see their place in the world. In particular, Nature Based Awards schemes have a unique contribution to make to both children and biodiversity going forward. The future of this amazing country depends on both.