Foresters of the future recognised at Strathallan Prep School

The Junior Foresters Award celebrates the exceptional efforts of young individuals who demonstrate a deep understanding of forestry and conservation practices.

Under the guidance of Mr. Vallot and Miss Gill, a group of 18 students from Year 6 have showcased their environmental stewardship by successfully completing six diverse activities. These activities encompassed a wide range of skills, including tree identification, assessing risks in local forests, studying minibeasts and forest wildlife, constructing a bug hotel, planting trees, and effectively communicating the importance of environmental care to the rest of the Prep School.

Alex Cairncross, Deputy Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross, who recently presented Strathallan Prep School with a Queen's Green Canopy Commemorative plaque in recognition of the pupils' extraordinary achievements, said this class had taken the ethos of the Junior Foresters Award in their stride.

She said, "The dedication and hard work shown by the Strathallan Prep pupils by planting 480 trees and completing their award this year is remarkable. Their love for nature and their desire to create a greener future is evident in their actions. They are setting a brilliant example for others to follow."

“The Queen's Green Canopy which was established to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, encourages individuals and organizations to plant trees as a symbol of their commitment to the environment. Strathallan Prep's involvement in this programme alongside the Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust A Tree for Every Child in Perthshire’ initiative, highlights not only their environmental consciousness but also demonstrates their role as responsible global citizens.”

Paul Vallot, who has guided these young environmentalists through Eco-Skills lessons, expressed his awe at the pupils’ commitment.

He said, "I am absolutely blown away by the incredible enthusiasm our pupils have put into earning this award. They have dedicated a significant amount of time to make a positive impact on our planet and the School couldn't be prouder."

Strathallan School, the first school to join the Northwoods Rewilding Network, recently committed 52 acres of land for rewilding and recent efforts by pupils has seen new species of dragonfly and moths appear within the school’s diverse ecosystem.

Pupils in the Prep School also recently launched a new initiative called ‘Bee the Change’ to inspire tiny, incremental, collaborative changes to empower everyone towards thinking, acting, and living a more sustainable lifestyle.