Nature Force!

The Nature Force has been out on Selkirk Hill this summer having fun whilst doing some really important work to help nature adapt to the effects of climate change.

Nature Force is a team of 11–15 year-olds, who have been gathering in Selkirk to get outdoors, see what climate change means in practice, and learn about how we can help nature to adapt. These activities are part of the Nature Networks: Climate Change programme of events that we are running alongside Bright Green Nature. This activity is supported through the Scottish Government Climate Engagement Fund.

Over the course of three sessions Nature Force took part in a range of hands-on activities whilst learning about nature restoration and biological recording. One of their big tasks was to build some leaky dams on one of the small burns found on the hill; these structures help to slow down the flow of water, mitigating the flood risk alongside improving habitats for species that like wet, boggy places. Following the construction of the dams, the team undertook some kick sampling in the water around the structures. Kick sampling is a qualitative method for surveying invertebrate species which inhabit the bottom of our shallow wetlands and waterways. These species can give a reliable indicator of aquatic ecosystem health, and as these organisms are relatively static, sampling in this way can be a good means to gauge environmental changes (such as the effects of climate change) taking place in waterways.

There were plenty of other activities for Nature Force to take part in over the three sessions from learning about how we can reduce the risk of wildfires, to sweep netting and setting camera traps, alongside plenty of games too! Well done to the group for completing their training to become official Nature Force Ambassadors!

Watch this space for news of future sessions. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact: ayliffe@sup.org.uk