Habitats and wildlife in the Clyde basin

Life cycle of salmon/trout – reasons for decline in 19th and early 20th century.
Work of local authorities/SEPA to reverse this trend/opportunity for talk/visit by local angling clubs (e.g.: Rivers Gryfe, White Cart, Kelvin, Leven) or visit to a ‘trout farm’.  
On a wider front – opportunity to widen knowledge of other marine/river/wetland habitats, e.g.: Newshot Island Reserve and Saltings Ecology Park at Old Kilpatrick; the importance of SPA’s and SSSI’s in the conservation of wildlife; talk by RSPB or country park wardens and visit to suitable nature reserve (e.g.: RSPB at Lochwinnoch or Clyde-Muirshiell Park, Lunderston Bay).
Pupils could attempt to identify a suitable site in, or close to, their own community and design and plan their own ‘wildlife reserve’ or ‘green space’.

Outcomes of learning

• Subject knowledge and understanding.
• Enterprising skills and attitudes developed (CfE) through problem solving
• Employability skills enhanced – working with a team in a ‘real’ situation
• Increased self-confidence of working independently from teacher-led lessons
• Pupils learn through working in groups

Relevance to curriculum

• Supports 5-14 Environmental Studies
• Supports Curriculum for Excellence