Lochside Academy Pupils Build Bird Boxes at NESCOL

In an inspiring initiative, six pupils from Lochside Academy were selected to participate in a unique project at North East Scotland College (NESCOL). Over the course of three weeks, these students dedicated half a day each week to building bird boxes, fostering both their practical skills and their connection to nature. This led to all participants gaining a Dynamic Youth Award accredited by the SQA.

The pupils were chosen for this project due to the strong relationships they had developed with staff through the Streetsport programme, an initiative by the Denis Law Legacy Trust. This programme, which aims to engage young people in positive activities, played a crucial role in identifying and supporting these students.

The project was a collaborative effort between the Denis Law Legacy Trust, ETZ, and NESCOL. It provided the pupils with an opportunity to step out of their regular school environment and engage in a new hands-on learning environment, giving them some food for thought about future pathways, all while contributing to the local community. The bird boxes they built will serve as safe havens for local wildlife, showcasing the tangible impact of their hard work.

Participant Feedback
100% of the participants said they would want to do the same or similar project again and would recommend it to others.
100% of the participants said they had fun while completing the project and all felt it gave them new skills.
“Taking part in the bird box project was an incredible experience. The help from Dennis was invaluable and really made me think about a future pathway” William, Lochside Pupil, S2.
“It was an exceptional experience and changed my perspective of college” Stevie, Lochside pupil, S2.

Next Steps
The next phase of the project will see the bird boxes installed around the local area of Torry, with the help of David Hunter, CEO of The Habitat People, and the participating pupils. This hands-on involvement will allow the students to see the direct impact of their work in their community, further enhancing their sense of accomplishment and connection to the environment.

This initiative not only equipped the students with valuable skills but also highlighted the importance of community partnerships in creating meaningful opportunities for young people. The success of this project is a testament to the positive influence of the Streetsport programme and the dedication of the Denis Law Legacy Trust, ETZ, and NESCOL in supporting the youth of Aberdeen.