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Today I attended an Evening for Teachers of Biology at the Seabird Centre  at North Berwick in East Lothian. The focus of the evening was to highlight the ongoing work that is being done there and the opportunities that are now available for Staff and Pupils.

Islands, birds, seals and rock-pools are all there in the ‘wild’ and this experience is enhanced by a large number of ‘live’ webcams. These cameras also have sound, some of which can be accessed via the centre’s website.

In addition to being a tourist attraction, the Seabird Centre also has a fantastic Education Centre.

Tonight were given a full tour of the Centre and a boat trip out to Craig-Leith Island. Although the intention had been to motor around the Bass Rock, the high wind speeds prevented us from doing so. The Islands that surround the coast of North Berwick are home to a large number of Birds (Puffins, Gannets, Oyster Catchers, and Shags; just to name a few!). They also provide a habitat for Seals and Birds of Prey. During the last year, a number of conservational initiatives have been taking place. The spread of one particular plant has created an imbalance in a number of bird populations, particularly the Puffin. In recent years the presence of this invading plant has increased. Last year could almost be classed as a ‘Population explosion’. Though this plant is not poisonous, it does restrict and invade the breeding grounds of such birds as the Puffin. The lack of breeding grounds has resulted in a dramatic reduction in Puffin numbers. At the Seabird Centre, a strategy has been developed and is now being implemented to deal with this invader. Ongoing work is now being carried out to strim some of the plant down and curb its excessive and extended growth; the intention being that more space will become available for the Puffins to breed.

The opportunity for Schools to become involved has now arisen. Although in it’s infancy, there are a number of opportunities available  to pupils who are studying Biology. Not only does this tie in with a number of SQA Biology Courses, activities such as “Team Building” are also available.

I would like to thank Emma Gardner at the Seabird Centre for arranging the evening, the staff there for their very informative talks, the skipper for is gentle motoring and the catering staff for their much appreciated tasty and hearty soup!.

The Seabird Centre is a fantastic place full of treasures that are of great educational value. If you would like to find out more about anything I have mentioned, please visit their website or contact their Education Officer Emma Gardner.