Ness District
With new Pump Storage Hydro Schemes planned for Loch Ness, the Ness District Salmon Fishery Board launched an educational project to engage local schools in learning about the loch, its wildlife, and environmental challenges. Lessons combined interactive presentations, hands-on activities, and creative projects. 79 students were engaged across three different schools.
The highlight of the programme was a field trip to a local river. Pupils were given a demonstration on electrofishing, enabling them to see the fish up close and went on a bug hunt to identify freshwater invertebrates and measure flow rates.
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The experience brought science to life, sparking curiosity and debate. Kilchuimen pupils extended their research to species like lamprey and eels, while Invergarry pupils launched petitions to protect the loch. Many students even expressed interest in future careers in conservation.
“This Loch Ness centred education project complemented the communityengagement work undertaken by Ness DSFB in relation to the campaign against the plethora of pump storage applications submitted for Loch Ness, which included a leaflet drop to all Loch Ness households, and village hall meetings.
Statutory protection for Loch Ness is limited, which means an even more important role for a well-informed, and engaged local community, when harmful developments are proposed; especially the younger generation.”
– Brian Shaw, River Director Ness DSFB