NORTH Ayrshire Council has teamed up with Eglinton Country Park for an upcoming action-packed week of events with a biodiversity and sustainability focus. 

All part of Biodiversity and Sustainability Week, the Eglinton Park events will celebrate the work of council services, partners, schools and community groups taking action against climate change and biodiversity loss. 

Due to take place from Tuesday, October 15 until Saturday, October 19, the event will feature a range of hands-on interactive sessions, investigating the themes of energy, sustainability, biodiversity, engineering and climate. 

The week will also invite local industry experts from Glasgow Science Centre, Optima Eco, The Bat Conservation Trust, the Council’s Energy and Sustainability team and North Ayrshire Countryside Rangers who will provide a host of exciting activities and sessions. 

Andrew McClelland, head of education, said: “We are looking forward to collaborating with Eglinton Country Park and a range of partners on the upcoming Biodiversity and Sustainability Week. 

“Although we haven’t announced the schedule just yet, there will be a combination of drop-in and free ticketed events, therefore we are using this update to remind everyone to follow the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) team on social media to stay tuned for the schedule announcement. 

“STEM industries are a major source of employment in North Ayrshire. 

“Research shows that children have often self-selected in or out of STEM subjects by the age of seven so the council - alongside its partners - will continue to engage with pupils across primary and secondary schools to inspire them to set their own STEM goals. 

“We hope these activities help to inspire these young people to pursue STEM subjects in North Ayrshire, so the upcoming sessions are going to be a great learning experiences for all involved. 

“We also hope that by raising awareness about what the Council is doing to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030, we can inspire children, young people and visitors to Eglinton Park to take their own climate actions too, so that together we can enjoy a greener, cleaner and more sustainable North Ayrshire for all.” 

Follow the North Ayrshire STEM team on social media for more news happening in schools and communities near you: Facebook: North Ayrshire STEM 
and X (formerly Twitter): NAC_STEM 

Between now and then, remember Eglinton Country Park has a dedicated STEM nature trail for everyone to enjoy. 

Countryside ranger Andrew Todd shares: “The STEM trail takes visitors on a walk through Larch Wood, by Eglinton Castle ruins, across Laundry Bridge and along Lugton water back to Tournament Bridge.  

“Aimed at young children and their families, it can also be enjoyed by childminders and nurseries, or as a complementary activity for school groups visiting the park. 

“Each stop sign focuses on different animals and birds, including wood-peckers, roe deer, moles, kingfishers, grey squirrels, bats, otters, badgers, foxes and even the humble worm. 

“Importantly, you don’t need a smart phone or tablet to enjoy the trail and can simply follow the signs, and there is free WiFi at the visitor centre to make downloading the free digital content hassle-free. We look forward to welcoming everyone soon.”