A milestone for D&G Woodlands – the first ever school visit to Bennel Wood.
Sam Lomax from D&G Woodlands, supported by Ranger Toni Lamont, hosted fourteen S2 pupils from Dalbeattie High School on 24th June 2025. During the afternoon visit, Sam provided the group with a brief introduction to the Bennel Woodland Laboratory, sharing recent history of the site and current plans.
The pupils, working with Ranger Toni Lamont, then became Bennel Woodland Laboratory scientists for the afternoon, listening out for and recording the species of birds found on site that day. Pupils used mobile phone apps to help them identify the birdsong they were hearing; bird names were recorded on maps of Bennel Wood, with pupils marking down the approximate location of the birdsong.
Further discussion was had regarding where birds might nest, what they might eat, and what that means for the biodiversity of the site; what other creatures might make their home at Bennel Wood, and what impact might that have on the bird population? The pupils were fully engaged and enjoyed sharing their ideas and knowledge with Toni and Sam.
Mrs Paterson, Teacher of Learning Support & Science at Dalbeattie High School said:
“Pupils really enjoyed being out with Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands and doing something very different but meaningful in today’s world. Hopefully it will be the first of many visits.”
Sam Lomax, Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands Administrator added:
“It was an absolute pleasure to host Dalbeattie High School at our Bennel Woodland Laboratory. The pupils were a brilliant group, really keen to engage with the activities and happy to be our ‘scientists’ for the day! I’d like to thank them, along with Mrs Paterson and Mrs Livingstone for their visit, and I hope they’ll come back to see us again soon.”
All photographs at this visit thanks to Mike Bolam Photography