Learn on the Land is Scotland's Regional Moorland Groups' flagship outdoor education programme, connecting school pupils and adults with the landscapes, wildlife and career opportunities found on Scotland's working estates. Now in its 10th year, and rebranded in 2024 from its previous name, the programme has reached thousands of young people across Scotland, and continues to grow year on year.

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What's been happening across Scotland

Each of Scotland's regional moorland groups brings Learn on the Land to life in its own way, shaped by the landscapes, estates and communities on its doorstep. Here's a flavour of what some of our groups have been delivering:

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Angus Glens Moorland Group The Angus Glens group has hosted hundreds of children at Kinnordy Estate, Glenogil Estate and the Angus Show, as well as organising sell-out wader safaris for adults in Glen Esk. The Angus Glens is home to nationally important populations of golden eagle, buzzard, hen harrier and red kite - and estates here have even donated golden eagle chicks to help re-establish breeding territories elsewhere in Scotland.

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Tayside & Central Scotland Moorland Group Pupils from local schools have visited Abercairny and Findynate Estates, with separate events for Bertha Park High School and Breadalbane Academy. The group has also run 'Pluck and Prepare' game cookery workshops for adults, introducing participants to one of the most practical - and delicious - aspects of estate life.

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Grampian Moorland Group School pupils have enjoyed two-day visits to Edinglassie Estate and Invercauld Estate, packed with moorland skills demonstrations covering everything from habitat conservation to bird of prey identification.

 

Loch Ness Rural Communities Group From moorland safaris at Dunmaglass Estate - showcasing rare wading birds such as curlew, lapwing and oystercatcher - to popular 'Hill to Grill' sessions at Kilchuimen Academy, this group has created a diverse and much-loved programme. The group has also worked with the Royal Highland Education Trust to deepen pupils' understanding of upland conservation.

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Southern Uplands Moorland Group The Southern Uplands group has made a major impact through its presence at the Border Union Agricultural Society schools' day - an extraordinary showcase of upland estate life that has welcomed over a thousand secondary pupils at a time.

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What pupils get to experience

Learn on the Land events are hands-on, curriculum-relevant and genuinely memorable. Topics covered include:

Nature & Conservation

Wading bird identification, bird of prey spotting, moorland ecology, peatland restoration and habitat conservation. Including encounters with species such as curlew, lapwing, oystercatcher, golden eagle, red kite and hen harrier.

 

Land & Estate Management

Upland sheep farming, deer management, muirburn, working hill ponies and grouse shooting - giving pupils an authentic window into how Scotland's uplands are managed.

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Practical Rural Skills

Fishing, game cookery, vehicle maintenance and the Countryside Code - skills that connect classroom learning to real working life.

 

What Teachers Are Saying

"The organisation of the whole day was extremely well managed, and each activity provided thought-provoking discussions and opportunities to learn. All the speakers were very knowledgeable in their areas and engaged with and answered the pupils' questions very well. The experience pupils gained is so valuable to their learning and their life experiences. Some pupils commented that they wish to pursue careers in the industry!"

~ Teacher, Glenogil Estate visit, Angus

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Opening doors to rural careers

One of the most exciting outcomes of Learn on the Land is the doors it opens for young people considering careers in the rural sector.

Following moorland education sessions delivered by the Loch Ness Rural Communities Group, Kilchuimen Academy in Fort Augustus became the first school in Scotland to introduce a Gamekeeping qualification. Glendoe Estate and Glenmoriston Estate stepped forward to provide the practical elements of the course, a wonderful example of estates and schools working hand in hand.

As Jenny McCallum, Co-ordinator of the Loch Ness Rural Communities Group, puts it: "We are delighted to see this positive development, which will help pave the way for those looking for a job in a rural area."

 

Why It Matters

Scotland's rural estates are home to some of the UK's most important wildlife populations, and they're also vital economic and community hubs. Learn on the Land helps bridge the gap between young people and the rural world, at a time when that connection matters more than ever.

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Our Partners

Learn on the Land would not be possible without the generous support of our partner organisations:

• Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT)

• Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET)

• Developing the Young Workforce (DYW)

• Countryside Learning Scotland (CLS)

• Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS)

 

Events in Angus, Grampian and Tayside have also been supported by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC)

 

Bring Learn on the Land to your school

Interested in getting your pupils involved? Get in touch with your regional moorland group to find out what events are planned in your area.