Grantee: North West Highlands Geopark

Duration:  24 months (January 2026 – Deber 2027) 

 

Background

Rural communities across the Highlands and Islands have considerable natural assets under their stewardship. However, in many areas there is a worrying trend of depopulation, caused by multiple social and economic factors such as lack of affordable housing. In the North West Highlands, youth depopulation is particularly stark, with the number of children halving over the course of just two decades (see here). There is a real opportunity to tackle the twin issues of depopulation and nature degradation simultaneously – this requires investment in conservation education, training, and careers.

The Project

The North West Highlands Geopark is a local charity that delivers a variety of natural and cultural heritage projects, while also managing the UNESCO Global Geopark status since its designation in 2014.

The ‘Our Landscapes, Our Futures’ educational programme takes place annually, bringing together a variety of projects and activities that increase the links young people have with the landscape they live in.

In 2026 and 2027, HIEF is supporting three key elements of the programme:

Hill to Grill

Pupils from Ullapool High School explore the connections between land and food in a local context, focusing on venison. Participants learn about deer management, to maintain a balanced and healthy ecosystem, and how our decisions as humans can have an impact on the environment. In the process they develop workplace skills and an awareness of important issues and career paths in their communities, such as; land management, environmental restoration, local and sustainable food, and entrepreneurship.

Junior rangers

A bi-weekly programme for High School pupils, developing skills for life and work through outdoor learning. The framework is provided by the Scottish Countryside Rangers Association, enabling local groups to tailor the programme to their local environment whilst ensuring the Junior Rangers meet the national criteria for Countryside Rangers. Sessions are built around topics such as: site surveys, local access issues, navigation skills, emergency situations, public engagement, and leadership skills.

Geopark Explorer’s Club

The Geopark Explorer’s Club is an after-school club for primary age children. The aim of the club is to engage younger children with nature and environmental issues in a fun way, through outdoor activities such as visiting the beach and woodland. In feedback forms, parents have described the club as “invaluable”; a popular and accessible regular activity for children, where they felt free to explore without pressure or expectations.

 

Through participation in these programmes, young people in the North West Highlands will have:

• Engaged positively with the natural environment.
• Developed an understanding of what makes this landscape and environment special, contributing to a sense of pride in their area.
• Developed an awareness of local career options, particularly environmental careers.
• Boosted their confidence and developed new skills to better equip them for the future.