Kids enjoy the great outdoors
Cathkin pupils get fit and have fun
School pupils enjoyed some outdoor learning, getting fit and having fun – all at the same time.
For four weeks, from early October, seven pupils from Cathkin High’s Additional Support Needs ( ASN) unit took part in a new health walking project set up by Friends of Holmhills Wood Community Park.
The scheme was supported by Get Walking Lanarkshire and Paths for All.
The aim was to educate pupils about the benefits of walking, getting fitter and healthier while learning what the park has to offer.
They enjoyed the bug hotel, pond life, the forest school woodland area and picking and enjoying apples, raspberries and blackberries.
Teacher Mr McGowan of Cathkin High said: “We measured the distance walked, and over the four-week period, the pupils covered seven miles, which produced many benefits, including an increase in their fitness levels.
“The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”
To keep energy levels up with all the exercise and fresh air, pupils were provided with snacks by Friends of Holmhills Wood Community Park.
The pupils were accompanied by Johann Duffy from Get Walking Lanarkshire; and Paths for All kindly donated walking waistbags with water bottles and ‘I love walking’ badges and pens.
Michelle Farmer, chair of Friends of Holmhills Wood Community Park who initiated the project and accompanied the walks, said: “This is a great example of how we can get more appreciation of what Holmhills Wood Community Park has to offer.
“We hope that the Health Walks project can be developed further within the school to encourage far more pupils into walking to school and around their local area.
“The pupils from the ASN unit will develop their learning in the spring term in an Outdoor Learning Initiative.”