Clyde in the Classroom Marks 25 Years of Inspiring Young Ecologists

The Clyde in the Classroom project is celebrating a remarkable milestone—25 years of fostering a love for ecology among children in the West of Scotland. This innovative initiative has transformed 2,000 classrooms into vibrant fish hatcheries, inspiring over 50,000 young minds to appreciate the importance of local biodiversity.

Launched in 2001 by the Clyde River Foundation at the University of Glasgow, the project aims to cultivate future stewards of the River Clyde. It immerses pupils in hands-on learning about the ecology and wildlife of their local environment. The program emphasizes sustainability, addressing pollution and other threats to precious freshwater ecosystems.

The success of Clyde in the Classroom is evident in the paths taken by its former pupils. Many have pursued studies in zoology, returning to the University of Glasgow to deepen their understanding of the natural world. This full-circle moment brings joy to the project team, who witness the impact of their efforts firsthand.

Initially involving just five schools, the project has grown exponentially. Today, it reaches around 100 schools and engages 3,000 children each year. A key component includes the introduction of brown trout egg hatcheries in classrooms, where students learn to maintain water quality and care for the fish as they hatch and grow. After weeks of nurturing, the young fish are released into local rivers, marking a significant moment for both students and the environment.

This year, the project will launch at the Glasgow Science Centre from January 8 to 16, 2025. Hundreds of children will gather to explore the ecology and history of the River Clyde, learning how to care for their hatcheries. The Science Centre has been a steadfast partner since the project’s inception, underscoring the importance of engaging young learners in scientific exploration.

Dr. Willie Yeomans, Catchment Manager at the Clyde River Foundation, expressed pride in the project’s long-term impact. “Education projects have been part of our core work for 25 years. We are delighted that the scale and reach of the project is showing long-term impact,” he stated. Many teachers involved today were once students in the program, highlighting its lasting legacy.

Stephen Breslin, CEO of Glasgow Science Centre, emphasized the importance of such initiatives. “We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to engage with science and explore the world around them,” he said. The Centre looks forward to welcoming more pupils this year to learn about freshwater biodiversity and ecology.

Crown Estate Scotland has been the main sponsor for the past decade, supporting the project’s mission to educate young people about the ecology of the Clyde River catchment. Oster Milambo, Director of Property at Crown Estate Scotland, noted the alignment of their goals with the project’s vision. “We believe supporting successive generations of young people to learn about the ecology of the Clyde River catchment is a natural fit with our core purpose,” he remarked.

As Clyde in the Classroom celebrates its 25th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the power of education in nurturing environmental stewardship and fostering a deeper connection to nature among the youth of Scotland.