Beasties, Bugs and Bairns.

Hi all, if there's anyone still out there, it's been a long time... I just wanted to let you all know that after 10 years, Beasties, Bugs and Bairns has closed it's doors. I (Morag) have spent the last few years working in species conservation, first Badgers (3 years with Scottish Badgers) and now hedgehogs (Rural Hedgehog Officer with the People's Trust for Endangered Species). I've hung on to Beasties, partly from affection, partly from the possibility I may restart activities, but I've decided it's time ... So thank you all and all the wonderful children you work with, for giving me many years of what wasn't ever really a job. It was fun! I've given a little donation to Under the Trees outdoor education to enable me close down all my finances. If you liked what I did, you'll like what they do. Look them up! Thanks again, much love 💕💕💕

For schools looking to enhance their loose parts play resources.

Reclaimed cable reels! 🧵🔌 From 400-1600mm in diameter (and every size in between!), we've got reels to suit a whole host of projects 💡🛠️ We fell down a wee @‌Pinterest hole today to get you some inspo... how amazing are all these? (remember we also have reclaimed casters for sale - £5 each or 4 for £15♻️) Cable reel prices range from £5-45, so they're good for your purse and the planet 👛💚🌎 💬 Contact us via Gumtree if you're interested: www.bit.ly/glasgow-wood-gumtree 👋 🙏 And please share with anyone who you think might make use of them! More reclaimed gems and inspo to come 👀💎 #cablereels #reclaimedcablereel #reclaimedwood #reclaimedtimber #outdoortables #cablereelproject #cablereelideas #outdoorgarden #plantstands #plantshelving

This might be good for anyone looking for loose parts storage. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=700523465407852&id=100063506142865

Get your hands on this. It's spot on.

HUGE NEWS! Launching today, our brand new book: 'Teaching the Primary Curriculum Outdoors'.

This book is so much more than another lesson plan guide - it's a manual, full of hands-on ways to build outdoor learning into your curriculum in a way that brings joy to pupils and teachers alike.

Find out all about it here: https://www.ltl.org.uk/news/new-book-launch-primary-curriculum-outdoors/

Hi all. I've been quiet on here for a while, mainly because my job and my freelance work for LtL has left no time for Beasties. But I have a question, raised at a training session I delivered yesterday. How do we make it a responsibility for your employers as teachers to provide you with the PPE you need to take learning outdoors? Waterproofs, warm clothing, decent boots etc. It's a legal requirement that you are adequately clothed for your job yet schools and local authorities seem to expect outdoor learning to be your responsibility, without providing adequate PPE as their responsibility... Answers please!

I'm delivering a lot of training for LtL these days. High quality, engaging, inspirational and fun. Have a look.

Online Training for Outdoor Learning and Play Crafted by experts, LtL's online training for outdoor learning and play is an ideal starting place for your professional development.

I do a lot of work for LtL, and have been on and off the staff team over the years. Accreditation allows you to not only deliver courses through LtL, but to promote your own courses using the knowledge and experience gained from working with LtL, and using the resources provided, as an "LtL Accredited trainer". The initial outlay to gain accreditation has been a great investment for me.

LtL Professional Accreditation in Outdoor Learning and Play The scheme operates at a senior level offering courses to accredit professionals in school grounds development, outdoor learning and play.

Get your applications in for free kit and training.

LAST CHANCE: you have until midnight tonight to apply for one of this year's Local School Nature Grants!

Funded by players of People's Postcode Lottery, the grants give schools and early year settings across England, Wales and Scotland the chance to receive £500 of outdoor learning equipment and dedicated staff training.

Get writing and apply now: https://www.ltl.org.uk/projects/local-school-nature-grants/

Well, it's been a little quiet here on Beasties for a while. Things are kind of on hold just now - I'm off back to my rangering roots, working for Clackmannanshire council, rangering at Gartmorn dam. Loving the job and hoping it'll become a little longer term. But if not, Beasties will be back!