Launch of New Sundew Badge Connects Young People with Nature
A new outdoor education award - the Sundew Badge - has been launched by Dolphin House, in collaboration with the team at the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.
The scheme is designed to inspire schools and communities to explore and learn outdoors, with activities that support Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence.
To achieve the badge, participants must complete an activity from each of three themes: Immersion in the Biosphere, Sustainability in the Biosphere, and Green and Blue Health. Once the badge is awarded, participants also make an Environment Pledge, making a personal commitment to protect our environment and biodiversity.
From adventurous cliff descents to peaceful paddle sessions, every activity helps young people connect with nature, gain confidence, and develop new skills. The Sundew Badge provides a framework for young people to achieve and grow across the four capacities of Curriculum for Excellence: successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens, and effective contributors.
Glenburn Primary School pupils were among the first to take part, enjoying Dolphin House's newly developed outdoor classroom during the launch event.
George Hunter, Assistant Director of Communities at South Ayrshire Council said: "I'm delighted to see the launch of the Sundew Badge, a project that not only promotes outdoor activities and healthier lifestyles but also provides a valuable framework for young people to learn and grow beyond the traditional classroom. By linking education with the UNESCO Biosphere, this initiative creates a lasting legacy for outdoor learning and inspires confidence, resilience, and responsibility in our young people."
Faith Hillier, Community Officer for the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, said: "It's been a huge pleasure for the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership to work with Dolphin House and South Ayrshire Council in creating the new Sundew Badge, and we are delighted to share the experiences of its first awardees alongside key contributors the MaidSafe Foundation.
"The Sundew Badge celebrates the UNESCO Biosphere's potential as one immense and diverse learning space, and our charity's work embodies a commitment to increasing access to outdoor education for all ages, for the benefits it brings in wellness, confidence, and social connections. Dolphin House was the perfect partner for this project as South Ayrshire's leading venue for outdoor engagement and learning, and we look forward to seeing them roll out the Sundew Badge to young adventurers in their stunning setting. We're excited to see how the programme continues to widen understanding of the UNESCO Biosphere's natural environments, as well as the key role of education and recreation in sustaining these."
For more information about the Sundew Badge, visit Learning - Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere
