Arran Eco Savvy launches Climate Detectives project in schools
With the support of new funding from the Scottish Government’s Climate Engagement Fund, Arran Eco Savvy are planning an 8 month programme of climate literacy events and activities across Arran, including the Arran Climate Detectives initiative in the island’s schools. Research shows (see ‘How we lost touch with nature’ in this issue) that connection with nature is needed from an early age to develop climate awareness and to help remedy the disconnection that underlies the climate crisis. It is great news that Eco Savvy are bringing climate education into our schools and being part of the intergenerational change that we need!
By Sofi Graham, Eco Savvy project manager, 29th August
The Arran Climate Detectives programme is a brand-new schools initiative from Arran Eco Savvy. Supported by the Scottish Government’s Climate Engagement Fund.
What is the Arran Climate Detectives series?
Designed to inspire local children to become climate-conscious citizens while learning in fun, creative, and practical ways. Through assemblies, classroom activities, and hands-on experiments, pupils across Arran are stepping into the role of “climate detectives”. Where they investigate real-world environmental challenges and find out what they can do to make a difference.
Why climate education matters on Arran
Arran is already feeling the effects of climate change, from rising sea levels to changing seasons that affect wildlife, farming, and our local way of life. By connecting children with these issues early on, we’re giving them the tools to understand what’s happening. Plus empowering them to take action!
Research shows that child-led learning and nature connection are the most effective ways to build climate awareness at a young age. That’s why the Climate Detectives series focuses on making climate science relevant to pupils’ everyday lives. Whether that’s through food, energy, travel, or nature.
What are the pupils doing?
Each school is taking part in a season-long sustainability challenge. Pupils will explore topics such as:
- Composting and food waste – learning how nature recycles and how we can reduce waste at home and school.
- Energy use and renewables – discovering how Arran can power itself more sustainably.
- Active travel – finding out why walking, cycling, and scooting are better for health and the planet.
- Local climate stories – sharing family and community memories of how Arran’s seasons and wildlife have changed over time.
Every child will be encouraged to take small actions at home and in their community. Building leadership skills and showing that even the youngest islanders can make a difference.
Listening to pupils through focus groups
To make sure the project truly reflects the voices of young people, we have already held two focus groups. One at Brodick Primary and another at Whiting Bay Primary. These sessions gave pupils the chance to tell us what they want to learn about and how they would like to explore climate change in school.
We also recognise that climate change can sometimes bring feelings of uncertainty or worry. That’s why our approach is rooted in compassionate engagement, creating safe spaces for children to ask questions, share their concerns, and discover positive, practical actions they can take. By doing this, we aim to empower rather than overwhelm.
Community benefits of the project
The Arran Climate Detectives series isn’t just for schools, it’s for the whole community. By encouraging children to share what they learn with their families, the project creates a ripple effect of awareness and action across the island.
If you are part of the homeschooling community on Arran we would also love to bring this series to you. Please email sofi@arranecosavvy.org.uk to arrange.
Parents, carers, and teachers are already reporting that pupils are asking more questions about where their food comes from, how their homes are heated, and what can be done to protect local wildlife. These conversations are at the heart of creating a more climate-literate community.
Looking ahead
Eco Savvy will continue delivering the Climate Detectives programme throughout the school year, alongside other activities such as Zero Waste Cafes, youth engagement projects, and the Arran Climate Festival.
We can’t wait to see the creative ideas and solutions our young climate detectives come up with and how they’ll help shape a greener future for Arran.
Want to stay updated on the Arran Climate Detectives series? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter to hear the latest stories from our schools.
What Is the Climate Engagement Fund? The Climate Engagement Fund supports community organisations across Scotland to help people understand climate change and take meaningful action. It funds events, workshops, and creative activities that make climate literacy engaging, accessible, and locally relevant. By securing this funding, Eco Savvy will deliver an exciting and ambitious programme of events designed to celebrate our island’s strengths, share skills, and encourage practical, everyday climate action. For more information and for ways to get involved, follow this link
And for all Eco Savvy’s September news follow the link here!
