MANY children decided they wanted to be zoologists when they grow up after a wild day at a Peeblesshire farm The visit of the Edinburgh Zoo Bus “Wild About Scotland” to Whitmuir Farm proved to be a real crowd-puller.

Staff ran mini-beast safaris during the event last Friday at Lamancha, near West Linton.

Heather Anderson, owner of Whitmuir Farm, said: “We are absolutely delighted - over 200 children and families took part and many young zoologists were born - they found and identified loads of hairy caterpillars, amazing bugs and beasties and lots of creepy crawlies who enjoy living on our farm!” The 2000m2 Food for One Year project hosted the day inviting families to try their hand at planting vegetables on the community plot whilst learning about the wildlife right on our doorstep.

Brian Pool, Beekeeper in Residence with the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland, ran three action-packed beekeeping workshops. The “Wild about Scotland” bus helps children and families explore native species in Scotland and the conservation work that the Royal Zoological Society supports.

Great fun was had on board, examining mini-beasts under the microscope, investigating animal field signs and skulls, and there was the chance to have a go at building a dam like a beaver!” Susie Crocker, of Edinburgh Zoo’s discovery and learning department, said: “It was such a great experience to be on the farm. Many of the animals in the zoo are there because farming reduces our wild spaces - it’s great to be on an organic farm so brimming with life.” The Wild at Whitmuir weekend marked the opening of a new Dancing Light Gallery exhibition by artist painter Carol Taylor running until September.

To take part in future 2000m2 project events please email: contact@whitmuircommunityfarm.org