A group of 21 pupils from Oldmachar Academy took advantage of a welcome break in the winter weather on 15 January joining the River Dee Trust for a hands-on volunteering day as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
The students planted a variety of native broadleaf trees on the banks of the River Muick as part of the Trust’s award-winning One Million Trees programme. The Muick, an upper tributary of the Dee is regularly impacted by record high water temperatures in the summer months, which is detrimental to the endangered Atlantic Salmon. By planting One Million Trees on the upper river catchment, the Trust is working to provide vital cooling shade to improve the chances of this keystone species and enhance wider biodiversity.
The trip offered a valuable opportunity for outdoor learning, giving pupils first-hand experience of environmental stewardship while contributing to long-term river restoration in the River Dee catchment. After a productive day’s planting, the group enjoyed a well-earned packed lunch in the sunshine, taking in views of the river and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
The field trip was fully funded and free of charge to the school, made possible thanks to the support of River Dee Guardian Adura and the 2025–2026 Transport & Lunch Fund, which covered travel from Aberdeen and packed lunches for every pupil.
The initiative highlights the power of collaboration between schools, conservation partners and local businesses in delivering meaningful learning experiences while supporting the natural environment across the north-east.
To learn more about the Trust, our vital conservation work or our education programme, contact claire@riverdee.org.