As part of a project organised by rewilding charity, SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, pupils from Lhanbryde Primary School were invited to visit the estate then help create content for new information panels. These have now been installed at various locations on the trails around the loch. Comprising the pupils’ drawings and written thoughts alongside informative text, all set within a professional design, the panels highlight themes of biodiversity, regeneration, responsible access and mental health.

‘Following a trip to the site where the children took part in pond-dipping and species identification, we encouraged them to create drawings and written reflections for the panels, based on the ideas of caring for Loch na Bo’s nature, and feeling connected to wild places,’ explains Chrissy Sprinks, the charity’s Community Development Officer. ‘They really rose to the challenge, creating beautiful artworks and thoughtful prose that add a lightsome, human element to the panels – they’re a true work of art.’

Located a few miles south of the Moray coast, Loch na Bo Estate has been owned by the Tennant family since 1912. The loch itself is a kettle loch, formed when retreating glaciers left a natural depression that filled with water. It’s believed this natural feature may have been enlarged to increase water capacity for powering mills used in weaving and grinding grain. Translating to ‘loch of the cows’ in Scottish Gaelic, Loch na Bo was the last watering hole for cattle on the way to market in Elgin during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The estate is part of the Northwoods Rewilding Network, convened and coordinated by SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, which brings together over 100 landholdings across Scotland, all committed to restoring habitats to let wildlife thrive. Today the loch and surrounding woodlands of Scots pine and birch are a much-loved amenity for locals and visitors – as well as an important habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, from dragonflies and woodpecker to goshawk, woodcock, osprey, pine martens and red squirrels.

‘It’s a huge privilege to be a guardian of Loch na Bo and share it with local residents and visitors,’ explains owner, Andrea Tennant. ‘We wanted to create something special that would be seen by the local community and visitors – something that educates us all about the local wildlife, tells the story of the land and shows its importance to the people who live here. The warmth and wonder in the children’s words and their colourful sketches have really brought all these elements to life in such a human way. The finished panels make a delightful addition to Loch na Bo, and I’m very grateful to all the children and for the support from SCOTLAND: The Big Picture for making them possible.’

This has been a fantastic opportunity for the children to learn about their local environment, reflect on what makes it special and see their creativity contribute to something that will be seen and enjoyed by the wider community,’ adds Chrissy. ‘It’s a lovely example of how connecting young people with nature can help foster a sense of pride, care and belonging. We hope visitors enjoy seeing the woodland through their eyes, as well as learning more about the site.’

The interpretation panels were funded and produced by SCOTLAND: The Big Picture with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, through the Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS) programme. The content features contributions from pupils of Lhanbryde Primary School, and was developed in collaboration with the landowner, with visual design by Calum Crossland and printing by Moravian Digital Press.