NORTH Ayrshire's STEM team (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) is joining forces with North Ayrshire Ranger Service and Eglinton Country Park on a week of events with a biodiversity and sustainability focus.

Due to take place during the October holidays from Tuesday, October 15, until Saturday, October 18, the free event will feature a range of interactive sessions.

Investigating the themes of energy, sustainability, biodiversity, engineering and climate, the sessions will be a combination of ticketed and drop-in events.

Sycamore image from the Stroll With It teamSycamore image from the Stroll With It team (Image: NAC) The week will also invite local industry experts providing an exciting schedule of things to do over the school break.

These include:

  • Ayrshire and Arran Bat Trust
  • Butterfly Conservation
  • Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue
  • Irvine Harbourside Men’s Shed, Glasgow Science Centre,
  • RJ McCleod Engineering
  • Optimum Eco Group
  • Skills Development Scotland
  • South West Scotland Environmental Centre
  • St Palladius Primary school
  • The council’s energy and sustainability, STEM and Countryside Rangers teams.

Councillor Shaun Macaulay, cabinet member for education and young people, is encouraging people to register for tickets now.

He said: “We are looking forward to collaborating with Eglinton Country Park, our Countryside Rangers and a range of partners on the upcoming Biodiversity and Sustainability Week. 

“Our action-packed schedule is offering lots of free family fun with a STEM focus over the October holidays.

A snail on the STEM trailA snail on the STEM trail (Image: NAC) “There’s a combination of drop-in and free ticketed events to suit everyone, so book now to avoid disappointment as a couple of activities have already sold out.

“The council is proud to use Biodiversity and Sustainability Week as a celebration of the work we are doing alongside, partners, schools and community groups to take the direct action we need to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. 

“We also hope the activities will inspire children and young people to pursue STEM subjects in North Ayrshire. We are confident that the upcoming sessions are going to be great and memorable indoor and outdoor learning experiences for all involved.”

STEM industries are a major source of employment in North Ayrshire. 

A Lego Mindstorms space junk sessionA Lego Mindstorms space junk session (Image: NAC) Research shows that children have often self-selected in or out of STEM subjects by the age of seven so the upcoming awareness week is a brilliant example of how the council - alongside its partners – is continuing to engage with children and young people to inspire them to unlock their STEM potential.

It is hoped that by getting involved, children, young people and their families/carers will take their own climate actions too, creating a more sustainable North Ayrshire for all.

Visit the events page: thehac.co.uk/events (hosted on the Harbour Arts Centre website) or scan the QR code in the graphic to view the events programme.

Follow the North Ayrshire STEM team on social media for photos and updates throughout the week: Facebook: North Ayrshire STEM 
and X (formerly Twitter): NAC_STEM