Fiona takes up the M&S Eco-challenge
Monday, November 17 2008
A new dedicated environmental officer has been appointed to support Borders schools with their eco-journeys.
The appointment is part of Marks & Spencer’s (M&S) environmental partnership with Scottish Borders Council (SBC).
Fiona Hanlin, who currently teaches at Walkerburn Primary School in Peeblesshire, has been appointed as SBC’s first ever Environmental Development Officer as part of the £35,000 investment from M&S.
Her main role is to support schools’ work towards achieving their bronze, silver or green flag eco-awards, whilst also supporting their participation in the new Scottish Borders M&S Eco-challenge.
Fiona, who has a long-standing interest in environmental education and wildlife conservation, completed a degree in Agriculture with Economics in 1992. She gained an MSc in Information Systems the following year and was awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Education at Moray House in 2007.
She has eight years’ experience as a Countryside Ranger in and around Edinburgh and East Lothian. During this time she designed and delivered curriculum-based activities and developed a range of environmental projects including wildlife surveys, habitat creation and community events.
Fiona is excited about her new role: “My appointment as the Borders Environmental Officer provides me with a great opportunity to combine my interests in both teaching and the environment.
“I really enjoy giving children the chance to experience nature for themselves. In a rural setting such as the Borders, there is a wealth of wildlife interest so there are plenty of exciting opportunities ahead for schools,” she said.
Fiona has a keen interest in farming and maintains this by occasionally helping out with lambing. This interest enabled her to help local farmers set up a branding scheme to promote local farm produce known as ‘Pentland Hills Produce’. She has also held the post of Coordinator for the European LEADER+ Rural Development Programme in Mid and East Lothian.
She added: “I am really looking forward to helping schools try to achieve eco-award targets whilst also encouraging them to showcase some of their excellent work in the M&S Borders eco-challenge. I think it’s fantastic that schools have this opportunity to win some extra resources for their schools whilst being able to show what they’ve achieved to help the environment.”
Fiona, who now lives in Lauder, enjoys hill-walking with her husband and Border Terrier. She also enjoys travelling and recently completed a cycling trip across Borneo to raise money for SENSE - a charity which works to support deafblind children and their families. Fiona also took part in a free fall parachute jump to raise funds for the charity.
SBC’s Executive Member for Education, Councillor Catriona Bhatia, added: “Pupils across the Borders will benefit from the extra support for Eco-Schools through this joint venture with M&S. I know Fiona is very committed to promoting good environmental habits to children in all our schools.”
For advice on any aspect of the Eco-Schools Programme or the Scottish Borders Schools Eco Challenge contact Fiona on 01896 662185 ext: 287.
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