‘Digital Shepherd‘ is a new website which has been created to help children learn how conservation grazing plays a key role in preserving biodiversity in our countryside.
Developed by PONT Cymru , Bridgend County Borough Council and Natural Resources Wales, the new ‘Digital Shepherd’ website is packed with lesson plans and resources that schools can use to educate pupils about the importance of conservation grazing.
The website also explains how people should behave more responsibly around livestock.
Councillor Charles Smith, Bridgend Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration, said: “When you’re out in the local area visiting nature reserves or other green spaces, you may come across grazing livestock without realising the importance of why they are there.
“Eco-system decline is one of the biggest challenges we face in the world today. Managed conservation grazing is essential for reversing that decline so I’m pleased to see these new online resources being made available that are suitable for teachers to use from the foundation phase up to key stage five.
“I’m sure that teachers will find it an interesting subject to cover with younger children, while older pupils can explore the biology of ecosystems in more depth.
“It’s also really important not to touch the livestock or feed them, or to start fires nearby. Fenced boundaries should be respected and please don’t ride motorbikes or quadbikes near the animals.
“Animals and plants need other animals and plants to help them survive and thrive. We need them too, so please look after our countryside for future generations.”
The ‘Digital Shepherd’ website can be found here.