Through RSPB Scotland’s Wild Dundee “Arrivals and Departures” project, led by project manager Hope Busak in partnership with ScotRail and delivered by ScrapAntics, New Scots families and local community members were given the opportunity to connect with nature through a series of creative and educational workshops.
In For the love of gulls, we delved into the fascinating world of urban gulls and their role in city ecosystems. Participants explored how these adaptable birds interact with human environments, from scavenging food waste to the unintended consequences of littering.
As an RSPB Scotland volunteer, I had the privilege in taking part in delivering the final session, bringing in playful elements inspired by my interest in game design and passion for wildlife to make learning about gulls more engaging.
In For the Love of Gulls, participants explored the fascinating world of urban gulls and their role in city ecosystems. Through movement, storytelling, and hands-on activities, participants learned to identify common gull species in Dundee while exploring how these adaptable birds interact with human environments – from scavenging food waste to the unintended consequences of littering.
On Saturday, 1st February, the experience culminated in a spectacular feathered parade outside The McManus museum. The celebration brought typical gull behaviours to life, with swooping, long-calling, worm-charming, and a lively scramble for oversized foam chips!
With an impressive Gloria the gull puppet courtesy of How It Felt, “For the <3 of Gulls” placard from Dundee street artist C.Gul, whimsical costumes, gull-themed props, and a lively musical duo, Mark and Seth, performing an ode to gulls, the event captured the drama and charisma of these city-dwelling birds in full spectacle.
Being part of For the Love of Gulls was an incredibly rewarding experience. The energy on the day was infectious – laughter, excitement, and a real sense of pride as the children showcased what they had been working on. The children fully embraced their roles bringing gull behaviours to life in a way that was both playful and eye-opening. It was wonderful to see how much ownership they took over their performances and costumes, eager to share their newfound appreciation for these city birds. Even volunteers and
Even members of the public, along with staff and volunteers, couldn’t help but stop and smile. The event wasn’t just about fun – it was a reminder that nature is all around us, even in the heart of the city, waiting to be noticed and celebrated. Through creative learning and community engagement, we can inspire positive change and foster lasting connections between people and wildlife.
If you are interested in seeing how else I’ve been involved as a volunteer with RSPB Scotland, check out this video on YouTube: Find out how RSPB Scotland is working with communities in Dundee
