Advice for Teachers/Group Leaders Regarding Self-Led Activities within Eglinton Country Park

Eglinton Country Park has a proud tradition of providing environmental education opportunities to schools and various groups within the park. Our countryside rangers offer an excellent service but we also realise that some schools and groups may wish to use the park independently. Please bear in mind that priority for site use will be given to pre-booked, ranger-led activities (i.e. schools on education led activities) for equipment, facilities and resources, so call in advance to inform us of your activity to prevent disappointment on the day. Logistics

Please be aware that we do not have the facilities to provide cover for a large

number of pupils if the weather is bad or changes suddenly.

Unfortunately we do not have cloakroom facilities so anything which you bring, you will need to carry with you e.g. coats, bags and lunches.

Please be aware of any child protection guidelines with regards to audio-visual

equipment. Make sure to receive the correct, signed parental consent form. Resources Available

A wide variety of habitats to explore including woodlands (broadleaved and evergreen), grasslands, gardens and various freshwater habitats.

Ponds suitable for pond dipping with accessible board walk.

Topic boxes for self-led activities are available for loan and contain equipment for pond dipping and minibeast hunting.

A permanent orienteering course which is designed to be used without a compass

(maps are available at the visitor centre for a small charge).

A visitor centre with gift shop and interpretative display of the history of Eglinton Country Park.

An all abilities play park and a play area suitable for under eight year olds.

Café and toilet facilities (changing bench and tracking hoist for people with assisted

needs are also available on request).

A camping and touring site for 50 pitches including 30 hard standing.

A holiday cottage is available to hire all year round and sleeps up to six individuals.

The Racquet Hall can be hired for parties, events or larger groups if the weather is undesirable.

Picnic benches and large open spaces.

Two mobility scooters and an electric wheelchair (controlled by either carer or

wheelchair user) are available to hire free of charge. Please call and book to avoid disappointment.

A therapy ‘duo bike’ and tricycle are available to hire free of charge. Please call

and book to avoid disappointment.

Disabled access within areas of the park and public buildings. Health and Safety Guidelines Please take some time to look over our health and safety guidelines before your visit. If you require any advice on generic risk assessments for Eglinton please contact North Ayrshire Ranger Service on the number given below or access the sheets via the council website ‘Navigate’ or the parks own website at www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/eglintonpark. Please bear in mind the following information does not replace a risk assessment and should be as a guide only. It is advisable to look over your chosen site prior to any group excursion and depending on the specific activity you may require to carry out a more comprehensive risk assessment.

Ensure that you have adequate First Aid arrangements and emergency contingencies and keep your First Aid Kit with you at all times.

Ensure that all participants with medical conditions have the required medication

with them (eg. Inhalers) at ALL TIMES. Before starting any activity it is recommended that the following health and safety advice be explained to all group members.

Explain any first aid or safety equipment which is being carried.

Keep together as a group at all times – children must always be within sight of their adult group leader.

Keep your eyes and ears open for danger at all times as accidents can happen

anywhere.

Please be aware that surfaces and paths may be slippery or uneven.

Keep hands out of mouths and away from face when working outside.

Don’t eat or drink whilst working out of doors unless hands have been thoroughly cleaned.

Don’t pick up strange looking objects unless a trusted adult says it is alright to do so.

Don’t pull or pick at any plants or trees on site as some are prickly or may sting or

be a habitat for minibeasts.

Don’t run hands along wooden fences as these may cause nasty splinters.

Look out for dog mess and general litter.

If pond dipping

Cover any open cuts and skin conditions with gloves or waterproof plasters.

Only a small group of children (maximum 5) should be on the pond dipping platform with leaders at a time. The rest of the children should be well away from the dipping platform where they will have the space to examine their catch safely.

Only use plastic spoons to pick up creatures as some may bite, or you may hurt

them by handling.

When carrying the pond net hold it upright and against the body to avoid hitting people with it.

If minibeast hunting

If using a sweep net make sure and have plenty of space around you and hold it upright and against the body when carrying it to avoid hitting people with it.

Do not stand under the branch and look up if you are tree shaking, as the minibeasts may fall down on you.

Do not try to catch bees, wasps or red ants as they may sting/bite. Also avoid

catching any butterflies, damselflies or dragonflies as you may damage their delicate wings.

If there are logs on site an adult should roll these over whilst the group stands well

back – please roll the log back into the position that you found it when you have finished.

Use only plastic spoons to pick up creatures as some may bite, or you may hurt them by handling them.

Working in the countryside with your group can increase your risk of exposure to disease. However this should not be cause for alarm, or prevent you from having fun. As with most things, the more knowledge you have the easier it is to take precautions and spot ‘nasties’, should the unlikely need arise. Nasty Diseases

Leptospirosis Diseases (Weils Disease) – The leptospira parasite is excreted in the urine of animals, particularly rats and cattle. Humans become infected when exposed to infected urine within contaminated ponds, rivers and other water

courses, and on farms. The parasite enters through cuts and grazes on the skin and also via the mucus membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth. Symptoms of the infection can be flu-like with a severe, persistent headache, jaundice, meningitis, conjunctivitis and kidney failure. In very severe cases it can lead to death.

Lyme disease – This infection can be transmitted to humans by the bite of an adult, female tick. However it should be noted that most tick bites are completely harmless and should not be a cause for major concern. If a tick bites it should be removed with a pair of tweezers, making sure to remove the mouth parts, consult a doctor to be sure. Symptoms of Lyme disease develop a week or month after being bitten and include a red rash around the bite, flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, tiredness, chills and fever.

Tetanus – Tetanus spores are found in soil and dirt and you are at risk if you

sustain an open graze or cut. The best form of defence is an up to date inoculation which most children should have, but check with parents. Adults should have an up to date jab if they have not already done so. Tetanus is a potential killer.

Entamoeba coli 0157 – This germ is carried by animals such as sheep, goats,

cattle, deer and also geese and seagulls. E. coli 0157 can survive outside the animal for months in soil and faeces and can be passed on to other animals. This infection is passed to humans when they come into contact with infected faeces, soil or animals and this is passed from hand to mouth. Symptoms of illness are sickness and diarrhoea. Precautions are a very sensible approach to hygiene by allowing time for hand washing prior to hand to mouth contact.

Toxocara and Toxocara canis – Toxocara is a roundworm found in dogs and cats

and its microscopic eggs can remain dormant in the soil and faeces for up to two years. Toxocara canis is the dog version and can cause blindness (very rare) in children if ingested. Precautions are a very sensible approach to hygiene by allowing time for hand washing prior to hand to mouth contact.

To put the above into perspective, in over three decades of operation, the Country Park Service knows of only one incident of disease on site, which affected and adult who recovered. The cause was identified as ‘not washing hands and then eating food’. So always wash hands thoroughly at the end of a session before eating or drinking. Other Health Hazards to watch out for

Bracken – The spores which ripen in late summer are poisonous. It is best not to run activities where bracken is dominant.

Poisonous plants and fungi – Some species of plants and fungi are poisonous (e.g. Holly, horse chestnut, foxglove, death cap, yew, ivy, deadly nightshade and snowberry) and children should be discouraged from picking, touching or tasting any plants, berries or fungi. The sap of several umbellifer plants (e.g. Giant hogweed, hogweed, hemlock water dropwort, wild celery, lovage and moon carrot) can cause a rash or blistering when combined with sunlight, these should be avoided. Always encourage children to wash hands prior to hand to mouth contact.

Blue-green algae – Blue-green algae can form in inland waters and be prominent in late summer. The algae produce toxins and effected areas should be avoided where possible.

Bites and Stings – All manner of things can cause painful stings from bees, wasps, clegs and nettles, all of which can be rather distressing for a young child. If the sting is still in the skin remove, carefully, and apply a cold compress to help with pain and reduce the swelling. If you suspect that the individual is allergic to the sting you must seek urgent medical assistance. Symptoms could include anxiety, blotchy skin, swelling of the face and neck, rapid pulse, impaired breathing, gasping for air and slurred speech.

Hypothermia – This condition arises when there is a serious loss of body heat,

caused by exposure to cold, wet and windy conditions (not just in winter). Prevention is the key by making sure all group members are suitably attired for the weather i.e. layers of clothing, hats and waterproof clothing. Symptoms of the onset of hypothermia can be difficult to recognise but may include fatigue, bouts of shivering, feeling unwell and pale, numb skin. If you suspect hypothermia is setting in, get the individual to a warm dry place as soon as possible. Change into dry clothes, wrap in blankets, cover head and neck to prevent further heat loss and give warm drinks, not tea or coffee.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke – Heat exhaustion and the more serious heat

stroke occur due to overheating, high humidity and loss of body fluids. Prevention is the key by making sure group members wear sunhats and suitable clothing, seek shady spots whenever possible and keep body fluids topped up with regular drinking breaks. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, headache and thirst and can be relieved by seeking a cool, shady, breezy place and encouraging intake of cool drinks. Heatstroke is more serious (fainting, disorientation etc.) and requires medical attention.

Sunburn – Some people are more at risk to sunburn than others. Fair or freckled

skinned children need to take more care during the summer months. Sunscreen of SPF15 or above should be applied by the individual and reapplied when necessary.

For Further information on any of the above, please contact North Ayrshire Ranger Service at Eglinton Country Park, Irvine, KA12 8TA, Tel No: 01294 551 776 Email: rangerservice@north-ayrshire.gov.uk Web: http://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/EglintonPark