A group of children living with the effects of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster have visited Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre in Grangemouth during a respite that can raise their immune systems for up to two years.
The twelve children from Belarus are hosted by the Forth Valley Link group of Chernobyl Children’s Life Line, a charity that gives children from Belarus and Ukraine four week’s respite holiday in Britain to boost their immune system.
During the visit to Jupiter the group enjoyed a range of activities including pond dipping, den building and searching for minibeasts.
Claire Bailly, Seasonal Ranger at Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre said: “Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre is open all year round and thanks to supporters including players of People’s Postcode Lottery we are able to welcome families and people of all ages.
“Everyone benefits from spending time with nature, but it was a real privilege to be able to host the children from Chernobyl Children’s Life Line and see them engaging with nature, and enjoying being in a safe and unpolluted environment.”
Gail MacDonald, Forth Valley Link, Chernobyl Children’s Life Line said: “Fun is the most important aspect while the children are with us so we visit a range of child friendly places. They are so engaged and enthralled when they are at Jupiter, it’s definitely a highlight of the trip.
“It’s fascinating to watch them because even though they are at an age when many Scottish children start to disappear behind electronic screens, they don’t have that in Belarus so they just have a fantastic time.
“The children get a real benefit from the fresh air, and uncontaminated food and water. Raising their immune system gives them respite from colds and other normally simple infections for as much as two years.”
Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre is an oasis in the centre of industrial Grangemouth, and an example of how wasteland can be transformed into a rich variety of wildlife habitats including woodland and wetland. The centre is open all year round and welcomed 7000 visitors in 2015.