A group from an Irvine centre which helps people with learning disabilities achieved a top accolade as part of their participation in the  RSPB’s Wild Challenge Awards programme.

Stewart Baird, Mark Stevenson, Darren Cousar and Elaine Rae from Trindlemoss day opportunities centre have been busy taking part in the scheme which has seen them discovering, learning about and helping wildlife in its natural habitat.

Having already completed the bronze and silver levels, the quartet has worked extremely hard over the past 18 weeks to achieve the highest accolade in the gold award, with each level of the programme requiring the completion of a total of six activities.

Each award level is split into two categories; a ‘help nature’ section that involves making our outdoor spaces wildlife friendly, and an ‘experience nature’ section, where participants get up close and personal with wildlife and explore the amazing world of nature on our doorsteps.

The group has taken part in a host of activities throughout the challenge.

These  include building bat boxes, bird boxes and bee houses, local plant and mini-beast safaris, and creating a fantastic mini-pond within the garden area at Trindlemoss.

A visit to Eglinton Park was also enjoyed, where they tried pond dipping and discovered some newts, as well as to RSPB Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, to explore the various wildlife habitats there.

Councillor Margaret Johnson, cabinet member for health and social care at North Ayrshire Council, said: “A huge well done to the team at Trindlemoss for this fantastic achievement.

“As well as being great fun to take part in, these awards can also help those attending day opportunities to build confidence and social connections, as well as gaining a real appreciation and empathy for nature and our surroundings.”

Run by North Ayrshire health and social care partnership, Trindlemoss day opportunities offers the chance for people with learning disabilities to take part in a wide range of inclusive and enabling activities in the heart of the community.