Educational trip to Whitelee Windfarm and Calderglen Zoo – Jingyu Song (volunteer)
On September 28th 2024, our Ricefield volunteers embarked on a memorable educational trip to Whitelee Windfarm and Calderglen Zoo. We set off from Partick in a cosy minivan, with a lively atmosphere inside as we caught up with each other and shared stories about recent life and adventures. The excitement was palpable as we journeyed toward our first destination, Whitelee Windfarm.
When we arrived at Whitelee, the sky was overcast with a light drizzle, but it did nothing to dampen our spirits. The imposing sight of the turbines against the misty landscape only heightened our anticipation. After a warm welcome from the staff, we boarded a bus to begin our guided tour of the site. Our driver, who doubled as an enthusiastic guide, shared fascinating insights about Whitelee, the UK’s largest onshore windfarm. With 215 towering turbines, the site generates up to 539 megawatts of electricity, enough to power over 350,000 homes. We were captivated, listening intently to how this clean energy marvel operates. Along the way, we stopped to step off the bus, standing beneath the impressive turbines, feeling dwarfed by their scale as we captured the breathtaking views in photos.
Back at the visitor centre, we took part in an engaging, hands-on session about wind power. Guided by one of the staff members, we donned goggles and used fans to simulate wind, experimenting with different blade shapes and using voltmeters to explore what makes turbines operate effectively. It was a thrilling blend of science and fun, allowing us to appreciate the intricacies of renewable energy technology. This hands-on experience left us feeling inspired and gave us a real sense of connection to the power of wind energy. Afterwards, we gathered for a delicious and much-anticipated lunch, where laughter and lively conversation flowed freely as we shared our impressions of the tour so far.
Refreshed and ready for more, we continued our adventure to Calderglen Zoo. The zoo visit was self-guided but came with an exciting mission: to take photos of the animals, especially capturing moments of interaction between animals and people. We roamed around, visiting a variety of animals and even encountering some critically endangered species, like the elusive Scottish Wildcat. Each encounter was a moment to learn and connect with the beauty of wildlife, and our cameras clicked constantly as we captured the adorable, fascinating creatures.
The day concluded with a relaxed tea time, where we reviewed our photos and each chose three favourites for a lighthearted photo competition. After voting, the winning shots were celebrated, and the photographers received special prizes, which added an extra touch of joy to our day.
As we finally gathered to say goodbye, we left with full hearts, countless photos, and memories that will last a lifetime. This shared experience brought us closer as a group, and we eagerly look forward to our next adventure together, excited to see where the road takes us.