Nairn Academy science teacher Dr Jo Kinghorn honoured by SEPA
A NAIRN science teacher has been recognised by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) for her dedication as a rainfall observer.
Dr Jo Kinghorn is one of 134 such volunteers across Scotland who play an important part in collecting data for the organisation.
The information helps SEPA and the Met Office capture Scotland’s complex rainfall patterns in addition to the figures collated from SEPA’s 300 automated gauges.
This data helps SEPA make informed decisions on water management, flood risk management, long-term climate research as well as informing industry, agriculture and infrastructure development.
Dr Kinghorn, who has been a rainfall observer for three years, said: “As a school we are keen to get involved in projects in Britain, Europe and worldwide.
“There are quite a few different citizen science projects available and as Nairn is known for its sunny weather and good climate we decided it would be interesting and relatively easy to get involved with rainfall observing.
“There is great potential to use the data in science or geography lessons, or just for general numeracy work. It’s been interesting to see just how wet or dry things have been and it makes you much more aware of the weather.”
Becky Thomson, from SEPA, said: “Every day SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment and this is a great opportunity for any budding citizen scientists to get involved and make a valued contribution to our data research.”
For further information visit www.envscot-csportal.org.uk/rainfallobs/about or to sign up visit www.envscot-csportal.org.uk/rainfallobs
