CONNECTIVITY provider, TalkTalk, has partnered with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) to enable more children to connect with nature by providing an opportunity for local schools to apply for free travel to Edinburgh Zoo.

The new initiative with the wildlife conservation charity will support schools in the central belt helping to overcome financial barriers to visiting the zoo and experiencing the health and wellbeing benefits of being close to nature.

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Sponsored by TalkTalk during February and March, the schools travel bursary will offer free transport and goody bags on the day, alongside free tickets and learning sessions provided by RZSS, with the aim of making an inspirational and exciting day trip more accessible.

Helen McHugh, Head of North West Engagement and CSR at TalkTalk, said: “Making a difference to the local communities where we’re rolling out Full Fibre is a real passion of ours here at TalkTalk.

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“We’re delighted to help provide more children with a chance to visit the iconic Edinburgh Zoo to support their learning - especially those who may not have been able to attend otherwise.”

Beccy Angus, Head of Discovery and Learning at RZSS, said: “We are thrilled to have support from TalkTalk to help school groups overcome barriers to experiencing nature and hope to inspire and engage even more children to help protect threatened species in Scotland and around the world.

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“Our charity has pledged to empower more than 100 communities to better protect nature by 2030 and being able to connect to wildlife is a critical first step in encouraging people to protect, value and love the world around them.” 

RZSS will be reaching out to 170 eligible schools in the central belt with information about how to apply for funding from pilot project.