One of the key objectives of the LIFE FOR SEEDS project is to raise awareness of the importance of species-rich grasslands and their role in bird conservation. Thus, once again the chidren research camp was carried out within the project.

The 37th  children research camp took place in  between 28 June and 4 July 2026 and was carried out in Cerknica and its wider surroundings. The camp was attended by 18 young nature enthusiasts aged between 10 and 18. Participants spent their early mornings and late evenings in the field, surveying birds across a variety of habitats and observing many remarkable species, including the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), Corncrake (Crex crex), Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus), Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus), Common Hoopoe (Upupa epops), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Eurasian Scops-Owl (Otus scops), Eurasian Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) … Some lucky participants also saw a Wildcat, Eurasian Lynx and Brown Bear in the wild.

Each of the six research groups also made an important contribution to bird monitoring on recipient grasslands restored within the LIFE FOR SEEDS project in the Notranjska Regional Park. In addition to bird research, participants learned about the importance of species-rich grasslands and the activities of the LIFE FOR SEEDS project. They visited the Cerknica Lake Visitor Centre, attended lectures on large carnivores and the birds of Kazakhstan, observed Golden Jackals using a drone equipped with a thermal imaging camera, explored bats in Rakov Škocjan, and paddled along the Unica River.

At the end of the camp, the participants presented the results of their research at the Zelše Hunting Lodge. More importantly, they returned home with new knowledge, valuable field experience, lasting friendships and many unforgettable memories. The camp once again proved that direct contact with nature and passionate mentors inspire young people and help shape a new generation of bird and nature conservationists.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our mentors, Rok, Dejan, Matija, Žan, Maks and Jaka, as well as to Notranjska Regional Park, Dinaricum Society, Glaž’k Guesthouse, the Cerknica Hunting Association and TUR Servis from Cerknica for their support and cooperation, which made the successful implementation of the camp possible.