Young Creators Bring Torry’s Wildlife to Life in New Storybook
A new community initiative in Aberdeen has brought together Sport Aberdeen, Doric Books, The Habitat People and Denis Law Legacy Trust. Together, they have launched The Muckle Birdie Match, a children’s storybook and bird-spotting guide celebrating the wildlife, creativity and community spirit of Torry.
Photo credit: Sport Aberdeen
Funding for the project was provided through ETZ’s Community & Coast Programme, building on an earlier environmental initiative that saw The Habitat People and Denis Law Legacy Trust work with pupils from Lochside Academy to create bird boxes for the local area.
Set in the heart of Torry, The Muckle Birdie Match tells the story of two rival bird football teams competing both on the pitch and within their habitats. When a Green Lintie (Greenfinch) and a Chye (Chaffinch) meet by chance at a local bird table, they discover that they don’t need to be enemies after all and that friendship is much more important than rivalry.
Excitement begins from page 1!
The heartwarming tale was written through a series of creative workshops involving Primary 3 and Primary 6 pupils from Tullos School during 2025. The children contributed ideas and illustrations, helping to bring the characters and local setting to life.
Natalie Brown, Active Schools Co-ordinator (Torry) at Sport Aberdeen, who has played a key role in facilitating the creation of the storybook, said: “The enthusiasm shown by the pupils at Tullos Primary has been incredible. They’ve put their time, effort and creative skills into creating this wonderful book through different scenarios and fabulous drawings and they should all be extremely proud of the role they have played in bringing this story to life.”
Carole Monnier, ETZ Ltd Community Lead, said: “The incredible contribution made by the pupils of Tullos Primary School, who imagined the story and illustrated The Muckle Birdie Match, combined with the support of a brilliant group of partner organisations, has brought to life a tangible community legacy full of heart. It has been a real privilege to support this project and to see it come to life.”
The project partners hope the book will inspire children and families to learn more about local wildlife while encouraging a greater connection with the natural environment on their doorstep.
The Bird Box Project, led by the Denis Law Legacy Trust, engaged six Lochside Academy pupils in hands-on learning beyond the classroom. They built bird boxes for the local community, creating safe spaces for local wildlife while exploring new skills and future pathways.
Aimee Culley, Operations Coordinator for Denis Law Legacy Trust said, “It has been a real privilege assisting in this project and seeing it come to life. Jackie (Doric Books), Natalie (Sport Aberdeen) and all the young people that took part from Tullos Primary School have created something fantastic for the local community to enjoy! A huge well done to all that were involved!”
The Muckle Birdie Match
The Muckle Birdie Match is available to purchase for £10 at www.doricbooks.com and is also available to borrow from the library at Greyhope Community Centre.
