Caithness pupils to work in Belize rainforest Caithness pupils are to work with the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh as part of efforts to conserve plants and habitats in Belize. The teenagers from Wick High School will spend four weeks in the Central American country this summer. The trip will involve staying at Las Cuevas in the Chiquibul rainforest. More than 3,700 plants have been recorded in Belize and hundreds of other species are thought to remain undiscovered. The country's forests also provide habitat for big cats such as ocelot and jaguar. Teacher Chris Aitken, who will be accompanying the fifth and sixth pupils, said the June trip offered the youngsters an "amazing opportunity." The group has raised £25,053 so far towards the £28,000 they need to fund the venture. Next Friday, Wick councillor Gail Ross will compere a silent auction to help generate more money. Other schools in the Highlands have been involved international projects. Earlier this year Charleston Academy in Inverness was picked to develop links with schools in Botswana in Africa.