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13 May 2008
Local people go wild in Northamptonshire
Old and young alike take part in wildlife activities at Summer Leys
On Saturday 10 May at Summer Leys Local Nature Reserve, near Wollaston, over 40 people enjoyed a fantastic morning of wildlife activities.
Many local families enjoyed guided walks, pond-dipping, mini-beast hunting and craft activities. Children found many species whilst pond-dipping including caddis fly larvae, water scorpions, dragonfly larvae, and water beetles.
Guided walks enabled people to see the diverse range of wildlife this beautiful nature reserve has to offer and gave people the chance to speak to Wildlife Trust staff about the work of the Trust, reserves and volunteering. Some were even lucky enough to see buzzards circling overhead.
The event took place to showcase the access improvements on the reserve that happened thanks to funding from Natural England through Defra’s Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund and the Department of Communities and Local Government through the River Nene Regional Park. Michel Kerrou, CEO from the River Nene Regional Park said “'The River Nene Regional Park was pleased to support this important project which not only benefits wildlife but provides the wider community with an opportunity to see an array of different wildlife. The site was developed with a range of partners and volunteers, and is ideal for the whole family due to its easy access paths, free parking and range of activities available”.
Previously the reserve was owned by Hanson Aggregates UK and leased to Northamptonshire County Council, who through working with the Wildlife Trust, developed the site and designated it as a Local Nature Reserve. Like many other areas in the Nene Valley, the reserve was formed following gravel and sand extraction and now supports internationally important wildlife populations. The reserve is part of a larger Site of Special Scientific Interest, which is an important refuge for wintering and breeding birds, including golden plover, lapwing, wigeon and shoveler.
For any further information, please contact Juliette Butler, via phone 01604 405285 or e-mail juliette.butler [at] wildlifebcnp.org.