What’s new?
18 August 2008
New links with community groups are forged
Peterborough senior citizen groups enjoy reserve visits
Two senior citizen groups from Peterborough visited Ramsey Height Nature Reserve in July and August 2008 to gain a greater appreciation of their local wildlife.
Twenty members of the Peterborough Central Ward Senior Citizens Association enjoyed a visit to Ramsey Heights Nature Reserve on Saturday 19 July, before enjoying a picnic lunch at the reserve.
They were joined by Mr Jawaid Kahn, cohesion manager for Peterborough and Dr Khurshid Ahmed, chairman of the British Muslim Forum, who were all led around the reserve by Wildlife Trust staff, and Alan Bowley of Natural England.
Ramsey Heights Nature Reserve is a quiet space on the old Victorian clay pit and is now rich in wildlife. The group learnt about wildflowers that attract butterflies and bees; various wild trees and shrubs; ponds that are home to rare newts; and dragonflies and damselflies.
The old kiln, which used to fire the bricks, is now used as a classroom and visitor centre. Following the walk and picnic lunch, a presentation was made by Dr Khurshid Ahmed at the centre about tackling violent extremism. Mr Jawaid Kahn expressed the importance of the event for strengthening communities and Mr BU Shaikh, chairman of the Association, said he believed such efforts go a long way towards promoting better understanding in the community.
Following this successful visit, nine members of Peterborough’s Burton Street Mosque’s Senior Citizens Group visited the reserve in August for silk painting, before enjoying a picnic lunch followed by a tour of the reserve.
The Wildlife Trust made contact with the group, who expressed an interest in visiting a reserve for quiet relaxation, art activities and a wildlife walk. Despite the wet weather, everyone enjoyed taking inspiration from the natural environment for their designs of silk painting, which included guelder rose and butterflies. Following lunch provided by the group, members took advantage of the short spell of sunshine to walk around the reserve.
For more information about community events and outreach work, please contact Rachel Price on 01733 890419 or email rachel.price [at] wildlifebcnp.org. The outreach work is supported by Perkins.