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31 March 2009
Trust's group for kids is a winner
National award is given to local Wildlife Watch Group
Paxon Pits Wildlife Watch/Wildlife Explorers Group for children is celebrating winning Best New Group in the Watch Group of the Year competition run by The Wildlife Trusts.
The group, based at Paxton Pits Nature Reserve in Cambridgeshire, was also runner up for the eastern region. The awards came just one year on from the group's launch in 2008.
The special “Green Wellie” award was presented to the group by Michael Allen, chairman of The Wildlife Trusts at the Visitors’ Centre, Paxton Pits Nature Reserve on Saturday 28 March.
The group’s monthly meetings include a range of fun activities tailored to the ages and abilities of the 30 plus children who attend. Sessions have included, bird feeding, nest-box building, pond dipping, wild songs and bug Olympics. The aim is for the children to go home from each session with an item in their hand, a wildlife message in their head, and a smile on their face.
The committed team of 10 volunteer leaders puts the group’s success down to the commitment and enthusiasm shown by the children and their parents, and the sheer fun and enjoyment of creating and delivering educational wildlife activities.
The group has had support from the local Wildlife Trust, the RSPB, the Friends of Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, Huntingdonshire District Council, and Little Paxton Parish Council.
The group’s success has resulted in a waiting list for children wanting to join in the fun. For information about the other active local Watch groups in the area please, contact Amanda Swinford, Wildlife Watch officer on 01604 405285 or Amanda.Swinford@wildlifebcnp.org