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Young wildlife enthusiasts recognised
A group of young naturalists have received a special award from The Wildlife Trusts. Paxton Pits, in Cambridgeshire, has been named Watch Group of the Year 2009.
Wildlife Watch is The Wildlife Trusts’ branch for junior members, and the Watch Group of the Year Award aims to recognise and celebrate the activity of Wildlife Watch groups across the UK.
Whether dissecting owl pellets, or making natural dyes from vegetation, the group - which also won best newcomer in the 2008 awards – was involved in a huge range of activities, many of which were suggested by the children themselves, which helped them to learn more, and to care more, about the natural environment. Group member Laura, nine, said “The Paxton Group is fun and I have learnt a lot.”
"The judges are always impressed by the work of young people and Wildlife Watch group leaders when they see the entries for Watch Group of the Year” said Stephanie Hilborne, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts.
"This year has been no exception, with groups taking a really creative approach, for example, Paxton Pits, the winning group, learnt about swan migration by pretending to be swans, packing a suitcase for their migration and getting tagged! They then went out to observe real swans from the hide. This shift from imagination to observing the reality adds a whole new understanding and empathy to the experience of watching, and engaging with, wildlife".
The winning group will be presented with a special trophy and £75 in gardening vouchers. All regional and national winners will receive a certificate signed by TV presenter and The Wildlife Trusts’ Vice President, Chris Packham.
Find out more about Wildlife Watch.