Wildlife Trusts honour children for their conservation work
Last updated 28/01/2010 12:48:52
Wildlife Trusts honour children for their conservation work
Whether dissecting owl pellets or making natural dyes from vegetation, a creative group of children from Cambridgeshire have been making a real difference to the wildlife around them – and now they've been recognised with a special award.
Paxton Pits has been named by Wildlife Trusts as its junior group of the year for its range of activities, many of which were suggested by the youngsters themselves.The activities helped them to learn more - and care more - about the natural environment.
The Wildlife Trusts are 47 Wildlife Trusts across the whole of the UK, working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone. With 791,000 members, it describes itself as the largest UK voluntary organisation dedicated to conserving the full range of habitats and species, whether they be in the countryside, in cities or at sea. Some135,000 of its members belong to its junior branch, Wildlife Watch.
"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."
Also recognised in this year's awards was Bulwell Wildlife Watch group, from Nottingham. The group won best newcomer after being set up in 2009 to engage with young people in a deprived area of the city, where youth crime and vandalism has been a problem.
Take a look at the Cumbria Wildlife Trust here ion Optimist World