Local young wildlife enthusiasts recognised
26 January 2010
A group of young naturalists from Hampshire has received a special award from The Wildlife Trusts.
Swanwick Wildlife Watch Group has been named Watch Group of the Year 2009 for the South East Region. 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.
The Watch Group at Swanwick was involved in a huge range of activities, which helped the young members to learn more, and to care more, about the natural environment. Group leader, Carly Fretwell, said "Our group meets twice a month at Swanwick Lakes Wildlife reserve. Children come from all over the area to learn about all aspects of wildlife. We have run sessions on dissecting owl pellets, studying frogs, and looking at the seashore. The highlight was our annual bushcraft camping trip where the kids had great fun learning about living in the outdoors. Having fun while learning is very important and our ethos of ‘hands on' activity is a key success factor."
Also recognised in this year's awards were the Hampshire Wildlife Watch groups of Four Marks, who were voted the South East Region Runner Up, and Woodmill, Southampton who were commended by the judging panel.
"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 Amanda Morgan, People and Wildlife officer at The Wildlife Trusts.
"This year has been no exception, with groups taking a really creative and adventurous approach to the year's activities. Making bird boxes and feeding the birds were ever popular, as were minibeast hunts and pond dipping. But there was also an intrepid explorer theme to the entries this year, with an increase in groups taking part in bushcraft and forest school activities."
Di Smith, People and Wildlife Officer from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said: "All the Wildlife Watch Groups in Hampshire had a very varied programme in 2009, with some very interesting ideas. The bushcraft camp built by the Swanwick Group looked fabulous and the yearbook produced by Four Marks was really well presented. The work that the Woodmill Group did to protect local wildlife, by building nest boxes and dormouse boxes was also very impressive."
The winning group will receive a certificate signed by TV presenter and The Wildlife Trusts' Vice President, Chris Packham.
Ends
Photo opportunity
The attached photo shows the Swanwick Wildlife Watch Group winners.
For additional images or to arrange photography, please contact:
Diana Smith, Senior People and Wildlife Officer, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, dianas@hwt.org.uk 01489 774400
Notes to Editors
For further information please contact:
Diana Smith, Senior People and Wildlife Officer, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, dianas@hwt.org.uk 01489 774400
Wildlife Watch Regional Winners 2009 - South East Region
- South East Winner
Swanwick Wildlife Watch Group (Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust)
- South East Runner up
Four Marks Wildlife Watch Group (Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust)
- Commended
Woodmill Wildlife Watch Group (Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust)
Wildlife Watch is the junior branch of The Wildlife Trusts. Watch encourages and nurtures young people's interest in wildlife and the environment by creating learning opportunities, and inspiring personal participation and celebration. We have 150,000 subscribing members around the UK and support a network of adult volunteers working with young people. These include 1,000 leaders running groups and a large number of subscribing schools and educators.
Wildlife Watch http://www.wildlifewatch.org.uk/
Wildlife Watch groups are run by teams of adult volunteers supported by their local Wildlife Trust and some central resource. Groups encourage member contribution at all levels and operate according to guidelines designed to ensure young members can enjoy experiencing their natural world whilst remaining safe from harm.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust strives to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It is the leading wildlife charity in the counties of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and is part of a nationwide network of 47 local charities. We work together to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in the UK. With the support of our 27, 000 members, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Trust is taking effective action to protect our natural heritage, helping it to flourish again. Find out more at http://www.hwt.org.uk/
