The Wildlife Trust
Family fun exploring wildlife
Young
children seem to have a natural fascination for wildlife and their environment.
Bugs and slugs, slow worms and glow worms, larks and sharks – these are often
the things that they love to see, feel or find out about. So what do you do with
a child who is mad about frogs or bats? Wildlife Watch could be your solution.
Wildlife Watch is the junior branch of The Wildlife Trusts. Since 1972 it has been encouraging children and families to discover their local wildlife and to get involved with fun, hands-on activities. There is a great website www.wildlifewatch.org.uk where you can get information about hundreds of insects, birds, animals and plants that you might come across in Britain. You can create your own Spotter Sheets to take out with you. You can also record your sightings, so if you spot a fox or a robin, you can write it on your very own nature diary and earn points.
Here in Hampshire you can really get involved by going along to one of the Wildlife Watch groups or just join the Wildlife Trust and get magazines, posters and heaps of ideas for things to do. Groups currently meet near Andover, Basingstoke, Four Marks, Havant and Portsmouth, Gosport, Swanwick, Southampton, Totton, Ringwood and on the Isle of Wight.
Wildlife Watch groups are organised by registered volunteers - people who enjoy working with children and are enthusiastic about wildlife and the environment. They come from all walks of life and may not be experts on birds or bugs but learn alongside the children. If you would like to get involved in this way, please contact Di Smith on 01489 774430 or email dianas@hwt.org.uk.
Most groups meet for a couple of hours, once a month, and are suitable for children from 5 to 14 years. Children under 8 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Older children may become junior leaders. Lots of parents stay and join in because it’s so much fun, making these really great family events. Going regularly to one of these groups helps children to make new friends and have fun whilst learning about the natural world.
A typical Wildlife Watch meeting might start with a short game then get stuck in to pond dipping, shelter-building, making nest boxes or maybe plant a hedge. They may learn about compost, mini-beasts, tracks and signs or wild food. Indoor activities include crafts, clay models and games. Sometimes there might be a night walk to listen for bats and owls or an overnight camp. The list is endless and the children often help to plan the meetings around things that interest them.
At Wildlife Watch meetings, you are allowed to get muddy!
You can find details of all the groups and what they are up to on the Hampshire
and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust website
hwt.org.uk.