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Accolade awarded for outdoor adventures at Whisby Nature Park

Ade Clarke

Whisby Wildlife Watch Group announced as winners of The Wildlife Trusts’ Watch Group of the Year

Outstanding efforts to discover wildlife have reaped rewards for Whisby Wildlife Watch Group, who were announced today as ‘Watch Group of the Year 2014’ by The Wildlife Trusts. The group, based at Whisby Nature Park just outside Lincoln, will receive a special trophy and £50 gardening vouchers.

This enthusiastic group of children impressed the judges with the variety and inventiveness of their activities with children exploring the strange world of slithering, hopping and crawling amphibians and reptiles, hosting insect athletics and discovering which minibeasts are the fastest, strongest, and jump the highest! The judges also loved the group’s video diary in which the children filmed and reported on their monthly activities.

Bugs can be misunderstood and get a bad rap but they’re truly astonishing creatures and it’s great to know Whisby’s children are discovering their little known but amazing talents! I encourage all parents to support their children in getting involved, to help realise the joy and wonder wildlife can bring to young minds and lives.
Nick Baker
The Wildlife Trusts’ Vice President

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust

During 2014, Whisby Wildlife Watch Group discovered water scorpions, dragonfly nymphs and water stick insects lurking in Thorpe Lake. The children also found time for a summer picnic, an autumn camp-out and a winter party! The 24 children, aged between 5 and 11 years old, meet once a month to learn about wildlife through the seasons and the species that live in our ponds, woodlands and grasslands.

We are so proud of our fantastic Wildlife Watch Group. They have put in a lot of hard work over the last year, and achieved so much! Their enthusiasm has never dwindled! They are a fantastic bunch of children who are always keen to learn new things and it’s so nice that their enthusiasm has been recognised.
Sheri Lake
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Education Officer and Whisby Watch group leader

Members explain what they enjoy about being part of the award-winning group

Wildlife Watch mud men

Mary Porter

 

Emily (10), said: “I love Whisby Watch because it’s very fun and we get to go outside a lot. I like the independence we are given and all of the activities are great, whether you are older or younger. I think it’s absolutely incredible that we have won the Watch Group of the Year.”

Tomas (8), said: “I am very proud that we have won Watch Group of the Year. My favourite activity is coppicing the willow in winter but I also love it when I get to catch bugs.”

Wildlife Watch Group of the Year 2014 line-up

Second Place

Newcastleton Wildlife Watch Group, Scottish Wildlife Trust

Best New Wildlife Watch Group Winner

Cambourne Wildlife Watch Group , The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire

Highly Commended

  • Alderney Watch Group, Alderney Wildlife Trust
  • Sark Watch Group, Alderney Wildlife Trust
  • Alford Watch Group, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
  • Rushcliffe Watch Group, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust
  • Lytham Watch Group, Lancashire Wildlife Trust
  • Watch Out Wednesdays (WoW!), Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

Find out more

Take a look at our Wildlife Watch Groups, as well as our Nature Tots for younger children and our Junior Wardens for kids aged 11 to 18.

Wildlife Watch

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