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Young wildlife champions are winners
A group of young wildlife enthusiasts who regularly celebrate the natural environment through wild camping, pond dipping and bug counting has won the Wildlife Watch Group of the Year title, from The Wildlife Trusts.
The Lings Wood Watch Group, based in Northamptonshire, took the top spot for 2011. Its 20 members are part of a 150,000 strong army of young people, from toddlers to teens, who are passionate about enjoying and protecting wildlife and attend Wildlife Watch groups up and down the UK. The Watch Group of the Year Award recognises and rewards this passion.
Lings Wood made an outstanding effort to explore and discover the natural world. At a wild camping event members took part in moth trapping, bat detecting and dawn chorus walks, and rated it the highlight of the year. The young people take pride in their local wildlife, with group member Eleanor Morrison, 13, commenting on the Big Pond Dip: “I loved the day, and my favourite part was when Agatha, who was in my team, caught a newt. It really shows how well the pond is doing!”
Judges were impressed with the sense of ownership and responsibility shown by the group. Each member put a journalist hat on to contribute articles and interviews to the Watch newsletter. The group also voted to use only locally sourced, seasonal or fairtrade fruit at meetings following an education session on food miles.
Lings Wood Watch group leader, Susan Evans, said: "We are delighted to receive this award from The Wildlife Trusts in recognition of all those who make Lings Wood Wildlife Watch so much fun. The children deserve all the credit for this award as they are the real decision-makers of the group and the participants who make it a success."
Eleanor Morrison said: "I feel very proud to be part of this amazing group, and can't wait for more fun sessions!”
The winning group will be presented with a special trophy and £50 in gardening vouchers, with £25 going to the best new group. Runner-up receives £20 in garden vouchers, and all winners will receive a certificate.
And there was other good news for this group with Paxton Pits Watch Group coming joint third in this year's competition having taken the top spot two years ago.
Wildlife Watch is The Wildlife Trusts’ branch for its junior members, who receive four copies of Wildlife Watch magazine every year, a membership pack, and access to events and activities with their local Wildlife Trust. To find out more about Wildlife Watch and how to join, visit wildlifewatch.org.uk. Wildlife Watch groups are run across the UK by local Wildlife Trusts. To find your local group visit: wildlifewatch.org.uk/Where-you-live.