Brownies in Shropshire explore the wildside for Explorer badge
2 June 2010
Brownies in Shropshire have been exploring the wildlife on their doorsteps this summer, with a whole range of opportunities laid on at their local Stiperstones National Nature Reserve, beginning this month (June).
The Stiperstones National Nature Reserve is managed by Natural England who are helping the Brownies to win their Wildlife Explorer badge. Outreach worker Jenni Clegg is based at the Stiperstones and will be running a range of activities for Brownies and other children who are interested.
Amongst other things they will learn about trees, flowers, habitats and the birds and insects in Shropshire, have a go at pond dipping, make bird feeders for their gardens and watch species’ behaviour and feeding habits. They will also make ‘pooters’ which are devices used to catch and examine insects.
Elaine Brannan, Brown Owl of the 13th Shrewsbury Brownie pack who have already attained their badges with Natural England said:
“The girls really enjoyed the opportunity to explore the wildlife that was all around them in the community. The variety of activities included practical tasks, which made it a very interesting activity to take part in. Achieving their Wildlife Explorer badge at the end was an added bonus.”
2010 has been designated the International Year of Biodiversity by the UN, to highlight the plight of life on our planet and the links between us, our food, fuel medicine and other essentials of life.
Natural England has launched a ‘One Million Children Outdoors’ programme, which aims to introduce a million children to the natural world by 2012, through a series of activities and opportunities such as visits to national parks, National trails, family events on National Nature Reserves and walks and school visits to local farms and county estates.
If your Brownie groups would like to do their Wildlife Explorer Badge, or if you would like further information on the activities please contact Jenni Clegg, Community Outreach Adviser for Natural England based at The Stiperstones on 01743 792 294 or email jenni.clegg@naturalengland.org.uk
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More press information from Judie Kellie 01299 896555 / 07973 744161 judie@jkpr.co.uk
or Dean Gallen 0300 060 1079 dean.g.gallen@naturalengland.org.uk
Notes to editors
Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
National Nature Reserves (NNRs) were initially established to protect sensitive features and to provide ‘outdoor laboratories’ for research. Their purpose has widened since those early days. As well as managing some of our most pristine habitats, our rarest species and our most significant geology, most NNRs now offer great opportunities to the public as well as schools and specialist audiences to experience England’s natural heritage.
Natural England is the body empowered to declare NNRs in England, the Reserves being a selection of the very best parts of England’s Sites of Special Scientific Interest. It is this underlying designation, which gives NNRs their strong legal protection. The majority also have European nature conservation designations.
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