Children in the Fort William area have the chance go to wild this year as, the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) and John Muir Trust team up with the Highland Council Rangers, to bring a brand new wildlife club to Glen Nevis. Glen Nevis Junior Rangers will meet for the first meeting on Saturday 23 January 2010 at Glen Nevis Visitor Centre.
The club is aimed at getting 5 – 12 year olds active, out of doors and inspired about wildlife and how to protect it. The first meeting will focus on learning about the creatures that live in the Glen and how they get through our cold, northern winters. They will also be making some yummy treats for our wild feathered friends, and warming up themselves with some hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows.
The club will run once a month and children will work towards both Scottish Wildlife Trust starlet and gold awards as well as John Muir Awards. There is lots of fun to be had, with leaders planning everything from making chocolate nests and trying your hand at surviving like the Jacobites did, to making animal homes and learning about life underwater.
SWT’s People and Wildlife Officer, Donna Mathieson said “The launch of the Glen Nevis Junior Rangers is part of a wider programme aimed at inspiring children about their wildlife and we hope create a life-long understanding and appreciation of it. As Scotland’s leading wildlife charity, SWT aims to increase family involvement with its work across Scotland. I hope many children go along to this new club, get outdoors and most importantly have fun!”
Those interested in joining the group are requested to book. Please phone Michelle Melville on 01397 705922 for more information. Places cost £3 and you don’t need to be a member of either SWT or JMT to join in the fun. Parents must accompany children under the age of 8 years old.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. Wildlife Watch is a wildlife club for 8-14 year olds, part of the junior membership of SWT.SWT supports a network of 22 Wildlife Watch Groups across Scotland aiming to inspire children about nature by getting them outside and enjoying themselves. For more information email echo@swt.org.uk
2. SWT is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 35,000 members who care for wildlife and the environment. SWT seeks to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manages over 120 reserves Scotland-wide.
3. The People’s Postcode Lottery is the lottery for charities in Scotland. Launched in November 2007, PPL represents a unique fundraising concept where players play with their postcode to win cash prizes whilst supporting local charities in Scotland. 40p from each ticket sold goes direct to charities in Scotland. To date SWT have received over £772,023 from PPL which helps maintain the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s network of over 120 reserves across Scotland.
4. SWT receives financial assistance and support from Scottish Natural Heritage and the People’s Postcode Lottery.