Children on the Isle of Skye will have the chance to go wild and get creepy this Halloween as the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) prepares to launch a new Wildlife Watch club in Bracadale this weekend (31 October).
Wildlife Watch is the junior branch of SWT which aims to get kids between eight and 14 active out-of-doors and inspire them to learn more about local wildlife and how to protect it with themed games and activities
The first meeting of the new Bracadale Wildlife Watch Group is set for the spookiest Saturday of the year, 31 October, at Minginish Community Hall in Portnalong from 2 pm to 4 pm.
SWT’s People and Wildlife Officer, Donna Mathieson, said:
“The launch of the Bracadale Wildlife Watch club is part of a wider programme of redevelopment within SWT, which aims to increase the appeal of the organisation to children and young families.
“Exploring the outdoors has always been a favourite pastime for children, and we aim to take this natural enthusiasm to combine fun activities with education.
“I hope many local children go along this Saturday and have a great time. As its Halloween, they will be out searching for creepy creatures and finding out about real Halloween wildlife. And after there will be a storytelling session all about Harpo the monster of Loch Harport and other local ghouls!
“Having fun in fancy dress is also welcome, but all children must wear waterproofs and wellies or walking boots. In the event of poor weather, indoor activities will be offered instead”
Joining the Bracadale Wildlife Watch costs £2 per child per meeting. For more information contact Niki on 01478 640 483, or Heather on 01478 640 476
SWT is the largest membership organisation dedicated to protecting all of Scotland’s wildlife, from each native species to every natural habitat. Visit www.swt.org.uk to become a member and learn more about how you can help.
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NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. 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.
2. Wildlife Watch is a wildlife club for 8-14 year olds, part of the junior membership of SWT. For more information email echo@swt.org.uk
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 Scottish charities. 40p from each ticket sold goes direct to charity 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Nicola McGovern, PR Officer, SWT
Tel: 0131 312 4742