News 2008

Press Release 16^th September 2008

200 Children Enjoy A Taste of the Outdoors!

On Saturday 13^th September over 200 children (and their parents!) enjoyed glorious September sunshine at the second annual Nature Activity Event hosted by the Friends of Mareham Pastures.

 The children took part in a variety of activities including:  Badge making; Bug hunting; Face painting; Camp craft & camouflage; Willow weaving; Wooden penholders; Mask collage; Treasure hunt; St John Ambulance and NAAFI tent providing refreshments hosted by Sleaford’s Army Cadet Force.

One of the most popular activities was tasting Army ration packs being cooked out in the field by the Army Cadets.  A giant cuddly soft toy panda was raffled and raised nearly £70 which will go towards funding future events for children at Mareham Pastures Locals Nature Reserve.

Mareham Pastures Local Nature Reserve, the former landfill site on the edge of Sleaford; is managed by a group of local volunteers, the Friends of Mareham Pastures under the guidance of Lincolnshire County Council.

 Zoë Watson, Secretary of the Friends of Mareham Pastures said:  ‘We believe the future of Mareham Pastures and other such projects relies on developing the awareness and encouraging our younger generation to appreciate the importance of such places.  This type of event is one way in which we can encourage local children and their parents to enjoy and become more involved with their Nature Reserve.’

 Matthew Davey, Lincolnshire County Council Community & Environmental Project Officer said:  ‘It was great to see so many children enjoying a visit to their Local Nature Reserve, getting involved with different activities and on such a lovely day too.’ 

Zoë Watson added:  ‘All the children appeared to have really enjoyed themselves.  If it wasn’t for the hard work of the Friends group and other volunteers we recruited for the day, this event would not have been possible.’ 

Anyone interested in having a go at conservation work is more than welcome to come along to one of the events at Mareham Pastures over the next few months.  No experience necessary.  The Conservation Volunteer Programme at Mareham Pastures will resume on Sunday 12th October 2008 and continue on the second Sunday of each month until March 2008. 

For more information contact Zoë Watson:  Email:  info@marehampastures.co.uk or Tel:  01529 307993. Alternatively contact Matthew Davey, Lincolnshire County Council Conservation Services:  Tel:   01522 554832

 

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