Natural England

Staff from Natural England were on hand at a recent event aimed at getting children in Somerset out of the classroom and into the countryside. Pat Lehain, Steve Portch and Mark Edwards from the organisation’s Taunton office, led a number of educational sessions at a wild flower meadow near Curry Rivel, teaching pupils from several local schools about plants, wildlife and their links to food chains.

Mark Edwards of Natural England said ' Over the three days we saw around 180 children who were all keen to learn more about wildlife and the countryside. The children particularly enjoyed the session on dissecting Barn Owl pellets. Classes were also held on hedge and meadow plant identification. We're really pleased to be able to support this initiative and hope to be involved again next year. It was a great opportunity for us to share our knowledge and skills with the next generation.'

After the event pupils from each school were asked to produce a poster display showing what they had learnt and enter into a competition. Henry Lang, the farmer who hosted the event was also one of the judges and the winning entry was from Curry Mallet Primary School.

The Kingfisher Award scheme was set up in the 1990's to help Devon's school children connect with wildlife and learn about its links to farming. The scheme is run in partnership with the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and for the first time this year was opened up to include schools in Somerset.

Notes to editors

For more information about this press release please contact Christine White on 07900 608 017

Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings. For more information: www.naturalengland.org.uk