Durham Wildlife Trust has arranged an exciting series of summer holiday events as part of its campaign to re-connect young people with nature.
The Trust has organised a series of events during July and August, most of them aimed at young people, and ranging from walks and mini-beast safaris to pond dipping and carrying out voluntary work at nature reserves.
Events will take place at venues including the Trust’s reserves at Rainton Meadows near Houghton le Spring and Low Barns near Witton le Wear, where the visitor centre has recently been refurbished.
A key driver of the initiative is the Trust’s concern that, in an age of technology, young people are losing the connection with the world around them. The events address that by allowing young people to explore the wildlife on their doorsteps.
One of the flagship events is the Rainton Meadows Forest School (5-9th August) at Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve. Explorers aged 6-11 are invited to uncover the secrets of the woodland through a series of activities. The cost is £20 per child per day or £90 per child for the week.
Also expected to be popular are the Green Teen events at Low Barns on August 7 and 14. These are a fantastic opportunity for teens interested in wildlife. Those taking part can join the Trust’s volunteer workforce for the day and find out what it takes to manage a nature reserve. Morning and afternoon sessions are available and the events are suitable for 14+ years.
Zoe Hull, the Trust’s Head of Operations and Development, said: ‘’In an age of digital technology, we are passionate about letting young people know what the great outdoors has to offer and the school holidays is a great chance to do that.
“Our events programme is designed to put young people back in contact with flora and fauna, to remind them that going pond-dipping or seeking out mini-beasts can be just as satisfying, if not more so, than sitting indoors all day staring at a screen.”
You can find out details of all the events, and book places, at What’s On – Durham Wildlife Trust
