I began volunteering with the Education Rangers for the Natural History Society of Northumbria in autumn last year (2024). Since then I have had the opportunity to help with several school visits to Gosforth Nature Reserve, as well as being involved in Gosforth Wild Web through their visits to Kingston Park Primary School. So far I have found it an encouraging experience and one that feels very worthwhile.
Getting Involved in Nature Based Activities with School Children
Activities have included things such as pond-dipping, bark-rubbing, birdwatching and bug hunts, and engage the children with many different parts of nature. Some of my favourite experiences have been through pond-dipping and searching for minibeasts, as these help the children to notice the small yet amazing things that they might not otherwise get a chance to see and that are more easily overlooked. They also provide a brilliant opportunity to get really close up to lots of different species. For example, the children always get very excited when we find Sticklebacks during pond dipping! Suddenly nature become more real to them, and this contributes to them feeling more connected to it.
The Importance of Engaging Children in Nature
Overall, working with children in this way has really emphasised to me the importance of engaging children (and adults too!) with nature. Encouraging people to be curious rather than fearful or destructive towards nature, and being enthusiastic about all the things to be discovered, all contributes to a world in which nature is protected and looked after. After all, we as people are much more likely to value and protect things we are aware of and understand.
