Outdoor Easter activities in Hertfordshire: Free Wild Child activity packs encourage children to explore their local nature reserves

The online resource for children aged five to 10 is available to download
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A new online resource to help children discover wildlife on their doorstep has been launched by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council this Easter.

Parents and children will be able to download a ‘Wild Child’ activity pack for their local nature reserve.

The packs, aimed at children aged five to 10, include a map of a nature reserve, a wildlife spotter sheet with things to look out for on your walk, and a ‘My Wild Walk’ activity sheet to complete with details of where you went and what you saw.

Children in forestChildren in forest
Children in forest

There will be five Wild Child activity packs covering nature reserves across the county:

> Tring Reservoirs

> Stocker’s Lake in Rickmansworth

> Purwell Ninesprings near Hitchin

Child in SpringChild in Spring
Child in Spring

> Kings Meads in Ware

> Thorley Wash near Bishop’s Stortford.

Emma Matthars, events officer at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, said: “Over the last year we’ve seen a surge in interest in our work.

"Throughout the Covid-19 restrictions the Trust has been helping families stay connected with wildlife through our Wild at Home project.

BluebellsBluebells
Bluebells

"Now, as restrictions ease, we want families to be able to continue their wild journey in the local nature reserves and wild places.”

This is the first time a downloadable pack has been made available for families as part of the Trust’s Wild at Home activities.

The idea is to encourage families to go out and explore their wild surroundings with the help of activities and downloadable maps.

Julie Greaves, Hertfordshire County Council’s Head of Sustainability, said: “We’re really pleased to be partnering with Herts Wildlife Trust on this Easter activity for families.

"We understand the urgency for climate action now and are committed to helping reverse the current 20 per cent decline in wildlife in Hertfordshire.

“By working collaboratively with organisations such as the Herts Wildlife Trust, we can help reduce those numbers and actively engage with families on how they can take positive climate actions whilst enjoying our beautiful green spaces. We are committed to ensuring our communities are future ready.”

In its Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy, the county council have committed to improve wildlife across the county by 20 per cent by 2050.

As part of the actions outlined in its Action Plan, they pledge to work in partnership with institutions, schools, businesses and community groups, to raise awareness and knowledge amongst young people while encouraging wider biodiversity action across Hertfordshire.