Natural Wight’s Easter Pond Pirates a Rip-Roaring Success

It was a busy event for Natural Wight’s Pond Pirates last week. Ed

Pond dippingOver 120 people took part in Natural Wight’s Pond Pirates day on Thursday 21st April in Seaclose Park’s Arboretum.

Ray and Mark from The Footprint Trust were there to help children discover what creatures of the deep ‘lurked in the murk’ (plenty as it turned out!), Helen Butler from the Squirrel Trust led visitors on the squirrel trail and Donna and Lewis from the Bat Hospital treated everyone to a peek at three of our Island bat species, Serotine, Bechstein and Pipistrelle bats.

Fantastic turnout
Over 70 children took part in Natural Wight’s Easter Egg Hunt, finding eggs featuring 16 of the Isle of Wight’s most endangered species, hidden among the Arboretum’s trees.

Natural Wight Project Manager Rachel Jagger-Thomas said, “It’s been a fantastic turn-out and the children (and parents!) have had an amazing day learning all about Island creatures above and below water. We chose Seaclose Park as it’s easily accessible on foot and by bus.

“With such lovely weather, it’s also given people the opportunity to relax in the beautiful surroundings – a chance to appreciate all that nature has to offer even on our doorstep”¦ which is what the Natural Wight Project is all about!”

Next stop Riverfest
Natural Wight will be joining in the fun at Riverfest on Saturday May 21st or why not visit one of the Travelling Parks on 31st May (Hookes Way, Newport), 1st June (Nelson Road, Newport) or 2nd June (Preston Close, Ryde)