THE SCHOOL OF NATURE

BY ALICE MCDOUGALL (RSPB Volunteer)

It is perhaps no surprise that studies into the impact of bird watching and nature-based activities on children reveal many far-reaching benefits.

Birdwatching can increase skills such as critical thinking, observation, listening and memory, as well as developing patience and focus. And there are many directions an interest in the natural world may take a child: It is a haven for those who like categorising, making lists or learning scientific names; for creativity there is sketching or writing their own field guides; for those who like discovering, the innate and complex intelligences which permeate the natural world are immense.

Birds and mammals are imbued into our myths, folklore, literature and art, shaping our culture and understanding of the world. It connects children with the land and its politics. Studies have also shown that children who engage with supervised activities in nature have an increased appreciation of the need to protect animals, plants and habitats. They also developed a greater concern for other environmental issues such as energy saving and recycling. It’s fair to say we need children to get involved with nature for the sake of our planet, and of course this is where great passions are born – how many students of conservation, zoology, ecology or environmental science found their interest as a child?

Children who spend time in nature are also likely to be more active – which brings the undisputed benefits of boosted energy, reduced stress and better emotional wellbeing. And of course, adopting an active lifestyle at a young age has a huge impact on lifelong health and happiness.

Dip into the weird and wonderful underwater world on one of the RSPB’s pond-dipping sessions and find out about the lives of the strange creatures we rarely see.

As the summer holidays are nearly upon us, why not bring the children in your life to some of the activities at Pagham Harbour such as pond dipping, discovering our resident reptiles and amphibians, learning about our migratory birds and incredible raptors or enjoying our beautiful butterflies and busy, buzzy bees.

Help your children discover nature this summer by booking on one of the RSPB’s events for families and children – visit our website for more information https://events.rspb.org.uk/ paghamharbour or call 01243 641508.

Become an RSPB Volunteer!

It’s not just your children who can benefit from time spent in nature – you can, too! There’s no better way to improve your physical and mental wellbeing than joining the RSPB as a volunteer. We need friendly volunteers to help our visitors and protect the reserves’ wildlife. You’ll meet wonderful people and work with a great team of friendly staff and volunteers, and you’ll have fun! So why not get in touch? You’ll be doing nature – and yourself – a lot of good! To find out more about RSPB volunteering opportunities at RSPB Pagham Harbour & Medmerry reserves, get in touch with Rob Yarham, RSPB Volunteer Coordinator, at rob.yarham@rspb.org.uk or call 01243 641508.

Local History By Sylvia Endacott

I am often asked when Butlin’s arrived in the town. Originally, they came to a site on the Promenade in 1932, a site where recently a Blue plaque has been unveiled. It was not until 1960 that the £2,500 Butlin’s Holiday Camp was opened on the fifty-eight acre site known as Brooklands. Previously it was a Coach Park. Over 500 staff were employed to construct over 1,600 chalets some being paid 8s. 6d. per week. (45p approx.) Initially the holiday cost was £15 per week full board. This opening was on 2 July 1960 with the arrival of over 5,000 campers per week. Initially the cost was £15 per week full board. The company planted 2,000 trees and 20,000 roses. The Centre has played host to visitors and staff from worldwide destinations. During the 1960’s many Butlin employees were students, on 6 to 10 week working holidays from places such as Australia, New Zealand, Iceland and, for one season, from Czechoslovakia. During each season may stars of television and sports spent time entertaining guests. In the 1960s there were numerous religious conferences.

There have been many changes. The building of the Pavilion in 1999 and a new indoor swimming pool with the outdoor flumes. The demolition of chalets to the construction of three hotels, The Shoreline 2005, The Ocean 2009, and The Wave in 2012 and the new indoor pool in 2019. We should now watch to see future changes to this site which has provided holiday entertainment to thousands of holiday makers throughout its life.

ARUN & CHICHESTER (AIR) ENTHUSIASTS SOCIETY

AirACES www.airaces.org.uk

Patrons – Sqn Ldr Richard (Dick) Kharegat RAF (Retd) – ex Vulcan, Victor, B52 Pilot Wg Cdr Robert (Bob) Prothero MRAeS, MIMgt, RAF (Retd) – ex Victor Pilot

Monday 24 July 2023 - 1845 for 1930 hrs

‘Aviation Around Poole Bay – 1910 to 1976’ presented by Kevin Patience

Poole Bay played an important aviation part from 1910 to 1976, including in WW2. Kevin Patience will explain how Seaplanes operated in Poole Bay in WW1 and during WW2 it became one of the busiest airports in the world, operating seaplanes and flying boats for the RAF, RAAF, the Royal Navy and BOAC.

In 1939 the harbour was taken over by Imperial Airways as a base for the Empire and Catalina flying boats. Brownsea Island, in the centre of Poole Harbour, became a ‘Starfish’ decoy base and part of the defences for the protection of the Royal Navy cordite factory at Holton Heath.

During the Battle of Britain, Poole Bay was a key port for the D-Day invasion. For nearly 10 years, between 1939 and 1948 it was the UK’s only International Airport. The last flying boat arrived in 1976. Kevin tells a story about Poole Bay that few people realise took place in this seaside town in Dorset.

AirACES is an aviation talk society, providing its members with regular talks, given by experts in many different fields related to the world of aviation. The talks are held at the Chichester Park Hotel, Westhampnett Road, Chichester 7pm for 7.30 start. Members £5, visitors £7 and under 16s FREE. Doors open at 6.45pm no pre-booking, no reserved seating For further information about AirACES, please see www.airaces.org.uk, or call David Batcock on 01243 823007.