Wanstead Village Directory
48
Nature Nurture and
Wanstead Nature Club organiser Gill James explains what is in store for youngsters keen to learn more about the local environment, while Paul Ferris presents a selection of his wildlife photos depicting species to be found on Wanstead Flats in the coming months
A
new nature club will be set up on Wanstead Flats this month. The club is for children aged eight to 13 years who are excited by the natural world and want to find out more about it. We hope to be running outdoor activities all year round, whenever possible.
Despite its urban setting, Wanstead Flats is a great place to learn about local wildlife – it is not just a collection of football pitches. For a start, it has an area of grassland beloved of the largest skylark population in London. It is a delight to walk there on a summer's day when they are spiralling upwards high into the sky singing lustily. At present, there is no such club for children in the southern part of Epping Forest, so a group of interested adults got together to start one up, with the blessing of the City of London – who manage Wanstead Flats – the Forest and the Wren Conservation and Wildlife Group.
y
b of a willow The flower Lake Alexandra
Discover what the frogs and toads have been up to in nearby Cat and Dog Pond; find out how easy it is to make a birds' nest; have a closer look at what birds can be found on Jubilee Pond; or see what insects are out and about in March. Those who want to sign up to the monthly club will be able to see how Wanstead Flats changes throughout the year, with activities such as wildlife walks, games, minibeast hunts, pond-dipping and craft activities, both indoors and outdoors. Wanstead Nature Club will be hosting a free taster session on Saturday 24 March from 10am to 12 noon at the Harrow Road changing rooms on Wanstead Flats. Monthly sessions thereafter will be charged at £1.50 per child. Call 020 8989 4898 to register. To find out more about Wanstead's local wildlife, visit www.wansteadwildlife.org.uk
A peacock butterfly one of the early spring butterfl ies
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