Page 15 - BBOWT Annual Review 2017-18

Let’s encourage a new generation
of wildlife enthusiasts!

Regular volunteers at our Sutton Courtenay Environmental funded by Thames Water. The project will improve conditions
Education Centre are dedicated to creating an inspirational place for water voles and create a new pebble bank for safe stream
for children to discover nature. dipping. Volunteers will then install a streamside path and an
education area for children to investigate the watery wildlife,
Thousands of volunteers make up the many work parties adding further opportunities to inspire young minds.
that help to keep our nature reserves, visitor centres and
environmental education centres running. The Sutton Courtenay
Environmental Education Centre work party is typical of the hard
work and dedication of those who selflessly give up their time.

This energetic group continually seeks to improve the Centre,
which welcomes hundreds of schoolchildren and toddlers every
year to fall in awe of nature.

Their efforts have created a new Forest School area and dipping
pond for curious youngsters to get up close to wildlife, many for
the first time. Some members of the team have been trained to
use brushcutters and scythes so they can keep paths clear and
better manage meadow areas for wildlife.

Community Wildlife Manager Mark Bradfield explains: “Without
this work the site quickly becomes overgrown with nettles and
brambles that make it harder to access the educational areas.
The group makes so much difference to the children’s enjoyment
and we’ve received many comments from visitors about how
much the site has improved over recent years.”

Last winter the group cleared areas
of bank along the Moor Ditch to
prepare for restoration work,

Annual Review 2017/2018 | Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust 15