More sessions planned
for Brook Explorers

Pictured: Children from Calne who became 'Brook Explorers' during the summer holidays.

A series of nature sessions in and around Abberd Brook, Calne, that took place during the summer holidays were so successful that more are now planned for future school holidays, starting later this month.

Westlea Housing worked with the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust to organise the weekly nature trails for local children and their parents and says feedback has been really positive.

"The sessions in the summer involved over 30 local children who came along to join in and become the Brook Explorers," explains Westlea Housing’s neighbourhood worker Denise Cooper. "They found out all sorts of interesting things about the what lives in and around the Brook.

"They loved it and told us they wanted more sessions.

"Westlea is so pleased to be able to work with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust on such an interesting and rewarding project that helps encourage greater community spirit and respect for the natural environment."

Tom Hayek, Water for Wildlife Officer at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust said: "The Brook Explorer sessions were not only fun, but showed those who attended how much wildlife there is in urban areas. The number of species found in and around the Abberd Brook showed how much potential the area has for biodiversity."

Denise says that Westlea will work with the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust to put on another family session – for children and their parents or carers – on 28th October. This runs from 10.30am-12.30pm, and those taking part need to first meet at the Coleman’s Farm Learning and Community Centre in Angell Close (off Foreman Street).

When the sessions ran in the summer holidays, each had a different theme.

During the first, ‘Stream Dipping’, the children found a good cross section of species and recorded: Mayfly Nymph, Cased Caddis Fly, Water Mite, Freshwater Shrimp, Bullhead fish and Stone Loach. They discussed the life cycles of nymphs found in the brook, badge making and making dragon flies out of willow and recycled materials.

When ‘Looking for Grassland Mini Beasts’, they used nets to sweep the area adjacent to the pond, hedgerows and trees. They found moths, butterflies, snails, flies, aphids, crane fly and 2-spot ladybirds. The children collected different shaped leaves and made leaf mobiles and coasters.

Another of the sessions focused on bird watching and children walked along the brook, identifying common bird species using binoculars. They learned about the difference between birds that lived in trees and on the water. Children then made bird houses and bird feeders to take home and were told how to encourage birds to use the boxes next spring.

And the final session included a ‘Senses Walk’, after which children made crafts using recycled materials before being presented with certificates.