It's a wild time for the Junior Rangers!

Friday February 25 is Bird Box Day for seventy seven children at Glebeland Community Primary School in Toft Monks. They will join South Norfolk Council’s Countryside Ranger, Steve Hammond, in building the boxes as part of the council’s new Junior Ranger scheme.

Steve Hammond created the project, which aims to bring nature into schools:

“I was delighted when 38 primary schools responded to my invitation to get involved. I visited every school that replied and a wide range of wildlife activites have begun.

“I am working with some of the schools on simple plans to help improve their nature areas. Others want to attract wildlife into the school grounds, for example with raised bog gardens where ponds are not feasible.“

Steve will then be at Ellingham VC Primary School on Tuesday 1 March where a team of environmental students from Bungay High School, will be planting hedges supplied by the council for the school. He said:

“We are leading schools in environmental activities including pond dipping, mini-beast safaris, mammal studies and churchyard visits.

“There has been so much interest and enthusiasm from teachers and children alike. I hope this kind of work gives the children an education and love of nature and wildlife, which will last throughout their lives.”

He added:

“By far the most popular activity is Bird Box making, and by the end of March we will have helped make more than 120!

“The success of the Junior Rangers scheme means that we are now looking at putting together an equipment resource of items such as pond dipping equipment, bat detectors and CDs on mammals, reptiles and amphibians, for schools to borrow.”

“It’s a growing project – and it’s one I am proud to be leading. If any schools in South Norfolk would like to know more, they can contact me on 01508 533947.”

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