| Our School
visits programme only runs during the newt season, from early March
through to late October. We
are pleased to announce that Cheshire region Biodiversity Partnership,
Cheshire County Council and Cheshire Ecological Services have agreed
to help support the 2008 school visits programme with grant and
matched funding.
Sadly in today’s fast paced,
modern world many children have lost touch with the natural world.
In an attempt to address this issue we at newtsinyourpond.com have
decided to bring live adult newts, their eggs and young into schools
as part of a unique, interactive event aimed at engaging and enthusing
young students.
The event takes the form of various live specimens in display tanks
and bowls that the students, in small class groups can examine under
the supervision of a licensed newt expert during 20/30 minute sessions.
The expert will explain the newt lifecycle
and show the students how to identify all three of our native newt
species, their eggs and young while answering any questions they
may have about these fascinating creatures.
Past experience has shown that with
just a little forward planning the event can be successfully delivered
to the entire student body during the course of the school day.
If required the event can be tailored
to cater for larger numbers, for instance as part of a School Open
or Grounds Day. If appropriate the interactive newt exhibit can
be set up in the school hall or even outside, weather permitting.
Fact sheets and follow up project
ideas are included as part of each event. Two signed copies of ‘Newts
in your pond and garden’ are also provided, the first copy
is for the school library and the second is intended as a prize
for the student producing the best piece of work relating to the
event.
The total cost of each event, including
all materials, is £350. However, in some instances the grant
and match funding secured for 2008 will cover 100% of the cost.
For more information and to enquire
about the availability of event dates and funding please contact
jim@newtsinyourpond.com
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