children from Chernobyl

Features from Wildlife magazine Wildlife articles 2008 -- Spring 2008 -- ::Severn Barrage ::The Variety of life ::A year at Willsbridge ::Willsbridge comes of age ::Reaching out - Willsbridge ::Round the reserves Wildlife articles 2007 -- Autumn 2007 -- ::Thinking BIG ::Watery webs:the pond network ::Wildlife in the landscape ::Variety of life ::How to be a climate friend ::Seasonal stroll - Walborough ::Round the reserves -- Summer 2007 -- ::The Folly Farm appeal ::Weston Big Wood-biodiversity at its best ::The variety of life ::How to capture a butterfly ::How to get to know an orchid ::Seasonal stroll - WestonBigWood ::Reserves update -- Spring 2007 -- ::Folly Farm - a very special place ::Making a difference at Folly Farm ::How find the magic at Folly Farm ::Seasonal stroll at Folly Farm ::Magic spots at Folly Farm ::Batscapes ::Climate challenge ::Variety of Life - the Ponways project ::Round the reserves Wildlife articles 2006 -- Autumn 2006 -- ::The Severn Estuary ::Bird Watch results ::How to identify garden birds ::Making space for wildlife ::How does your garden grow? ::Round the reserves -- Summer 2006 -- ::Going for green ::Stand up and be counted ::Happy birthday NSLMP ::Holi day - a riot of spring colour ::Avon's species-rich grassland ::How to photograph dragonflies ::The Big Switch ::Round the reserves -- Spring 2006 -- ::How to identify winter water birds ::Make 2006 the year you... ::Invasive invasion ::Sowing the seeds: Willsbridge Mill ::Round the reserves Wildlife articles 2005 -- Autumn 2005 -- ::Indentify common funghi ::Build a hedgehog hideaway ::Big Bird Watch ::Champions for wildlife ::Round the reserves ::Seeds of the futre: Willsbridge Mill -- Summer 2005 -- ::Restoring Folly Farm ::How to become bee-friendly ::How to identify the butterflies of spring ::Save our seas ::The variety of life: hedgerows ::Round the reserves ::25 Ways to make a difference -- Spring 2005 -- ::The variety of life: water voles ::The Avon Biodiversity Action Plan ::How to take really good wildlife photos ::How to help your garden grow ::Round the reserves ::Seasonal strolls: Browns Folly ::Sowing the seeds: for wildlife for people ::Sowing the seeds: looking back

Features

Seeds of the future
at Willsbridge Mill

One of the Trust's most important goals is to inspire a passion for wildlife in children - to shape the decision-makers of the future...

At Willsbridge Mill we've been involved in the business of engaging children with their outside environment and creating wonder and excitement in their surroundings for 20 years. By sowing the seeds of environmental interest we hope to nurture a care and responsibility for our wildlife in both town and countryside in the youth who will inherit the world of today.

Willsbridge Mill Education Centre provides the ideal setting to sow these seeds. In its 20 years of operation it has developed a nationally acclaimed education programme which provides a huge range of activities for the young and old.

A special place
The restored 19th Century corn mill and long barn stand in the Willsbridge Valley Local Nature Reserve which is surrounded by housing estates, and situated mid-way between Bristol and Bath. With a fascinating mix of wildlife habitats all within easy reach of the buildings - wood, pond, meadow, scrub and quarries located alongside the fast flowing Siston Brook, the centre provides an invaluable learning resource. This green oasis on the urban fringe thrives with wildlife, including dippers, badgers, bats and dragonflies.

Over 4000 school and college students from nursery through to college and university use the site throughout the academic year. Whatever the season, Willsbridge has a magical quality that never fails to engage, surprise and excite visiting school children. Meeting the needs of an ever changing curriculum is essential if we're to sustain our highly regarded schools programme. 'The Rivers Tale', a stream based study, has recently been developed to meet schemes of work covered at key stage 2. 'Earth Studios', an environmental art workshop is popular in the autumn when colour is at its most vibrant.

After hours
At the end of a school day the wheels continue to turn when evening sessions are run for 'after school' childrens groups such as beavers and brownies. They indulge in the perennially popular pond dipping which never fails to ignite childrens interest in the natural world. Birthday parties are also catered for. Den building, woodland detectives and mini raft racing are just some of the wild activities offered, which provide a welcome green alternative to burger bars and bowling. In the school holidays, the site becomes a popular destination with holiday playschemes. Groups come from as far a field as Russia! The Children from Chernobyl project bring a group of children from Belarus every year to the centre as part of a visit which aims to improve the health of these children suffering from the after effects of one the world's worst nuclear power station disasters.

Playtime
Our exciting programmes are moveable feasts too! Workshops are regularly run for children on other sites, such as schools and National Trust properties and many of the activities are used to link school to nature on their doorstep. A giant spider web with trapped animal sculptures was created at Wick Primary School after introducing students to the recently designated local nature reserve at Golden Valley on the edge of Wick village. The Trust supports 'Wild about Play', a regional initiative aimed at reconnecting children with the outdoor environment. Staff have led training workshops for playworkers and environmental workers working with children, giving ideas and confidence to take children outdoors and immerse them in their local green spaces. Special events for all ages are staged throughout the year from tree dressing to fungal forays and owl prowls - see the enclosed events diary for current details.

How to find us
Take the A431 Bristol to Bath road, turning into Long Beach Road. Car park on left. Buses from Bristol to Long Beach Road or Willsbridge Hill. For further information contact Ruth Worsley on 0117 932 6885 or email ruthworsley@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

The nature reserve offers unrestricted and full access at all times. Wheelchairs can easily access the garden and immediate woodland edge and teaching pond areas. There is also a demonstration wild waste garden showing gardening for wildlife using items often just thrown away, like old sinks, baths and washing machine drums.

'The staff loved all the new games. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us. We look forward to returning next year.'

Headteacher at Cranleigh Court Infants

'My friends have been telling their parents how good it was and asking if they can have their parties there too!'

Heather Simms celebrating her 6th birthday party