Young People and Wildlife

With more green space than any other town its size, there are lots of opportunities to get involved with local wildlife, and plenty of knowledgeable groups and individuals to help you out:

RSPB

http://www.rspb.org.uk/youth/index.asp

Wildlife explorers : For 7 to 11 year olds. A dynamic group that meets twice monthly – once indoors at Bradwell Abbey and once outdoors in a local reserve or park. Non-stop fun and games, with arts and crafts and loads to learn about all sorts of wildlife. cwphotography@hotmail.com

Phoenix : For 12 to 18 year olds. A lot of useful and practical experience to be had, not only in active habitat management, but also great insights to be gained from some of the most knowledgeable wildlife enthusiasts in the area. Recent activities have included badger watching, a behind-the-scenes trip to Tring Museum, talks from experts in various fields, tree-planting, coppicing and reed-planting. We visit and work at local sites as well as more distant nature reserves. For more details contact Alan Nelson a.k.nelson@cranfield.ac.uk

Milton Keynes Parks Trust :

Milton Keynes Parks Trust is the independent charity that cares for many of the city's parks and green spaces. This adds up to 4,500 acres of river valleys, woodlands, lakesides, parks and landscaped areas. They organise many events throughout the year, lots of which are suitable for families.

See http://www.mkparks.co.uk/parks-trust/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=26666.

There are also loads of opportunities to volunteer for the trust, including getting your hands dirty with some practical conservation work and creative projects needing photographers and artists.

See http://www.mkparks.co.uk/parks-trust/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=26684

BBOWT: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust :

http://www.bbowt.org.uk/

Local branch of the Wildlife Trust, with many wildlife reserves in the area, including Little Linford Wood and College Lake near Tring. Numerous opportunities to get involved, including species surveys and practical work, with wintertime coppicing work twice monthly at Little Linford.

The Wildlife Trust also has a lively children's club,

See: http://www.wildlifewatch.org.uk/