Naturalists offer cash to Wharfe school projects (From Wharfedale Observer)

Naturalists offer cash to Wharfe school projects

10:00am Saturday 6th October 2007 in Local news By Jim Jack

A NATURALISTS' group has given thousands of pounds to help children learn more about the natural environment, and is offering more cash to local schools.

Wharfedale Naturalists' Society contributed £3,000 to restore a pond at the popular Nell Bank outdoor centre on Denton Road, Ilkley, and also gave £1,000 towards a dipping pond where young visitors can get a close-up look at wildlife.

The society, which recently gained its 500th member, is also working hard on improvements to a nature reserve at the former Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits, and is offering funding to local schools who want to create nature areas or nature projects in their own grounds.

Wharfedale Naturalists' Society celebrated its 60th year in 2005, and began offering small grants to Wharfedale schools from money it raised via a talk by celebrity gardener and society member, Alan Titchmarsh, and the sale of a commemorative guide to Wharfedale's flora and fauna.

Society president, Peter Riley, said: "At Nell Bank we helped them to recreate and restore a pond area they had. We provided funding our direct funding to the value of £2,000, which attracted part funding from their own trust."

The Naturalists' worked with centre manager Bruce Fowler to create the new features at the centre. The Nell Bank Centre is managed by Bradford Council in partnership with the Nell Bank Trust, and is a residential educational centre where community groups and schoolchildren can take part in various environmental and team-building activities.

Groups from many Wharfedale schools visit the centre, as well as young people from inner city areas and further afield.

Mr Riley says the society is still offering money to schools in Wharfedale who would like to create their own wildlife pond, nature area, or other project.

The Naturalists' have given small grants to a number of schemes in recent years, including a pond at Pool-in-Wharfedale C of E Primary.

He invited any school in thevalley which would like funding towards a nature garden or other project to contact him on (01943) 862916.