Barratt David Wilson Homes, the housebuilder behind the Applegate Park development in Sittingbourne, recently partnered with Kent Wildlife Trust to host a min-beast workshop for learners from local Specialist Independent school, ALP Sittingbourne.
Ensuring people of all ages and backgrounds have access to education in the natural world can help improve mental and physical wellbeing and safeguard the environment for the future . With this in mind, Barratt David Wilson Kent invited learners from ALP Sittingbourne to its Applegate Park development to take part in a bug hunt workshop with Kent Wildlife Trust. The workshop taught learners how to search for native mini beasts living on the development, as well as learning about their habitats.
Alongside this activity, Barratt David Wilson Kent has also recently unveiled a new bird song panel at its Applegate Park development, allowing residents to learn about the birds which are commonly found in the wider Sittingbourne area. The panel features noises from a variety of birds such as a Hen Harrier, a Merlin, a Short-Eared Owl, a European Golden Plover and a Eurasian Curlew.
Kent Wildlife Trust’s mission is to ensure that local wildlife is protected and restored, now and in the future. The trust supports organisations, people and communities connect to nature and care for natural places. Kent Wildlife Trust has a vision for a wilder future by creating wilder towns, cities, woodlands, grasslands, rivers and coastlines to benefit locals and tackle global environmental threats.
Anna Peschek, Lead Tutor & Business Support Officer at Kent Wildlife Trust, said: “Kent Wildlife Trust is part of the country’s leading conservation charity, driving innovation to fight climate and nature crises, making workshops like this one with local schools crucial. When Barratt David Wilson Kent contacted us to support with its commitment to teach young children about native creatures and their significance, we felt it was an opportunity to work with groups we otherwise wouldn’t.”
“The session allowed me to engage with the pupils to help them identify the creatures they found including snails, ladybirds and spiders, look at parts of a plant, plant lifecycles, habitats and the importance of spaces for nature. At Kent Wildlife Trust, we have numerous sites and reserves that are available to the public to see a wide range of habitats and we also offer visits to schools.”
Lily Garner, class teacher at ALP Sittingbourne, added: “The mini-beast workshop was a valuable experience for our learners having the opportunity to take part in outdoor learning, whilst opening their minds to nature. It is proven that outdoor activities enhance physical activity, cognitive growth, emotional well-being and social skills, so I was really keen for ALP Sittingbourne to get involved to support with their education. The workshop gave our learners the chance to discover native mini creatures that they likely come across every day without knowing.”
Natalie Perry, Sales & Marketing Director at Barratt David Wilson Kent, commented: “We are fully committed to supporting the education of young people in multiple ways including through nature. Over the years when we have run similar activities, we have found that pupils benefit massively from learning outside and understanding the cycle of nature. Applegate Park is an ideal place for an activity like bug hunts as the development is surrounded by natural habitats and ponds, creating the perfect spot for bugs and animals to settle.”
