Wild Week, an ‘Eco’ event for children, schools and families, ran between 13th – 18th June, with the aim of exploring nature and having fun out of doors! It was supported by MCA’s Youth Engagement team as part of our activities to protect the environment and to help others learn about climate change.
The programme worked alongside at least 12 local schools, some of which also linked with the Manchester University Great School Science Share, which was all about Climate Change this year. There were lots of fun things to do, such as experimenting, exploring, making things, discovering bugs, plants, wildlife and scavenger hunts.
To make it all happen, we depended on some wonderful adult volunteers who enjoyed working/playing and exploring the natural world with children in the great outdoors. We’d like to give a Big Thank You to all who helped with Moorlands Wild Week, whatever part played in the project, whether a volunteer, teacher, pupil, or behind the scenes with promotion, social media and organisation. Thank You.
Some examples from our volunteers of the many activities:
“A brilliant day writing poetry at Rushton and then art from natural materials at Endon Hall. Rushton had Wild Week bunting up to welcome me. Lots going on in other schools too. So pleased at how all the schools have embraced Wild Week, making it such a success.”
“Another busy Wild Week day. Greenwood Growth Forest Schools working with Rushton Primary making climate heroes out of clay, storytelling and listening to the birds. Rushton have also been learning about the problems of plastic in the oceans.”
“Out doing nature poetry at Blackshaw Moor First School this morning as part of MCA’s Wild Week. Showed them picture of Dandelion, asked them what it was. ‘A weed’ said one kid. He was swamped by indignant classmates correcting him and telling him ‘IT’S A FLOWER AND THE BEES LOVE IT!’”
"Blackshaw Moor children also looked at real fossils and made spirals from natural objects…. Including themselves!”
“Sally Perry out spreading the message at Moor First Biddulph and RSPB's Tom Peacock unveiling his own butterflies from chrysalis in front of the eyes of children at Endon Hall School!”
We have received very positive feedback from schools, who told us the children really enjoyed the experience. Also, our volunteers gave us some very positive feedback plus brilliant suggestions for next time! Feedback suggested that for their age, many of the children showed they already understood elements of climate change and had a significant awareness of the threats to our environment plus, more positively, some ways it can be addressed.
The week was hard work but so well-received and enjoyable, we plan to run it again next year. If you’d like to take part, do get in touch! This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
