Q&A Q A Wendy Patterson, Newcastleton Wildlife Watch &
new generation W
Inspiring a
endy Patterson is an artist and mother of two living in the Scottish Borders. Brought up in the beautiful Scottish countryside, she has been interested and inspired by nature for as long as she can remember and for the last three years has been the leader of the Newcastleton Wildlife Watch Group.
What inspired you to start a Wildlife Watch group?
My son Jake was my real inspiration. He loves to learn about the natural world and wanted to join a group that related to his love for wildlife. My partner Clive and I were searching for ages and had almost given up hope until we came across Wildlife Watch.
What sort of activities do you do with your group?
We do a huge range of activities, from planting wildflowers and trees to making bat, bird and red squirrel boxes. Baking bread on an open fire, making natural art, ringing owls, playing games, seasonal wildlife surveys, bird of prey days, sponsored rambles to building our own club house – the list is truly endless. We have support from Buccleugh Estates who have given us a woodland to learn about, respect and conserve which is a fantastic opportunity. When you combine children and nature the possibilities are endless.
What is the best way to get children inspired by nature?
Children are easily inspired by nature when you make it fun. Nature is a sensory experience just as much as it is educational. By turning our lessons into play, the children soak up everything they are learning with such enthusiasm. My group ranges from six-year-olds up to university age, which is really helpful
because the younger children have role models that are still passionate about the natural world.
Why is it important for children to have a connection with nature? I think it’s really important for children to connect with nature because they are the leaders of tomorrow. My group take ownership of their club, they are proud of it and all they have achieved.
Who should be responsible for connecting children to nature? We are all responsible. I feel all kids need to explore and discover nature from a young age; from nursery it should be part of education. Even something as simple as den building helps children learn to communicate, problem-solve and listen along with learning all about nature.
Where is your favourite place in Scotland for wildlife?
My favourite place in Scotland would be my home. I overlook the River Liddle which is home to otters, I have red squirrels feeding in my garden and the woodland behind my house has foxes, badgers and roe deer. I am truly spoilt!
Wendy Patterson is the Newcastleton Wildlife Watch Leader. To find out where your closest Wildlife Watch group is, visit:
scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/kids
NOVEMBER 2015 SCOTTISH WILDLIFE 35
© Jan Michael
© Jamie Grant
© Jamie Grant
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