This is the second year the Brownies have turned out to experience the magic of nature in their local park, through the Watch this Space project which is run in partnership with Belfast City Council.
Last year they made feeders for hungry birds and this year, they found out how to be creative with natural and recycled materials.
T-shirts were first created to portray how the girls viewed Victoria Park.Rainbows, birds, leaves and winter scenes were among the many things painted.Ordinary pine cones were then transformed into glittering fairies, with the help of a bit of clay and some green sparkle.The girls then learnt about the park’s squirrels before they finished up their work by planting a mini-garden in an upside down plastic bottle.
Lucille Coates, Watch this Space Officer with the Ulster Wildlife Trust, was delighted with the day’s success.“We had a packed couple of hours and the girls really put their minds to creating beautiful pieces of work.It was a really enjoyable day and they were a fantastic group to work with.”
She added: “Not only do all these craft activities help the girls appreciate their park and discover how much they can do with what is on their doorstep, but at the same time they are having fun and learning more about wildlife.”
Karen Kane, leader of St Brendan’s Church Brownies added “We had a fantastic day.I would like to encourage all children to take part in activities such as these.We look forward to taking part in future activities through the Watch this Space project.”
Similar activities take place in Victoria Park as part of a monthly Watch this Space Saturday Club for 7-12 year olds.The next Saturday club will take place on the 27th February from 10am – 11.30am.For further information or to register, please contact the Ulster Wildlife Trust on 028 4483 0282 during office hours or email education@ulsterwildlifetrust.org.
25 February 2010
