100 West Sussex Rainbows and Brownies go wild on Wildlife Discovery Day at RSPB Pulborough Brooks
Around 350 Girlguiding members aged four to 14 went out and about at the weekend to learn more about the nature on their doorstep and how they can protect it.
Among them were 100 West Sussex Rainbows and Brownies, including girls from the Charmandean district in Worthing, who visited RSPB Pulborough Brooks on Saturday.
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Hide AdAmanda Teasel, Chief Commissioner for Girlguiding London and South East England, said: “We’re committed to giving our young members exceptional experiences, so we’re delighted to offer these nature discovery adventures in partnership with the RSPB.
"Such adventures are as important as ever, with Girlguiding's research showing that an overwhelming majority of girls want to spend more time outdoors and in nature.
"By enjoying and discovering green spaces, girls can gain the wellbeing benefits which nature brings, inspiring them to protect and conserve their natural environment.”
The Wildlife Discovery Day at RSPB Pulborough Brooks saw the girls exploring the reserve with the help of RSPB staff and Girlguiding leaders.
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Hide AdRainbow Emily said: “My favourite bit was the pond dipping and finding the see-through phantom midge larvae.”
Activities on offer included pond dipping, using their senses to experience nature and making wild art. They were mini scientists surveying minibeasts and discovered Devil’s coach horse beetles, centipedes and millipedes, as well as larvae of glow worms and stag beetles, and marvelous moths.
Brownie Lillian said: “I really liked looking for the minibeasts because I found a really big beetle!”
The girls each took home the Growing Up Wild Insects and Minibeasts Paw Print badge.
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Hide AdYvonne Hunt, RSPB youth partnerships officer, said: “It is incredible to see so many young girls exploring and connecting with the natural world through this partnership with Girlguiding London and South East and our biggest event yet.“Young people are key to solving the nature crisis we are facing and the enthusiasm and excitement for nature we have seen this weekend goes to show just how much impact the next generation will have.”
Research released earlier this month by Girlguiding showed that 74 per cent of girls wanted to spend more time in the outdoors and getting them out and about, and into nature, is what the partnership with RSPB is all about.