Natural whirl

Wildlife project in bid for cash boost

AN exciting project to introduce youngsters to the joys of the natural world could move a step closer tonight.

The Wild About Here scheme has been devised by the Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association along with local primary schools.

The £20,000 initiative could see nature experts pass on their knowledge to youngsters in a bid to fill the gaps in knowledge of local wildlife and habitats.

The Association has applied for an Awards for All lottery grant and will tonight approach the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership for a £1,500 boost in funding.

Countryside wardens and officers from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds would be on hand to co-ordinate activities, while coaches would be hired to take children to wildlife hotspots, including Dovestone.

Association secretary Mike Rooke said: “This will be a great way of getting children to care about the area that surrounds them.”

Wildlife viewing kits, underwater cameras and moth traps would be just a handful of the pieces of equipment that could be bought with the money.

Organisers argue that the scheme, scheduled to run from March to next February, would also revitalise community spirit.

Schools taking part are St Anne’s, Lydgate; Friezland Primary; Greenfield Country Primary and St Mary’s Primary.