Wildlife Watch is the children's branch of the Wildlife Trusts. Wildlife Watch nurtures young people’s interest in wildlife and the environment by creating learning opportunities and encouraging participation. We have regular clubs running throughout the region, led by a team of enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers.
How Wildlife Watch Works
We have over 100 Wildlife Watch adult volunteers, supported by our local Wildlife Watch Co-ordinator, delivering inspiring education to children aged 5 – 13 every month.
Wildlife Watch is underpinned by five principles “The Wildlife Watch Approach”
- Creating factual, informal, fun ways to investigate our surroundings
- Increasing understanding of our environment
- Fostering awareness and feeling for the world we live in
- Encouraging a caring attitude towards wildlife and participation in conservation
- Ensuring that young people’s environmental concerns, ideas and opinions are recognised and developed, and that opportunities are created to act upon them
As a registered Wildlife Watch volunteer you will receive a copy of the “Essential Guide to being a Wildlife Watch leader”, resources to run a safe and enjoyable group, regular magazines and newsletters and access to hundreds of activities, spotting sheets, posters and downloads in the leaders section of the Wildlife Watch website. www.wildlifewatch.org.uk
Become A Watch Volunteer
We are always looking for new volunteers and currently have spaces for Watch leaders and helpers in the following areas
PENDLE, CLITHEROE, HEYSHAM, LYTHAM and BEACON FELL
In order to register as a Wildlife Watch volunteer you will be asked to undertake a Criminal Records Bureau check and will be asked to provide references. You will also be expected to attend relevant training sessions such as Child Protection. This can take up to 3 months so we ask that you try to commit to the role for at least a year. As Wildlife Watch volunteers lead children, this role is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
To find out more about getting involved, please contact our Volunteering Team or sign up here to become a volunteer.
Wildlife Watch On Your Doorstep
We currently have 12 groups running across Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, for details on when and where they meet check here. Some of our groups have been running for over 20 years and have waiting lists for children keen to learn about wildlife.
Young people who attend Wildlife Watch groups also get invited to attend the annual get together – “Little Badgers Day Out”. A great opportunity to meet up with like minded children and to have a go at new activities from wildlife photography or animal tracking.
Leaders also have the chance to catch up with the Wildlife Watch volunteers conference – “Big Badgers Day Out” – expand your knowledge with workshops from winter tree ID to mammal trapping and natural art.
Set Up Your Own Watch Group
If you wish to set up a new Wildlife Watch group in your area please contact our Wildlife Watch Co-ordinator on watch@lancswt.org.uk We also provide resources and support to help you set up a Wildlife Watch group in your school
Whether you're a parent who would like to help or someone who just wants to pass on your enthusiasm for nature, we would love to hear from you.
