Maesmarchog Primary enjoys day of interactive learning at Banwen Ponds

On Monday June 17th enthusiastic pupils from years 1 and 2 of Maesmarchog Primary School enjoyed a day of interactive education at Banwen Ponds in Neath.

They got their hands dirty and contributed to the project by planting out the ponds with the Council’s Countryside and Wildlife team and Communities first, and were soon captivated by the wonderful world of ponds.

A programme of environmental improvements has recently been carried out at Banwen ponds. The Council’s Wildlife and Countryside team has created a series of 5 wildlife ponds and a boardwalk to enhance biodiversity and access to the area.  Ponds provide a valuable link between people and wildlife and this event was organised to encourage local engagement in the area. The pupils, aged 5-7, were taught vital practical skills and were given important information to take home and share with their parents.

The children also had the opportunity to become real wildlife explorers and try the new etching trail on site, during which they made crayon rubbings of their new favourite species including Saw Wort, dragonflies and frogs.

Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr. Ali Thomas OBE joined the pupils on the day. He said:

“Our ponds are really important for wildlife and as places where children can learn to value their environment whilst having fun. Getting schools involved in events such as this helps to raise awareness of the importance of these ponds as a resource for everyone and to encourage children to re-visit the area with their families.”

Funding for this project was provided by Neath Port Talbot Council, Natural Resources Wales and Communities’ First.

For a fantastic free day out in Neath Port Talbot why not visit the Councils website www.npt.gov.uk/biodiversity and go to the wildlife explorer trails page.

NPT CBC Duty Press Officer