Press Release

Press Release Archive: Thursday 25 February 2010

Wildlife Trust celebrates National Science and Engineering Week

From the rocks beneath our feet to the stars in the skies, there is plenty to discover with the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust during National Science and Engineering Week.

The special week, co-ordinated by the British Science Association, runs from 12 – 21 March.  Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust events start with a unique insight into one of Britain’s most famous scientists, Charles Darwin.  Darwin was fascinated by the natural world; his studies of fossils and geology contributed to the development of his theory of evolution.  At Far Ings National Nature Reserve on Saturday 13 March, Dr Michael Howe of the British Geological Survey will give a talk about Darwin’s geological interest.  There will also be a rare opportunity to see some of the rocks Darwin collected on the voyage of HMS Beagle (1831-1836). Darwin the Geologist at Far Ings National Nature Reserve Saturday 13 March, 2pm – 4pm Booking in advance is essential, please call 01652 637055 £2.50 per person "Darwin had a schoolboy passion for collecting and identifying rocks and fossils" commented Hellen Hornby, Principal Education Officer for the South Humber Wildlife and People Project.  "These events have been organised to provide adults and children with the chance to discover the wonders of geology." On Sunday 14 March, local expert geologist John Aram will be on hand at Far Ings with a collection of fossils and rocks for everyone to see.  People are also invited to bring along their own weird and wonderful fossil and rock specimens to have them identified, and have a go at making a replica fossil to take home. Rocks and Fossils at Far Ings National Nature Reserve Sunday 14 March, 2pm – 4pm Booking in advance is essential, please call 01652 637055 £2.50 per child (children must be accompanied by an adult) The two events at Far Ings are organised through the South Humber Wildlife and People Project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. After a look at the rocks of our own planet, sights are set on the stars. Lincolnshire-based astronomer, Paul Money, will give an illustrated talk at Whisby Nature Park on Friday 19 March focussing on the stellar highlights of the night sky in spring.  If the sky is clear, there will also be the opportunity to view the stars through a powerful telescope. Starnight: Highlights of the Spring Sky at Whisby Nature Park Friday 19 March, 7.30pm - 10pm Booking in advance is essential, please call 01522 696926 £3.50 adult, £2 children Out on the coast, at Gibraltar Point National Nature, attention is on the bird life. Spring is a time of activity with migrating birds arriving and many species preparing for the breeding season ahead.  However, for the best wildlife sightings you need to rise early and the guided walk at Gibraltar Point starts at 8.30am.  The walk is followed by an optional bowl of hot soup in the Point Café in the Gibraltar Point Visitor Centre (at a special discounted price). Birds of early spring guided walk at Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve  Sunday 21 March, 8.30am – 11.00am Booking in advance is essential, please call 01754 898057 Adults: £5 with soup, £2 without soup. Children: £4 with soup, £1 without soup. See the events pages for full list of Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust events in March.

Notes to Editors

1. The events at Far Ings National Nature Reserve are organised through The South Humber Wildlife and People Project (SHWAP), funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, aims to bring the magic of the South Humber Bank's rich heritage to everyone. The five-year project will bring the wildlife, built heritage and archaeological assets of the region together through education, recreation and the creation of new habitats and provide better opportunities for the public to engage with their environment.
   
   
2. Using money raised through the National Lottery, since 1994 the Heritage Lottery Fund has not only revitalised hundreds of museums, parks, historic buildings, landscapes and wildlife sites, but has also given new meaning to heritage itself. People from every walk of life are now involved with the heritage that inspires them, making choices about what they want to keep and share from the past, for future generations. HLF has supported more than 33,900 projects, allocating over £4.4billion across the UK, including £341million to more than 2,500 projects across the Yorkshire and the Humber region alone. Website: www.hlf.org.uk
   
   
3. The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and wild places throughout the historic county of Lincolnshire – from the Humber to the Wash. The Trust is Lincolnshire’s leading nature conservation charity with over 25,000 members and around 100 nature reserves. The Trust is a member of a nationwide network of 47 local trusts which work to protect wildlife - The Wildlife Trusts. www.lincstrust.org.uk
   
   
4. The Wildlife Trusts. There are 47 Wildlife Trusts across the whole of the UK, the Isle of Man and Alderney. We are working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone.  With 791,000 members, we are the largest UK voluntary organisation dedicated to conserving the full range of the UK’s habitats and species, whether they be in the countryside, in cities or at sea. 135,000 of our members belong to our junior branch, Wildlife Watch.  We manage 2,256 nature reserves covering more than 90,000 hectares; we stand up for wildlife; we inspire people about the natural world and we foster sustainable living. Visit www.wildlifetrusts.org 
   
   
5. National Science and Engineering Week is a 10 day programme of around 3,000 events running throughout the whole of the UK with the aim of celebrating science, engineering and technology and its importance in our lives. With no restrictions on who can organise events, the topics on which they are focused, the audience or the venue, the resulting programme is a hugely varied and eclectic mix suitable for people of all ages and abilities. National Science and Engineering Week is coordinated by the British Science Association and is funded by the BIS (Department for Business Innovation and Skills). www.britishscienceassociation.org/web/NSEW/

 

For further information please contact

Rachel Shaw, Public Relations Officer
Tel: 01507 526667   (ansaphone out of office hours)
Fax: 01507 525732
Email: Rachel Shaw

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
Banovallum House
Manor House Street
Horncastle
Lincolnshire LN9 5HF

Website: www.lincstrust.org.uk