Children connect with nature at wildlife play day

Children have been given the opportunity to connect with nature during a special play day, held at Stone Community Fire Station, last weekend.  

Organised through the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, local children and their families were invited to take part in wildlife play activities at the fire station on Saturday (6 August).

Activities included building bug hotels and bird houses to get children to think about the natural world around them.

It comes as Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is continuing to work with the wider community on delivering on its environmental sustainability strategy launched earlier this year.

Speaking after the play day, Shaun Rimmer, Wilder Communities Lead at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: "We were delighted Stone Fire Station wanted to host the wildlife play session.

“It was a great opportunity for children to connect with nature - and the firefighters too!

“Sadly, the natural habitat for bugs, such as rotting logs and thick undergrowth, is very limited in residential areas as many gardens are kept tidy with nowhere for them to take cover.

“Providing our invertebrates with dedicated spaces gives them a lifeline and it's just one of the many things we can do to keep our gardens nature friendly."

Liam Hickey, Station Manager at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It was great to see so many youngsters and firefighters taking part in activities and learning about green spaces and nature.

“We all have a role to play in protecting our environment and green spaces can benefit the environment and our own wellbeing, through improved air and water quality.”

To find out more about the work of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service in our community, visit: Your Safety (staffordshirefire.gov.uk)