Kington Town Council to support project to get children connecting with nature

A project being developed to get young children and their families connecting with nature, will be supported by Kington Town Council.

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust contacted the town council recently to tell them all about WildPlay.

They said they are developing a three year project which would enable them to deliver free repeat open access sessions across the county where children live.

The aim is simple to get young children upto 13 years of age and their families outside, active and connecting to the nature where they live.

Julia Morton, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust Youth and Wellbeing Officer said: “This does not have to be a nature reserve, it can be the green space in their community.”

She said Kington Town Council is considered to be a key stakeholder and they would love the council's support.

Julia said they are looking for recommended green spaces where they can play and emails or letters of support highlighting the importance of connecting children to nature through active play and why the town council supports it.

The wildlife trust plans to submit a funding application by the end of November.

At the October town council meeting, Councillor Bob Widdowson said he had been involved with Wildplay 10 years ago when they formed a partnership with the primary school. He said at that time they made a movie to encourage children to play outside.

“I am in favour of what they are proposing, there is a big issue with children not playing outside enough now.”

Members said they could recommend Crooked Wells Meadow, Kington Park and Kington Recreation Ground for the project.

The council agreed to write and offer its support and the Mayor Councillor Martin Woolford asked Councillor Widdowson to write a letter on behalf of the town council and they will recommend the three green spaces mentioned.