Primary school pledges support to declining bird

CHILDREN at a rural mid-Suffolk primary school will be playing their part in saving the Curlew, a native British wading bird under threat of extinction, when they hold a day of fun and educational activities on 7^th February 2018.

The event at Thorndon Primary School boasts a visit from Dr Roger Draycott, the head of advisory services at the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT). The leading conservation scientist’s talk to the children will highlight the importance of curlew to the British countryside, what can be done to save them and how the youngsters can make a practical difference.

The activity day has been organised by Richard Negus who is a passionate member of GWCT. The 46-year-old has been raising money to support the Trust’s ‘Action for Curlew Campaign’ since learning of the bird's alarming rate of decline. His major fundraising efforts culminate when he competes in the grueling Northumberland Coastal Path Marathon on 24^th February. Generous donations have seen him raise £1,600 to date and he’s now getting the local community involved.

Pupils at Thorndon next week will be making masks for curlews and fat balls to provide additional winter feed for farmland birds, as well as learning techniques how to identify the popular species.

Richard, who is a gardener and writer, pictured, said: "My two aims in running the Northumberland Coastal Path Marathon are to raise funds to support the GWCT's Action for Curlew Appeal and to build awareness of this iconic bird's plight.

"Dr Draycott's visit will help to achieve both of these goals. In particular, he will instill in the next generation of young country people the vital roles they can play in conservation. It’s great to be engaging with this primary school on how important game and wildlife are in our beautiful countryside.”

Hannah Gant, head of school of Thorndon Primary School, added: “We are proud to support this very important and worthy cause and hope we can raise awareness throughout the whole community.

"Many of our children come from farming families and these are the next generation that can play an active role in supporting and caring for their environments. As a small rural school, we appreciate the opportunity to have such a renowned expert as Dr Draycott visiting us.”

At a later date, pupils at the school will be running the equivalent of Richard’s 26-mile run to raise extra proceeds.

To sponsor Richard, visit here.