Junior Rangers Conference

Eight schools across Milton Keynes enjoyed a fun filled day getting up close to nature with The Parks Trust staff to celebrate the annual Junior Rangers’ Conference.

by Laura Tarry

Junior Rangers with James Walsh, Education Ranger of The Parks Trust

Students from eight different schools spent the day with The Parks Trust staff at the Junior Rangers’ Conference on Tuesday 26 January 2016.  Twenty-four Junior Rangers enjoyed a day at our education centre at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve.

The Junior Rangers’ Conference gave students the opportunity to find out about The Parks Trust team and their roles in the community, take a tour of the nature reserve; try bird watching and have a go at pond dipping to see what creatures they could identify.

The Parks Trust Biodiversity Officer, Martin Kincaid was on hand to answer questions about the types of animals they may spot in the Nature Reserve he said:

“It was great to spend time with the Junior Rangers and see their enthusiasm for the natural world, while giving them an insight into the wildlife of Linford Lakes.

“The students were keen to learn about the birds at the reserve and the environment they live in.”

The role of a Junior Ranger is to tell other children in their school about what they can see in their parks and how they can keep their parks clean and full of wildlife.  Rangers have three main tasks: they read out a monthly parks’ bulletin in assembly; run competitions, quizzes and campaigns to raise awareness about issues in the parks; and set up and maintain a noticeboard with posters, pictures and maps.

Students from the eight schools presented ideas to The Parks Trust staff on how they will continue to act as ambassadors of the trust and some of their plans for the coming year.

Caylin Gans, The Parks Trust Education Ranger said: “Our Junior Rangers are valued members of our community. The Conference celebrates their commitment to showing interest in learning about the environment. It is also a good opportunity to award success and highlight those who have gone above and beyond their role.”

The Parks Trust runs an extensive education programme and provides environmental education sessions, including Forest Schools, for over 5,000 local children.

This scheme is free to join, simple to run and is fully supported by staff at The Parks Trust. If you are interested in signing your school up to the Junior Rangers scheme or want more information, please get in touch with Caylin Gans, Education Ranger, on 01908 255378 or email c.gans@theparkstrust.com.

To find out more about The Parks Trust’s environmental education activities visit www.theparkstrust.com.