Reaseheath College students help save the native bluebell (From Crewe Guardian)
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Reaseheath College students help save the native bluebell
2:30pm Thursday 9th February 2012 in News By Katie Durose
STUDENTS at Reaseheath College have taken a break from their studies to help save a threatened plant species – the native bluebell.
Around 20 students teamed up with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) to plant 1,000 bulbs in the community-owned Harmers Wood, near Helsby.
The English bluebell is threatened both by loss of habitat and by cross breeding with the more vigorous Spanish bluebell which has escaped into the countryside from people’s gardens.
Lecturer Alice Gylee said: “Conserving habitat plays a big part in the management of animals. This kind of project encourages students to look after the planet and also gives them a real insight into the importance of the work done by volunteers.”
The activity was part of the heritage lottery funded ‘Green Giants’ youth project, which is run in partnership with the BTCV to encourage young people to engage with their natural heritage.
The students are now learning how to conserve British habitat and its wildlife alongside their work with exotic species in the Nantwich college’s zoo. The bulb planting project will help them to achieve an additional Level 2 award in sustainability.
Pete Attwood, BTCV Cheshire projects manager, said: “We are very grateful for the students’ help. Their efforts have provided a big support for the Friends of Harmers Wood, the community landowners who are keen to maintain the habitat within the site.
“This was one of several youth groups we have taken to the site over the years. We have worked with Reaseheath’s animal management students before and look forward to working again with them in the future.”
Student Katie Lloyd, 18, said: “This has been a really good bonding experience for us because we have all had to work as a team. It’s also good to get involved with the nature in our own environment, as well as the exotic animals in our zoo.”
