Inspiring the next Darwin

 

 

In the past two weeks we have had 3 different groups to the centre to experience our new Darwin course. These groups of primary school age children have had the opportunity to come to Preston Montford and mirror local scientist Charles Darwin for two days. During their one night stay they had the chance to explore, to create, to learn about Darwin and above all else think. The children created pieces of natural art that Pablo Picasso would be proud of, using materials that can be found on our diverse grounds. Taking part in some darwinteering this gave them the chance to explore our grounds using a map whilst being reminded about the importance of team work.

Other activities included pond dipping, mammal trapping, an egg drop and learnt how they can help any wildlife at home and in school. During their stay at Preston Montford we asked the children to complete the Darwin Challenge. This consists of them developing a range of skills and qualities including team work, independence, politeness and respect for others, amongst other things. One of my personal highlights during the Darwin course is the bonfire which encourages singing, creativity, storytelling and hot chocolate.

Over the past 3 Darwin taster sessions I have been able to see what is required when teaching younger children of a primary school age. This has allowed me to adapt my teaching style and delivery to cater for the needs of the group and to explain things in a way that everyone can understand. I look forward to taking more of a leading role in these sessions and therefore develop my knowledge and teaching ability.

If you would like to get in contact with us please contact, Jess Pugh on schools@field-studies-council.org

Check back next time :)

Staci (EA)

Young Darwin Scholarship

Preston Montford hosted the Young Darwin Scholarship, an FSC initiative to encourage and support young people who have a real interest in the natural world - to develop the next generation of ‘Charles Darwins’. Here is a response from Zak, one of our “Young Darwins” on what the week’s experiences meant to him.

I didn't know much about the Young Darwin Scholarship before I applied for one; name-dropping arguably the most important naturalist who ever lived, it certainly sounded like something special, but in the week-long residential that followed my receipt of the scholarship, all my expectations were exceeded.

Set up by the Field Studies Council (FSC) in 2012, and having accepted 15 new applicants every year since, the Young Darwin Scholarship is an initiative with the goal of encouraging and supporting the next generation of 'Darwins' - young people aged from 16 to 17 with an interest in the natural world, and a desire to pursue this interest further. Beyond the advice and support afforded by an ever-expanding network of fellow scholars, I had the chance to go on a weeklong residential course at the FSC-owned Preston Montford Estate in Shrewsbury - the very same town that Darwin himself was born and grew up in.

With the fourteen other scholars, I took part in activities ranging from moth and mammal trapping to canoeing along the River Severn in search of wildlife. We explored a disused lead mine in Snailbeach Rocks (oddly enough, a place which was neither a beach nor particularly renowned for its snails), which proved to be both fascinating from a geological point of view and darkly atmospheric in its own right. Some days we would spend hours simply walking through Shrewsbury's most impressive landscapes, including the vast, craggy Stiperstones (a stretch of rocky heath moorland whose name unsurprisingly means, in the local dialect, the sharp stones), in search of rare species like red grouse or kites - the rain, of course, was unrelenting, but the heavy banks of mist only added to the land's remote beauty. The last day was given over entirely to a BioBlitz - an intense series of sessions focused on identifying as many species on the estate as possible, with assistance from a range of environmental experts. Excitingly, the results we recorded were then uploaded by us onto an international database, meaning we had contributed to vital biodiversity statistics.

I've taken away a lot from that week: I've learnt that I'm terrible at identifying bird calls, but not too bad at bats; I've realised that moths are far more diverse than I previously imagined, and (at least to me) have an unusual beauty that far outshines the ever-popular butterflies; that otters never show up when you want them to, and a few twigs cracking is all it takes to scare away a family of badgers after waiting an hour to see a single shining eye; I've learnt that every species is fascinating in its own way, from the worms we surveyed on the first day to the barn owl that flew within a few metres of my face on the last night. The Young Darwin Scholarship taught me all this and more, and I can't wait to see what it teaches me next.

A new face at Preston Montford

On the morning of 25h August 2015, I left beautiful Belfast to start my journey to Preston Montford. This journey wasn’t just about travel, it was when, for one year I would no longer just be a Geography student at Ulster University, but also an Education Assistant (EA). The first month in my role as EA has flown in. Each day bring new tasks and there are never two days which are the same. I have had the chance to see first-hand the hard work and time that goes in to preparing lessons and equipment, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Preston Montford caters for so many different groups from all across the country, from Bats to Butterfly’s and people of all ages. I have had the chance to see some beautiful parts of Shropshire including Carding Mill Valley and Shrewsbury town. Two contrasting places, but both amazing in their own right. I am excited to get develop my geographical knowledge further by looking at both human and physical aspects. This will hopefully stand me in good stead throughout my placement and once I return to university. I am also excited to see other parts of England and Wales through working with the Field Studies Council. I think my greatest challenge will be adapting to the differences between being a student and working full time in a fast paced environment. If this first month is anything to go by this next year at Preston Montford will be an amazing learning curve and all in all a great experience. If you want to come with me on this journey over the next year check in every month and there will be a new update.

Staci Maxwell