Children’s Spittal Pond Nature Walk
The Bermuda National Trust will host the Annual Children’s Nature Walk at Spittal Pond, during the schools’ mid-term break, on Tuesday, February 14th, 9:30am until 12:30pm.
Spittal Pond is owned by the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Government. One of Bermuda’s most spectacular open spaces, this 64-acre reserve is part of a necklace of wetlands along the South Shore, providing a diversity of habitats and an amazing variety of birds, especially during the migration seasons. It is Bermuda’s largest bird sanctuary.
While home to many native and endemic plants, Spittal Pond has unique features such as ‘Jeffrey’s Hole’, ‘Portuguese Rock’, the oldest evidence of humans on the island, and ‘The Checkerboard,’ a geological formation of marine limestone with a distinct pattern of cracks.
Children and parents will have the opportunity to experience nature first hand on the walk, as well as witness some of our cultural landmarks while they hear fascinating stories from the past.
They will be taken along the route by the Trust’s enthusiastic guides, stopping at points of interest to learn about the plants and wildlife of the pond and forest from the island’s leading environmental and cultural experts.
This year local experts include:-
- Scientists Mark Outerbridge and Dr. Jamie Bacon from Bermuda Zoological Society explaining American eels and threatened toads;
- Dr. David Wingate, Bermuda’s first Conservation Officer, sharing his insight on the birds at the Pond;
- Thaao Dill telling the story of Jeffrey, the escaped slave who hid in a cave at Spittal Pond;
- Filmmaker, Milton Raposo, discussing the cultural story and significance of Portuguese Rock, formerly known as Spanish Rock;
- Rob Chandler explaining the geography of the checkerboard and the power of natural forces;
- The Audubon Society helping youngsters study birds with binoculars.
A spokesperson said, “We encourage public transport and/or carpooling and children may be dropped off at the entrance to the eastern car park, as parking is in the field behind Harrington Hundreds Grocery Store. Groups will start at approximately 15-minute intervals and walk through the nature reserve stopping at stations along the way.
“There is no fee to participate and light refreshments will be provided at the end of the walk. Participants are asked to bring their own bottles that we will fill, to aim for a trash free event. We anticipate the walk will take approximately 90 minutes and is not suitable for strollers or children under 5 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
“Organised groups wishing to participate must schedule in advance. Contact Abbie Caldas, Education Officer acaldas@bnt.bm or 236-6483 x212.”
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Category: All, Environment
