Photos: BNT’s Annual Spittal Pond Walk
The Bermuda National Trust’s annual nature walk for children took place at Spittal Pond today [April 1].
A spokesperson said, “Sponsored by Arch, this free guided tour aims to inspire young people with a love for Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage.
“Around 200 children, parents, grandparents, and camp leaders participated in the event, setting off in small, guided groups at 15-minute intervals throughout the morning. Along the route, expert guides provided engaging insights into the pond’s ecosystem, local plant and animal life, and Bermuda’s rich cultural heritage at key landmarks such as Portuguese Rock and Jeffrey’s Cave.”
“This annual event is a wonderful opportunity for children to immerse themselves in nature and explore Bermuda’s largest nature reserve,” said Karen Border, BNT’s Executive Director. “We are thrilled to see so many families and camp groups eager to learn about our island’s unique habitats and wildlife.”
A spokesperson added, “Spanning 64 acres, Spittal Pond is one of Bermuda’s most spectacular open spaces, protected in trust for the community by the Bermuda National Trust. As the island’s largest bird sanctuary, it provides a diverse range of habitats that attract an incredible variety of birds, especially during migration seasons. The site is also of significant historical importance, home to Portuguese Rock—the oldest known evidence of human presence on the island—and Jeffrey’s Cave, where an enslaved man is said to have hidden for several weeks to escape captivity.
“Throughout the walk, children engaged with natural heritage experts, including Myles Darrell, BNT’s Head of Natural Heritage, who introduced them to the reserve. Dr. Dörte Horsfield of BNT provided insights into pond life, while Dr. Mark Outerbridge of BAMZ explained pond ecology and conservation. Erich Hetzel and Janice Hetzel from the Bermuda Audubon Society guided the children in spotting and identifying local and migratory birds. The significance of Jeffrey’s Cave was highlighted by Dr. Kim Dismont-Robinson and Ronald Burchall of BNT spoke about Portuguese Rock. Dr. Robbie Smith of BAMZ explained the geological forces behind Spittal Pond’s striking “checkerboard” rock formation. Participants were also treated to a special moment observing humpback whales spouting and surfacing offshore while talking with whale researcher Andrew Stevenson.
“Spittal Pond is jointly managed by the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Government. For more information about Spittal Pond, private tours, or volunteer opportunities with BNT’s nature reserves, please contact Myles Darell, myles.darrell@bnt.bm.”
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