Visitors pond dipping during last year's open day.

VOLUNTEERS to help schoolchildren learn about their native habitat are being sought by a Nailsea preservation group.

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Friends of Stockway North Nature Reserve, which manages the area, has just released its annual report for last year which recorded 541 visitors, including 328 children.

Youngsters from Hannah More, St. Francis and Kingshill schools enjoyed pond dipping, mini beast forays, plant identification, treasure hunts and bird and nest spotting during trips to the beauty spot.

Brownies, St John’s Badger and childminder groups also tracked down birds, mammals, insects, plants, amphibians and fungi, at the former quarry and rubbish tip.

An open day held last May attracted 43 people who perused displays and took part in activities including a children’s treasure hunt and quiz.

For the third year running the reserve received an It’s Your Neighbourhood award from The Royal Horticultural Society and South West in Bloom for its contribution to a cleaner and greener community.

The pond, which had dried out, was re-filled and hedges and new plants were added.

The reserve is open every Wednesday afternoon, weather permitting, from 2-5pm, from April to August.

Chairman Andrew Town said: “We are able to provide information about the reserve and an opportunity to participate in activities such as pond dipping and accompanied children are particularly welcome.

“And it’s all free.

“But we are always in need of help especially with visits to the reserve and our weekly open days during spring and summer.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact him on 01275 858064 or secretary Pat Robinson on 01275 854628.

For more details visit www.stockwaynorth.org.uk