The Bermuda National Trust Annual Children’s Nature Walk held earlier this week provided over 200 children and adults an opportunity to discover the ‘wonders of nature’ at the Spittal Pond Nature Reserve in Smith’s parish. Under blue skies on a lovely cool day the informative walk through woodland forest, rocky coast and inland ponds involved the help of more than 40 volunteers. Passionate volunteer guides accompanied by keen senior student helpers from the Berkeley Institute and the Homeschool Network led groups, excited children and their care givers through ‘information stations’ within the 64-acre reserve. Shu’ayb Nasir, on behalf of the Berkeley volunteers said “we had a great experience interacting with the kids and admiring the nature reserve. We also learned many interesting facts about Spittal Pond and we are grateful that we were able to experience a different part of Bermuda. All in all, we enjoyed working with the Bermuda National Trust while educating the youth about Bermuda’s wildlife.”

Local scientists and experts shared their knowledge on birds, insects, marine invertebrates and many more plants and animals that live in the numerous habitats in this very special place. Jeffery’s Cave and Portuguese Rock were highlighted by local historians relaying stories from the past about escaped slaves and shipwrecks tied to this unique location. The Checkerboard formation along the rocky coast was a favourite spot where children learned about its formation, while the Dairy Farm on the west side was a calm area to stop and see cows up close while learning about important farmland. His Excellency, The Governor and Mrs Fergusson attended the walk, stopping often to greet the children along the trail and ask them about their experience.

Taking guided nature walks is a great opportunity for children to discover the wonders of nature they might not otherwise see. These experiences help children develop observation skills, learn science and make deeper connections to the natural world. Spending time outdoors exploring nature is also a healthy activity for everyone.

The Children’s Nature Walk introduces a very young age group to the reserve and compliments the public and private school’s science and social studies curriculum. Quite often, while attending school field trips to Spittal Pond led by the Bermuda National Trust Axis Education Programme team, primary through middle schoolchildren recall what they saw and learned on previous Children’s Nature Walks. Teachers report that their students truly enjoy their time in the reserve and are focused and engaged as they experience a hike through this tranquil space. Student helpers Lilyanna and Serena Simmons offered a few comments about their experience with the Nature Walk, “We always loved coming on this walk as kids. It’s awesome to see the next generation getting to experience the same thing. We like being a volunteer and giving back to the community. It’s a great place to walk your dog and explore. Serving the community is fun. It’s fun to learn how to teach other people about our natural habitats.”

Spittal Pond is jointly owned by the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Government. It is one of Bermuda’s most spectacular open spaces and 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. Twenty bird species regularly winter at Spittal Pond, while a total of two hundred species have been recorded as visitors in the reserve. It is also an awe-inspiring learning space for children as they become one with nature.