A bumper series of study guides that now form an almost complete compendium of knowledge on the habitats, flora and fauna and geology of Bermuda has been presented to schools and libraries.

Hinting that time may be running out if he hoped to complete the Project Nature Field Study Guides at the same pace that the first four volumes were created during the 1990s, ecologist Dr. Martin Thomas explained the five new volumes contain a broader spectrum of information than the first four.

This ensures that as much as possible is covered for the benefit of schoolchildren and other interested people who want accessible information that is not overly scientific.

A hardback comprehensive Teaching Guide to the Biology and Geology of Bermuda ? which contains all the guides ? has been published along with the individual volumes covering areas such as the ecology of Harrington Sound, coral reefs, seagrass beds and the sandy and rocky shores.

All schools and public libraries are to receive copies of the guide books, which have been published and distributed through a long-standing partnership between the Bermuda Zoological Society and the Bermuda Paint Company.

Education Ministry Permanent Secretary Rosemary Tyrrell, speaking at a handing over of copies of the new guides at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, said: ?Fewer things give me greater pleasure than to see our community working together to enhance the education of our children.

?Having already accepted into our schools four volumes we know that these field study guides have already enriched the educational experience of our students.

?They support our efforts to produce well-rounded students who, yes, should be concerned about making a decent living for themselves, but who should also grow up to be good stewards of the natural environment that sustains us all.?

She thanked all those involved, mentioning in particular Dr. Thomas and the Bermuda Paint Company.

Richard Moulder, general manager of Bermuda Paint, said: ?We are proud to be part of a project that will allow Bermuda?s schools to enhance their natural history curriculum by taking students out of the classroom to experience our environment first-hand through activities designed especially for Bermuda?s unique habitats.?

Dr. Thomas also paid tribute to retired Natural History curator Wolfgang Sterrer whose published works on Bermuda?s flora and fauna paved the way for the educational guide books.

Copies of the new books were presented to Berkeley Institute students Tiffany Austin and Brandon Smith and school principal Michelle Gabisi.

They were alsogiven to Joanne Brangman, head librarian of Bermuda National Library, Alison Greene, librarian of the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, and Holly Mitchell, education officer for the Bermuda Zoological Society.