Almost 300 children, teachers, camp leaders and parents flocked to Spittal Pond this morning to take part in the Bermuda National Trust’s annual Children’s Nature Walk, taking the opportunity to learn about Bermuda’s environment and history.

“Many of the schoolchildren had the added experience of seeing — often for the first time in their lives — humpback whales breaching and playing off the South Shore in Smith’s parish,” said a Tust spokesperson.

“Taking in the sights of one of Bermuda’s most spectacular open spaces, walkers experienced nature first-hand with help from BNT volunteer guides and an inspiring group of Bermuda College Environmental Science students.”

Local experts Peter Drew, Amy Harvey, Claire Grenfell, Karen Border, Erich Hetzel, Janice Hetzel and the Trust’s Conservation Officer, Lawrence Doughty, were on hand to share their knowledge on nature reserve management, migratory birds, pond biology and plant species.

The walkers were told cultural and historical tales from Bermudian artist Ronnie Chameau and the Trust’s Museums Manager Rohan Shastri and learnt about the varied species that inhabit the 64-acre wetland including the elusive American Eel and the Bermuda Skink.

Joining the group were the Governor John Rankin, Minister of youth development and sport Nandi Outerbridge and Minister of environment and planning Sylvan Richards.

Bill Zuill, executive director of the National Trust said: “The turnout was wonderful despite the slightly blustery weather. This has been an amazing opportunity to introduce one of our most beloved nature reserves to so many of Bermuda’s new generation and we hope that they will remember this experience for years to come.”

The walk was sponsored by Arch Re.