As a regular visitor to Teesmouth I have enjoyed watching Saltholme RSPB grow and grow. It is a fantastic reserve; the list of birds recorded there are testament to that! One thing that always impresses me is their commitment to education. The facilities there are very much keyed towards learning. In my mind, this is the best way to protect wildlife.

The reserve runs a project called ‘Life Long Learning at Saltholme’. Here is an explanation of it in their own words:

“The Lifelong Learning at Saltholme project began three years ago with the aim of saving industrialised Teesside’s nature. Through activities and events the project connects people with the wildlife on their doorstep, ensuring that nature matters to everyone. Funding from the National Lottery has helped the project provide education and experiences that schoolchildren and visitors never forget. Site manager, David Braithwaite, says: “We were over the moon when we learned that we had reached the semi-finals of The National Lottery Awards. Lottery funds have helped us show people of all ages the local, wonderful wildlife. Through the project, people have discovered just how much people need nature and equally, just how much nature needs people.””

Education is Key!

This approach to conservation is one that I passionately agree with. The project has been nominated for a ‘Your National Lottery - Good Causes’ award, under the category of ‘Best Education Project, in association with Best magazine’. It would be great to see the work they do at Saltholme RSPB reserve rewarded.

You can vote for them here:

http://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/project/lifelong-learning-saltholme