The Wimbledon Common Nature Club had an exciting meeting focused on ‘Trees’ during their latest gathering. Sarah Webley from The South London Botanical Institute shared valuable information about trees with the young participants. The session began with a talk, quiz, and Q&A about the life of trees and their significance in combating climate change.
Children were educated about the various benefits trees offer, such as producing oxygen, absorbing pollution and CO2 emissions, and preventing flooding by absorbing water. To further engage with the topic, the kids were given seed pots to grow their own trees from seeds. They then ventured out to Wimbledon Common to identify different tree species like Scots Pine, Oak, Silver Birch, Lime, Sycamore, and Aspen, while making bark rubbings.
In addition to learning, the children had fun creating clay dryads, tree spirits from Greek mythology, to decorate the trees. Sarah Webley expressed her delight in seeing the children and their families show such keen interest in trees. The kids also made bark rubbing crafts into trees and crafted leafy crowns at the information center.
Club Leader Auriel Glanville commended Sarah for leading an inspiring morning in the woodland. The next session on Sunday, November 3, will focus on “Fungi Foray,” exploring the world of mushrooms with Dr. June Chatfield from The South London Botanical Institute. The session will be held at the Information Centre, Wimbledon Common, from 10am to noon (newcomers should arrive at 9.45am to register). The event is open to 6-14 year-olds, free of charge with donations welcomed.
For more details, interested individuals can reach out to club leader Auriel Glanville at 07837 910072 or via email at auriel.glanville@btinternet.com. More information can be found on the club’s website: https://wimbledoncommonnatureclub.carrd.co
The gathering was overseen by Sarah Webley, Auriel Glanville, and club assistants Luciana Teuma and Jennifer Long. It was a fantastic opportunity for children to connect with nature and learn about the importance of trees in our environment.
