Visiting groups

Gorse Hill Nature Reserve attracts visitors of all ages: from small family groups who come along for a look round, to large school and scout parties wanting to learn about the natural environment.

Towards the end of term, Jonathan was very busy taking many children on adventure walks round Gorse Hill. They came from local schools and scout and guide troops. There was a great deal of laughter and running about in Cabin Wood as Jonathan entertained and educated them and then let them loose on a nature trail hunt. It was satisfying to hear such positive feedback from the children and their adult “minders” on how much they had enjoyed and learned from the visit.

More recently, The Aughton Green Probus group (a retired gentlemen`s organization) booked a slot on a Wednesday to be shown the variety of habitats at Gorse Hill. Despite the rain, thirteen members arrived at the cabin. Having been given a short introduction to The Trust and The Reserve, they were split into two groups and taken through woodlands, ponds and meadows, finishing the tour at the orchard. They were impressed by all that has been achieved by thousands of hours` voluntary work.
My thanks go to Dennis and Jenny, James and Rachel for making the tour a success. The planning and path clearing had paid off!
A representative from The Probus group very kindly gave us a vote of thanks and praised the commitment of the volunteers, as well as giving a generous donation. When they had all left, the “workers” returned to the cabin for a well earned lunch, so we took the opportunity to give them feedback on the tour and tell them how much their work was admired. One volunteer commented how nice it was to be appreciated. Wildlife may well thrive on Gorse Hill, but we never receive any thanks from the creatures!!!

An opportunity to show a group round Gorse Hill is also a chance for me to reflect on what has been achieved over the eleven year life of The Reserve. Yes, we have created habitats for wildlife, which is the primary aim of North West Ecological Trust and yes, more and varied wildlife is coming to stay. Even though they don`t thank us, we know they are in residence and that is our reward. Polish your haloes fellow volunteers!

Gorse Hill welcomes any visitors on a Wednesday and Saturday.
Just call in at the cabin at the top of the car park to introduce yourselves. Groups wanting a guided tour of the reserve should email well in advance to arrange a date.



Fiona