Schoolchildren explore local wildlife during bug hunt and litter pick!

A group of local primary school children recently had the chance to find out more about local wildlife during a day of bug-hunting and litter-picking.

Wrexham Council’s environment team joined pupils from Ysgol Hafod Y Wern, Wrexham Early Years Centre and Keep Wales Tidy to scour Caia Community Woods and neighbouring grassy areas for bugs and litter.

Children were provided with bug jars – equipped with magnifying glasses so they could examine their finds – by Alasdair Thomson from the council’s ranger service, and litter pickers by Shane Hughes of Keep Wales Tidy.

After catching and examining a number of creepy-crawlies and clearing litter from the community woods, the children settled on the grass for a well-deserved picnic.

The event marked 10 years since the start of the Welsh Government’s Plant! scheme, which was set up to create a national forest of native broadleaved trees by planting a tree for every child born or adopted in Wales since January 1st 2008. The scheme funded the planting of Caia Community Woods in 2011.

The event was also attended by representatives from the Plant! scheme and Cllr Ron Prince, ward member for Cartrefle.

Councillor David A Bithell, lead member for environment and transport, said: “It’s fantastic to see children getting involved in caring for their local environment and taking an interest in nature and wildlife.

“This event highlights some of the important work we’ve undertaken to improve the quality of our green spaces.”