It's natural for children to love nature

North Harbour News | Friday, 21 March 2008

Remember those long, lazy summer days of your youth when you’d lie on the grass patiently watching a spider weave its web?


Those times of watching nature are often forgotten in the bustle of school, homework, after-school activities, television and computer games.

Children often miss out on the chance to build their own love affair with nature.

"My dad used to get me to recite all the names of the plants and trees he grew at home," local Kiwi Conservation Club parent Linda Darbyshire says.

"And he had big gardens. It was a matter of pride to him, that he could always remember their Latin and common names, and he wanted me to be able to do the same.

"He loved nature and just naturally instilled that into my sisters and brother and me. He would turn over old logs on our wood-pile and show me the centipedes and slaters quickly scuttling away.

"He found a nest of hedgehogs under our hedge and we watched each day as the naked, pink little babies’ soft spines grew. He used to leave a saucer of milk out for the mamma hedgehog and she’d always come snuffling out to drink it.

"I cherish those memories, especially now that he’s gone. I’ve brought my children up to love nature too, and KCC is a brilliant way to nourish that enjoyment."

Hibiscus Coast KCC coordinator Richard Chambers is keen to see the local group grow.

If people want to go along to see what it’s like, they need a gold coin donation for each child. To join KCC costs $12 a year, or $20 for a family. The membership fee supports KCC and Forest & Bird and a subscription to the KCC bi-monthly children’s magazine.

KCC meets once a month, every second Friday.

Coming up on Friday, April 11, at 6.30pm, is a night walk, meeting at the Waterfall Valley carpark. Torches and warm clothes are needed. Discover glow-worms, fish and other night-loving critters.

On Sunday, May 25, is the Shakespear Regional Park tree planting day. KCC has an area to plant out. A sausage sizzle follows. Times are to be advised.

On Friday, June 13, at 4pm, the club meets at the Woolshed. Peacocks and other introduced birds are the topic of study. Bring binoculars and any bird identification books.