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Dipping into nature a reality for local schools

Southlands school Vicar’s Hill, Boldre, Lymington, now have a fishing facility which they are going to open up to other schools, specifically ones for children with learning disabilities of various types.

We has funded the transformation of a once neglected and inaccessible school pond into an environmental learning centre for Hampshire schoolchildren.

Pupils can now make the most of the educational initiative and get hooked on angling whilst learning more about wildlife and the natural environment.

Southlands School is a leading residential and day school for boys from seven to 16 years of age who are diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome.  In November 2008, the transformation of the pond in the school grounds began with the us enlisting students from Sparsholt College to clean up the pond, clear the vastly overgrown surrounding area and to provide space for new fishing and pond dipping platforms.

A path was then laid around the pond to provide safe access for the children and wheelchair users, and areas for wildlife to thrive were also created as part of the £5,000 project. To encourage pupils to get involved in angling, Dreamstore provided a grant for fishing equipment for the children and Southern Water also provided onsite facilities to store all the rods, nets and fishing tackle.

At the official open day fishing coaches from the National Federation of Anglers and our Area Fisheries Team were on hand to show the children how to catch their first fish.

Area Manager, James Humphrys said: “Children love being outside and the outdoor environment offers a wide range of valuable learning experiences which simply cannot be had in an indoor classroom.

“I am delighted that we were able to make this project a reality in providing such a deserving school with a fantastic educational resource as well as restoring the pond to make it a haven for local wildlife.

“I firmly believe that access to the environment and the many recreational opportunities that it offers should be available to all, so I am very pleased that the learning area will also be available to other schoolchildren in the area.”