On safari in deepest Hungerford

The children spent a happy day to the qwest of the town at Freeman’s Marsh - a special place, rich in wildlife.
Over the last few year it has been restored to encourage more wild birds, plants and animals to return to live there.
The safari included a river dipping session and both parents and children, from Hungerford and beyond, bravely waded into the river with their fishing nets, all keen to collect as many species as possible.
They were not disappointed - they identified sticklebacks, fresh water shrimps and snails and counted more than 20 different invertebrates in their trays.
Conservationist Sally Wallington, a consultant to the Town and Manor of Hungerford which owns and maintains the area, said: “This is a good sign of a healthy river.”
Once they had returned to the bank and emptied out their wellies, they were equipped with insect pots to set about carefully capturing insects.
They learnt how to tell the difference between a grasshopper and a cricket and one hunter was lucky enough to capture a pretty Mother of Pearl moth.
The safari was organised by the Town and Manor of Hungerford, which runs regular events for all ages.
Ms Wallington said: “It’s great to see the children so engaged, I’m sure they learn more when they are out exploring than they would just looking at books in the classroom, and everyone has fun.”
The next event is called The Wonderful World of Bats and is scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, August 27.
For more information contact Hungerford Town and Manor on 07932 322163.
For information on other local wildlife events this summer in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) see www.northwessexdowns.org.uk/news-events