A group of over 75 children from three North Norfolk primary schools have been working on creating poems to support the critically endangered European eel. The schools involved in this project are Blakeney and Neatishead Church of England primary schools and Wells-next-the-sea primary school. The poems created by the children will be on display at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley Marshes visitor centre and will be published as postcards and a podcast during the summer. The project aims to raise awareness and appreciation for the European eel, which is facing endangerment.
Children worked on creating poems as part of a Wonder of Eels tour led by writer Ruthie Collins and supported by Nick Sanderson at the Broads Authority. The children were inspired by Collins’ illustrated poem, ‘The Last Eel on Earth’, to create their own poems in support of the European eel. The poems will be featured on postcards that will be displayed across North Norfolk during the summer, as well as in a podcast where readings of the children’s poems will be shared. The project also includes wellbeing walks inspired by the European eel, encouraging listeners to explore North Norfolk while listening to the podcast.
The project received positive feedback from teachers and participants, who found the experience of working on the poems to be inspiring and educational. The children had the opportunity to learn more about their natural surroundings and consider ways to protect and preserve the environment. The project is also in partnership with World Eel Day, a global celebration of all species of eel that takes place on May 17. The exhibition at NWT Cley features the children’s poems and artwork celebrating the European eel.
For more information about the project and to view pictures from the exhibition, visitors can visit Ruthie Collins’ website or the Norfolk Wildlife Trust Cley Marshes visitor centre. The project aims to raise awareness of the endangered European eel and promote appreciation for the natural heritage of North Norfolk. The collaboration between schools, artists, and organizations highlights the importance of environmental education and community involvement in conservation efforts.
