Biking Birder Visits Strood Academy
On Monday 18th January Gary Prescott visited Strood Academy student council members in aid of the Eco Schools programme.
Gary’s aim in 2010 is to cycle 5,000 miles around the UK and see 250 species of birds. He is doing this to raise awareness of climate change and to fight it. During the year Gary will visit many schools affiliated with Eco Schools and share ideas about ‘being green’ with children and staff. Gary wishes to do his bit for the environment.
One reason Gary is going on such an adventure is to raise money for three charities. The charities are: RSPB, WWT and AsthmaUK.
The aim of Gary seeing 250 birds in the year is in order to break the current non motorised UK year list, which is currently held by Chris Mills. He is hoping that this will encourage other birders to consider taking green transport to see birds.
Some of the questions asked by members of the student council included:
“What inspired you to do this cycle ride?”
Roz Savage is one of Gary’s inspirations. She inspired him because she sailed across the Atlantic raising money and awareness for the environment. He was also inspired by one of his ex-pupils, they became really good friends and used to go bird watching together, but when he was 27, he died. Gary said that he is also doing this trip in memory of him.
“Where did you start your trip from around the UK?”
The first part of the trip is along to the south coast to Slimbridge. Two weeks ago he stopped to talk to us on his trip, about him and the reason for doing this trip. He will then go to Wales and Northen Ireland and the Lake District, then to West Scotland Orkney/Shetland. The last part of his trip is to East Scotland to sandy.
“How can we raise more awareness of climate change as a school?”
Gary went on to say how we should get involved in projects to make people aware of the changes and continue to recycle and use less electricity. The eco members of the student council are continuing to think of new eco friendly ideas. They are also updating the Eco board on a regular basis to keep the student informed about the projects going on.
