IN THE midst of East London, a group of youngsters delve their hands into pulp as part of a paper making activity.
However, this is no ordinary arts class; here the children are recycling old materials to make their own toys in a drive by London Wildlife Trust to encourage sustainable living from an early age.
Charlotte Grinling, a volunteer at the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle event, said: “We have had really good feedback from it and the children can play while also learning. Children are more receptive to change and if they learn from an early age the importance of green living they will be one of the driving forces in bringing about this change.”
The reserve in East Dulwich was taken over by the trust in the eighties. Previously a council depot, the site now boasts a beautiful garden filled with herbs and vegetables as well as a wooden hut where indoor activities take place.
Ms Grinling added: “It is also nice for some of the children who don’t have gardens to be able to come here.”
One mum, Maria Haynes, said: “It is good for the children to understand nature. At events like this they learn why it is important to take care of the world around them.”
Another parent added the centre’s location made it nice and easy for her to bring her children.
She said: “They really enjoy it and learn about world around them and how to be responsible. If you start it [green living] off as a habit when they are three or four hopefully they will carry it on to adult life.”
For more information on these events or the reserve visit www.wildlondon.org.uk.
