SCHOOLS BATTLE FOR WILDLIFE QUIZ CHAMPIONSHIP

The Trust piloted the quiz last year, with funding from Awards for All Wales and the Co-op Community Dividend Scheme. The quiz was established to help raise the children’s awareness of wildlife and countryside issues and to encourage an attitude of care for our local environment.

Battle commenced in March of this year, with year 5 and 6 pupils of neighbouring primarys competing for a place in the county semi-finals. Last year Whitton School won the title but, unfortunately was knocked out of the first round this time. The schools going through to the next round are: Llanfihangel Rhydithon, Rhayader, Gladestry, Howey, Newbridge on Wye, Knighton, and Ffynnon Gynnydd with Beguildy receiving a buy.

The other schools participating were; Crossgates, Rhos Goch, Trefonen, Clyro, Llanelwedd and Presteigne and commiserations go to them but with best of luck for next year! So far, the competitions have been very close with all teams showing a wealth of knowledge. The next stages however, will be geared to really get them thinking.

Each quiz has five rounds of varying team and individual questions with some picture and specimen identification. The second heat will require more hands on involvement, getting the children out of their seats!

Winning teams from the second stage will go forward into the Big Quiz Final which will be held at the Wildlife Trust’s Nature Discovery Centre at Gilfach on July 5th, where weather permitting, some rounds will take the form of team games held outdoors.

The 2006 champions will be presented with a new trophy which has been especially commissioned for the Wildlife Quiz and is being carved by Mr. Pip Amos.

Quiz organizer Linda Tedford of the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust said, ‘The Quiz has been a lot of fun for all involved. As the competition progresses we hope the questions will be even more thought provoking. The host schools have been very welcoming to the visiting teams, and we are very grateful to the schools who have had to travel in order to compete. Congratulations go to all who took part and many thanks to Bronwen Jenkins in her role as quiz master. The final rounds should be very exciting!’

Everyone participating received a Radnorshire Wildlife Trust certificate and a wall picture-and-puzzle poster donated by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water.