Many schools from across Hereford will be visiting the meadows to learn more about the wildlife that lives there. As part of their visits, children spend time exploring all areas of the meadow, including searching for insects and looking closely at plants. Unfortunately, Trust staff spend significant amounts of time checking areas and removing dog poo before lessons can start to ensure it is safe for children to learn and play in.  

Riverside Primary, who visited the meadows last year, and will be returning in March said: 

“Bartonsham Meadows is a fantastic place for us to visit, enriching the children's curriculum. Our children spend time connecting with nature, trying new things, and putting their learning and experiences into meaningful context. Having a nature reserve in the centre of Hereford provides an outdoor classroom for many children and local schools like ours. However, far too often, dog owners fail to clean up after their dogs, which significantly impacts the nature reserve and the community that uses it.”

Dog poo can be harmful to humans, particularly children, causing a range of bacterial and viral infections. It also harms the environment, altering the chemical composition of the soil, which can lead to the growth of more unfavourable plants such as nettles and docks. The Trust is working hard to create a space rich in wildlife and firmly believes everyone has a right to enjoy and learn about nature, in a safe environment. Last year almost 500 children from 10 schools visited Bartonsham Meadows and enjoyed activities including: bug hunting, natural art, and wildlife surveying. 

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust’s Community Officer, Jenny Mottershead, said:

“As we restore the site, we’re seeing more and more wildlife flourish, including birds, butterflies and wildflowers. We want people of all ages to come and enjoy watching wildlife, walk along the river and around the meadows and have a great time. The small number of people who do not pick up after their dogs spoils the experience for everyone – and can have a big impact on how we plan and run activities with schools, volunteering days and events. So many people are now involved in caring for site, it would be fantastic to overcome this issue.”