31 March 2008

GET YOUR RUNNING KIT ON FOR THE BIRDS!

A conservation charity is encouraging people who love the countryside to combine getting fit with raising money to help wildlife.

‘Get fit for Wildlife’ is a challenge event run by the RSPB at Whitlingham Country Park in Norwich. Taking place on Sunday 11 May 2008, it’s a sponsored fun run – or a walk, for those feeling less energetic – on a five kilometre route around the lake. 

The event is being run by Erica Howe, of the RSPB. Erica said, “Whitlingham Country Park is a wonderful mixture of colourful wildlife, buzzing activity and places for quiet enjoyment. It’s amazing how much wildlife you can see here so close to the city.

“Anyone can take part in this event, whether you want to stroll round the route with the family or to beat your personal best in the five kilometre run.  The idea of a sponsored event is that you can contribute something back to places as special as this.” 

Funds raised will go towards for the RSPB’s vital conservation work in East Anglia.

The RSPB runs a field teaching scheme at Whitlingham Country Park, in partnership with the Broads Authority and the Whitlingham Charitable Trust. This already reaches 800 children a year and the RSPB hopes to expand the project to bring more young people to this popular green space on the edge of Norwich.

The link between running and wildlife is proving popular, says the RSPB. The event at Whitlingham has been organised following a similar event at Lakenheath Fen in Suffolk in February in which 38 people ran five kilometres around the nature reserve raising over £600!

The ‘Get fit for Wildlife’ event at Whitlingham on 11 May will be starting from 9 am, weather permitting.  The deadline for sponsored participants is 2 May 2008.  There will be some allowance for people turning up on the day, however numbers will be limited. 

If you would like to know more about this event or you would like a sponsor from, please contact Erica Howe on 01603 697595 or email on erica.howe@rspb.org.uk