Plymouth school pupils are being invited to name our beavers - and the prize is a guided school trip into their territory.
Our furry friends have helped spread a bit of lockdown joy here in Plymouth since their arrival - but now we want to give them a name and we need some help.
The pair are happily building dams in the Bircham Valley after being relocated from Scotland. They share a huge, specially-built rewilding enclosure and are settling down nicely together.
Their arrival is all part of the Green Minds project, which will re-wild urban parks, gardens and verges and help people to connect with their local green spaces and boost wildlife.
Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet member for street scene and the environment said: “We have been blown away by how much love there is for these lovely creatures and we know people have been clamouring to name them. So that’s what we are doing!
“There is a serious side to naming Mr and Mrs Beaver. We want our schools and students to get to know all about the beavers, why they are so important and create wetland habitat that’s great for other wildlife. We want our young people to get excited as we are about the nature on their door step and how they can feel part of it. I can’t wait to see what they come up with.
“We’ve got an epic prize - whoever has the winning names will get a visit the beavers with the rest of their class - when COVID-19 restrictions allow - plus a jar of yummy Poole Farm honey.”
The Council has put together a package of educational resources, activities and games covering a wide range of curriculum topics - both school and home learning.
Schools are being sent an invitation to the get involved in the competition but can still sign up for a resource pack and competition details http://eepurl.com/gUpl01
Entries have to be submitted by class by 19 March. A panel will shortlist the entries. On 22 March voting begins on Poole Farm Facebook www.facebook.com/PooleFarmPlymouth/
The votes closes on 31 March and the winners announced!