Monthly Archives: February 2022

Star Count 2022: save the date! Get together with family and friends for the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England’s (CPRE) annual Star Count which takes place between 26 February and 6 March. We were thrilled that so many of you took part in Star Count last year and hope you’ll join us again to count the stars and map the nation’s view of the sky this year.

With your help, we’ll be able to identify where light pollution is a problem and where the darkest skies across the country are.

We’ll use this evidence to advocate for better-controlled lighting and offer advice about what we can all do to reduce local light pollution.

The best thing is that it’s so easy to take part – you can do your Star Count from your garden, balcony, doorstep or even bedroom window!

It’s also a great way to switch off from the distractions of daily life and give your mental health a boost by reconnecting with nature.

Sign up

Our Star Count activity pack is a free pamphlet to teach children about the night sky and the impact of light pollution. Filled with an array of fun activities ideal for kids ages 5 and up, and a checklist to help you to spot as many stars as possible, it’s a great way to explore stargazing as a family.

Dark skies

Star Count 2022 family activity pack (cpre.org.uk)

View some amazing entries from the Tales from the Riverbank Photography Competition! Enjoy the magic of our chalk streams captured on camera and read the inspiring stories behind them.

Beloved by their local communities, the chalk stream headwaters of the Rivers Test and Itchen are known for their incredible clarity, iconic species, and lush greenery. Rich in history and teeming with life, these waters bring wonder to the landscapes in which they flow.

Last year, we asked Hampshire residents to capture the magic of these streams on camera through our Tales from the Riverbank Photography Competition. The competition offered Heritage, Landscape, People, and Wildlife prizes, with further Young Photographer (under 18) and Community Choice (decided by public vote) awards.

We’re now delighted to display a selection of the competition entries in the Main Hall of the Gill Nethercott Centre in Whitchurch. Come along to see some truly amazing images and hear the personal stories behind them.

Entry is free!

Please note that the centre has limited opening hours, so we recommend you contact them to check before visiting www.gillnethercottcentre.org.uk

Contact us at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust email: winterbournes@hiwwt.org.uk

Working in partnership with local company Sensory Toys, we are excited to launch our first sensory day at the Mill.

Sensory Toys will be providing a range of tactile and immersive sensory equipment and toys for under 5’s and children with additional needs to explore and have fun with, in booked sessions at the Mill. In addition, we will be offering visits to local SEN schools to enjoy a visit to the Mill with these additional resources available.

Sessions for under 5’s: 10:30am – 11:15am, 2:30pm – 3:15pm, free with admission, places must be booked in advance below, show/buy admission tickets on the door.

School sessions: 11:45am – 12:45pm, 1:15pm – 2:15pm

After school session: 3:45pm – 4:30pm (priority will be given to SEND children) free with admission, places must be booked in advance below, show/buy admission tickets on the door.

To continue the theme, we will be promoting a ‘quiet evening’ for the winter lights on Wednesday, where we will welcome all who prefer a more relaxed environment. This will include reducing sound levels, offering a quiet room for time to take a breather and additional visual signage to help guide visitors around the site.