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A PROJECT which looks set to make hundreds of Redditch pupils even more ecologically aware has been given the personal backing of two Knights of the Realm.

And Redditch companies are also being given the chance to do their bit to help youngsters shape the environment's future.

Sir Patrick Moore and Sir David Attenborough are giving their support to a project which will turn an area of waste land near Church Hill Middle School into a small wetland bog area where nature can thrive and youngsters from the school, hopefully along with Abbeywood pupils, can study creatures and learn more about the environment.

The project is the brainchild of photographer John Hodges and his friend Paul Hims, an IT technician at Church Hill and other schools in the town.

Redditch Council agreed to give the land to the project on the condition that a fence is put around it to make it secure, so £15,000-£17,000 needs to be raised to pay for the fencing.

John said: "Sir Patrick Moore is a friend of mine and he has already made some videos for the children to encourage them and get them interested in all fields of the sciences.

"And as a nature photographer with a strong interest in the environment, I have been writing to Sir David Attenborough for about a decade - I am a huge fan of all his work.

"He was doing a book signing in Birmingham and we asked if we could meet him. He agreed and set aside half an hour for a private chat."

John and Paul told Sir Attenborough about the school project they wanted to get off the ground and he said what a great idea it was and signed several copies of his books which can be auctioned off to raise funds for the fencing.

John said: "He was just as he appears on television, so enthusiastic. It was wonderful to meet him."

Paul said: "We think it's so important to infuse enthusiasm about the environment into youngsters. And it's no good just telling them about it, they need to get out and about and learn about it hands-on.

"Schools want to encourage their youngsters more but sadly sometimes the budget doesn't always allow for it. There are funding sources out there but it's not made easy to apply.

"To have the backing of Sir Attenborough and Sir Moore is fantastic but we also want to get local companies involved and would welcome sponsorship or help from them."

To bid for one of the signed books, email Attenborough@churchhill.worcs.sch.uk or companies wishing to offer any form of help to the project can email admin@churchhill.worcs.sch.uk.

3:29pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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