Local Author Donates Hundreds Of Nature Books To Sussex Schools

Saturday, 21 May 2022 06:00

Hundreds of copies of local children’s book 'Poppy Goes Wild' have been donated to Sussex primary schools as part of Sussex Wildlife Trust's 30-day challenge.

Sussex-based TV producer Nick Powell donated the books to use as the challenge, which requires participants to do one wild thing a day throughout the month of June.

With school, business, and individual resource packs available on Sussex Wildlife Trust website and social media platforms, anyone can get inspired to join in the wild fun.

Dave Bolton, Head of Community Action for Wildlife said:

“The Trusts’ annual 30 Days Wild campaign, held throughout June, is a great opportunity for people of all ages to take action for nature right across the UK. We are so lucky to have Nick’s support in Sussex and we hope Poppy inspires young people to learn more about rewilding and help local wildlife.”

In Poppy Goes Wild, the title character is determined to save her grandad’s farm by returning the countryside to how it was 50 years ago, when wildflower meadows and native wild animals flourished.

Poppy Goes Wild is backed by celebrities including Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Jimmy Doherty and Sussex based Olly Smith and Dave Goulson.

The book and its rewilding mission also received acclaim from Joanna Lumley OBE:

“Poppy is the child we all long to be: brave, curious, headstrong, compassionate and the best fun in the world. Her love for wildlife will chime with children everywhere: an adorable book."

Author Nick Powell – who in his previous career was the CEO and owner of Brighton based Ricochet, the makers of The Repair Shop - created a number of highly successful TV brands, including the global hit Supernanny – has written the book in the hope that children will become engaged with nature at an early age.

He said:

“I am delighted to be liaising with Sussex Wildlife Trust to make copies of Poppy Goes Wild available to primary schools throughout Sussex as part of their brilliant 30 Days Wild scheme."

"The Trust has a very impressive record in engaging schools and this June it will inspire thousands of Sussex pupils to embrace wildlife. I wrote Poppy Goes Wild to encourage children to recognise the incredible regenerative power of nature if it is given a helping hand. If Poppy can help to motivate any child to look after nature and to begin their own rewilding journey, then that will truly be mission accomplished."

www.littlestepspublishing.co.uk/books/poppy-goes-wild.