BUDDING naturalist Henry Rowe has been awarded a special certificate from Alderney Wildlife Trust.

Ten-year-old Henry has developed a keen interest in nature recently and takes part in many of the trust’s activities.

President Brian Bonnard said that Henry deserves the award for enthusiastically taking part in trust activities and for encouraging others to get involved.

‘At the end of last year we came up with an award in order to thank people for the contribution they had made to the trust,’ he explained.

‘Some people have been generous with money, while others have given us their time. We all thought Henry had made an outstanding contribution for his age.’

Brian said it was imperative that youngsters such as Henry show an interest in wildlife.

‘It is important young people become interested in caring for the island. Some of us older members won’t be around forever and it’s up to the next generation to carry on the good work of the trust.’

Member David Wedd also praised Henry.

‘He is a very good all-round naturalist who has done much valuable work for the trust, despite the fact that he’s only 10.

‘He takes part in the fun activities, such as pond dipping, and also works on activities to clean the beach and control poisonous caterpillars.

‘Henry records his work and is also becoming a really good photographer. His photos have appeared in the last six issues of the Alderney Wildlife magazine.’

The St Anne’s School pupil especially likes moths: ‘I got interested in them after my dad wanted to know what was flying about at night and now I’ve got a moth trap in the back garden. I see about a hundred moths hatch each summer.’

Henry said many people would be surprised to learn moths are multi-coloured.

‘Most people just think they’re black and grey but they can be all sorts of colours, like pink and orange.’

Henry’s knowledge of moths is outstanding, said Brian.

‘The way he talks about them and the knowledge he shows is tremendous. He certainly knows more about moths than I do.’

The award, presented at school by Brian and David, took the young enthusiast unawares.

‘I was surprised and happy about the certificate,’ said Henry, who received the gong in front of his classmates.

Head teacher Mike Gaunt said: ‘I think it’s fantastic. Henry is a genuine expert when it comes to wildlife matters.

‘I am grateful the Wildlife Trust presented the award in school so that Henry’s teacher and friends could recognise his achievement.’