On Tuesday 10 November, pupils from IKC Rietendakschool opened Apeldoorn’s first ‘Tiny Poel’. Apeldoorn City Council and IVN Nature Education created the small nature pond in Westenenkerpark. The Tiny Poel offers children the chance to discover, close to school, what lives in and around the water.
A Tiny Poel is a professionally constructed natural pond measuring at least 6 square metres. Native aquatic and riparian plants grow in and around the pond. The pond also provides a habitat for amphibians and other aquatic animals.
Through lessons and activities, the pupils learn more about nature in and around the water. This enables them to discover for themselves just how much life can be found in a small pond.
Being outdoors and playing in nature is good for children’s development. Among other things, it helps to develop their motor skills, senses, creativity and social skills. With the Tiny Poel, the pupils have a new place to explore nature up close.
IKC Rietendakschool is already doing a great deal to promote nature education. For example, the school works in partnership with the nearby Westenenkerpark Tea House, where pupils tend a vegetable garden. The Tiny Poel is a lovely addition to these outdoor lessons and activities.
IVN Nature Education helps schools enable children to learn about nature outdoors. Thanks to the Tiny Poel, this can now be done close to school.
The Tiny Poel is not only valuable to the pupils. Amphibians, such as frogs and newts, can also find a place here to breed.
The Tiny Poel in Apeldoorn is part of the project Path out of the Pit. This is a collaboration between IVN Nature Education, RAVON and the VNC. The municipality of Apeldoorn is also taking part in the project. The creation of ponds will improve the habitat for amphibians in Apeldoorn.
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