Sky really is the limit for pupil's butterflies

PUPILS were all aflutter when they released hundreds of butterflies at the climax of a life cycle.

They were sent off into the wild by pupils of Lisle Marsden Academy thanks to a grant from the Ross Community Trust Foundation.

creature comforts: Left, Lisle Marsden pupil Charlotte Stenhouse with one of the painted lady butterflies.
they're off: Above, setting butterflies free are, from left, William Drinkle, 6, Callum Jones, 5, Gill Ross and Councillor Christina McGilligan-Fell. Left, Callum Jones, waits for lift-off.
Picture by Reporter Lisle Marsden pupil Callum Jones 5 with Gill Ross, representing the Ross Community Trust Foundation at the release of the butterflies. (for story pcraig).

Gill Ross, the widow of John Ross, in whose memory the trust was established, donated £600 to the school, in Lansdowne Avenue, Grimsby.

Three-hundred pupils cared for about 350 caterpillars in special incubation cylinders until they grew into painted ladies butterflies.

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They were released in the school playing field in front of Gill Ross and Park Ward councillors Andrew De Freitas and Christina McGilligan-Fell.

Head teacher Dan Kinsey said children had learned a lot about life cycles, through reading the series of Hungry Caterpillar books and measuring them as they grew.

"They have been very excited. They have done lots of artwork and been creative and done a lot of cross curricular work," he said.

"It has reinforced the importance of learning from first-hand experience. You can show them a video clip, but it does not compare to the awe and wonder of holding a butterfly."

Councillor McGilligan-Fell said: "The project is forging links with the community and encourages the children to be more committed to their environment."

She said the children had learned the importance of insects in the chain linking wildlife with plants.

Butterflies have had a struggle in recent years as more of their natural habitats are destroyed.

Mrs Ross said: "It is pure joy to be part of watching life grow. It is wonderful to see their faces as they let the butterflies go."