Children's 'river of light' procession beside the River Taw

BARNSTAPLE schoolchildren will be led by North Devon countryman Johnny Kingdom in a river of light procession of lanterns alongside the River Taw next Friday (March 26) to celebrate International Year of Biodiversity. Flying Fish Artists, a social co-o

BARNSTAPLE schoolchildren will be led by North Devon countryman Johnny Kingdom in a 'river of light' procession of lanterns alongside the River Taw next Friday (March 26) to celebrate International Year of Biodiversity.

Flying Fish Artists, a social co-operative based in Barnstaple, has been working with the children as part of a project to help them learn about glow worms, which are an endangered species, but can still be found along the Tarka Trail.

The children have made their own lanterns and have learned a story and songs written by Flying Fish Artists about the glow worm, its habitat and how people can help to conserve this wonderful species for future generations.

The project was Flying Fish's winning idea in a competition organised by Tarka Country Trust to raise awareness of North Devon's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Joyce Reed from Flying Fish said: "This project will help to capture the imagination of children and adults alike and help them appreciate and protect the unique natural environment of North Devon"

The 'river of light' programme will start at Barnstaple Square at 6pm, with the procession starting around 6.15pm. The children will walk to the old railway bridge, where there will be dancing and songs.

To take part,all children must be supervised by a parent or carer.