What better way to spend a warm, sunny February day of your mid-term break than strolling through Spittal Pond learning about the plants, animals, geology and significant historical sites of the area.

Close to 400 children, parents and caregivers thought it was the best way to spend a day, this year, as they enjoyed the Bermuda National Trust's annual Children's Nature Walk.

The annual walk, which had its largest participation ever this year, has been conducted for over 30 years during the government schools' February mid-term break.

"I am so thrilled," said Dr. Nicola O'Leary, Education Officer for the National Trust and organiser of the Walk.

"I anticipated about 200 participants, so to have nearly 400 is fabulous. My dream would be to have every school child in Bermuda walk through and learn about this incredible site."

Spittal Pond, which covers 64 acres, was Bermuda's first Nature Reserve established in 1954 as a joint effort between the government and the Bermuda National Trust.

The effort has led to a protected area, which provides a diversity of habitats for native and endemic flora and fauna as well as pit-stop for birds on their long migratory journeys.

The annual walk tries to explain the importance of the pond as well as the differences between native, endemic and introduced species and how to identify some of the more common plants in nature reserves and those that are unique to Bermuda.

Trained guides led each group, imparting not only information along the way but also encouraging and modelling observation skills and inquisitiveness about the environment and respect for nature.

Though it was called a children's walk the learning was for adult and child alike.

Dr. David Wingate explained to groups of children and adults the importance of a woodland pond for resident and migratory birds during the walk.

He said: "I was really impressed and have seen a significant change with the adults who now come with a better knowledge and broader grasp of our natural history."

"When I was growing up, we did not have this kind of opportunity."

Also on the walk Dr. Jamie Bacon and Mark Outerbridge, leading environmental experts, helped children understand the effects of unhealthy ponds on toads and the impact of introduced terrapins on native fauna.

Children were able to view birds in the pond area through telescopes with the help of Jennifer Gray, Paul Wadson and Keith Rossiter, members of Bermuda Audubon Society.

Lance Furbert, Director of Windreach Recreational Village explained the historical context of Spanish Rock and Jeffrey's Hole while Robert Chandler animatedly explained the geological origins of Bermuda and the unique checkerboard pattern of erosion at Spittal Pond.

The event was a first-time for many of the adults and children, but positive comments abounded: "I enjoyed it very much," said one child after the walk.

Others attending said: "It was very informative and the children learned a lot; I did too."

Dr. O'Leary said: "An event such as this is not possible without the many volunteers who contribute their time, knowledge and enthusiasm, often year after year and we would like to thank them."