LIKE thousands of school children and visiting teachers, I have experienced the incredible magic of The Wildernesss and Plump Hill Environmental Studies Centre.

I have witnessed, also, the incredulity of children when examining a rock, perhaps 200 million years old, and their astonishment when they see what a spot of vinegar does to it – a lesson on acid rain.

The sheer excitement of both children and visiting teachers when pond-dipping leads to lessons on food webs and the devastation, even the tiniest amount of water pollution can cause, is something I shall never forget.

Real science is taught at the centre, in a practical, hands-on way, to children within the county and beyond, embracing topics which teachers have few, or no facilities for. The centre is probably the finest in the entire country, enjoying a national reputation for excellence.

The importance of environmental issues cannot be over-stated, from global warming, diminishing natural re­sources, to pollution and droughts. Is the education delivered at The Wilderness "a luxury we cannot afford?" Do we really expect children, who having no experience of the countryside, unable to evaluate the importance of natural environments, to grow into responsible citizens and voters?

At a time of increasing pressure on natural environments everywhere, it remains undeniably true that the most valuable material asset we can bequeath to future generations is a healthy, natural environment. Yet, while Whitehall officials and bankers luxuriate in unreal bonuses, our children, having no voice, are given no choice, but to pay for the debts of one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

Supporters of The Wilderness are seeking backers, as they feel it is essential that this vital aspect of education continues undiminished, so that our children are not denied their rightful inheritance – a healthy, functioning, natural environment. This fabulous Centre must be rescued.

– Bernard Kear, Primrose Hill, Lydney.