Get Wilder for nature at Shipley this weekend

Get Wilder for nature at Shipley this weekend

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is inviting residents across the county to Wilder Shipley, a full day of free activities to celebrate nature on Saturday 30 September at the Shipley Country Park.

The day will be kick started with the Shipley Parkrun at 9.00am, before staff and volunteers from the Trust are joined by special guests and artists between 10.30am and 4.00pm, to deliver a host of wild activities designed to get people of all ages involved in growing a vision for a greener, wilder Derbyshire.

Visitors can take part in sessions on wild wellbeing, meadow sweeping, Forest School and Nature Tots, as well as nature walks and the chance to contribute to the creation of a marvellous minibeast mansion!

Charles Hanson, best known for his appearances on BBC’s Flog it, Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, will be sharing his love for Derbyshire’s Wildlife and why he believes nature is just as worth saving as the treasures he finds in antiques shops at a lunchtime talk.

Environmental storyteller Creeping Toad will be performing wild and wonderful tales, theatre arts company Babbling Vagabonds present interactive show ‘Wagon of Wonder, and there is music from Furthest From The Sea. And for those wanting to get even closer to nature, there’s animal handling with Animal Encounters and Alpaca walking with Brackenfield Alpacas.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s Team Wilder will also be at the event to give people tips on how to take action for nature and there’s also a raffle with some amazing prizes worth over £1000. Prizes include a four night stay at Longnor Wood, afternoon Tea at Morey Hayes, skin care from Weleda, Been Coffee vouchers and much more.

Forest school

(c) Diane Gould / Derbyshire Wildlife Trust

Dr Jo Smith, CEO of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said:  

“We are thrilled to be bringing people together from across the county to have a day of free fun, connect with nature and input into our vision for a wilder Derbyshire.

“Shipley Country Park offers 700 acres of green space for the people of Derbyshire to enjoy, so we’re looking forward to welcoming people to what will be a really exciting day with lots happening for everyone to get involved and celebrate the nature around us.”

The Wilder Shipley event will end with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s Annual General Meeting.

Find out more about the Wild About Shipley event at Shipley Park and book a place here