Hidden Nature Week - 24 May/1 Jun
| Published: 9th May 2008 17:22 |
Nature is all around us all the time but at this time of year is perhaps more noticeable - with our gardens starting to bloom, woodlands turning greener by the day and birds singing all around us. But there's a lot going on that we can't always see, so the National Trust is urging us all to look more closely to discover this world of hidden nature.
Under stones and hiding beneath tree bark are hundreds of little creatures going about their day-to-day business. As night falls, moths, badgers and bats feast in the moonlight while we sleep soundly in our beds. To help you discover this world of hidden nature, the National Trust is holding special events at many of its properties throughout Hidden Nature Week, from 24 May to 1 June. At its Derbyshire properties, the events taking place include:
- Calke Abbey: Hidden Lakes Walk - discover more about the work to improve the habitat for wildlife. Sunday 25 May at 2.00pm.
- Calke Abbey: Scarecrow Trails and Tales - half-term fun seeking out scarecrows and the hidden wildlife they shelter, then make your own pocket-sized scarer. Tuesday 27 May and Wednesday 28 May, 11am to 3.30pm.
- Calke Abbey: Bat and Moth Walk - search for some hidden night-time wildlife. There will be moth traps and bat detectors on hand. Friday 30 May at 8.00pm. £10 to include hot dish.
- High Peak Estate: Countryside Open Day - countryside activities for all the family at Dunscar Farm. Sunday 25 May and Monday 26 May, 11.00am to 4.00pm.
- Ilam Park: Hidden Nature Week - walk around the parkland and discover some of its wildlife secrets, and visit the Learning Centre. Saturday 24 May to Saturday 31 May, 11.00am to 4.00pm (self-guided trail).
- Kedleston Hall: Family Activity Day - drop in and enjoy our trail and craft activities in the gardens. Wednesday 28 May, 11.00am to 3.00pm. £1.50 per child.
- Longshaw Estate: Badger Watch - a short walk to find badger setts and hopefully watch some badgers at work and play. Thursday 29 May, 8.00pm to 10.00pm.
These are just examples of what's on offer during Hidden Nature Week - why not visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hiddennature where you'll find lots of handy tips and wildlife facts to help you on your voyage of discovery, together with details of everything from bat walks and bug safaris to badger watches. If you can't make it to one of these organised events, there are plenty of other places to see wildlife with the National Trust. Our traditional orchards, gardens, coastline and countryside are full of hidden nature - you just need to find it!
You can also download our Hidden Nature Passport from the website, to help you make the most of nature on your doorstep. There's also the chance to win a fantastic day with a National Trust warden at a property near you. Copies of the passport are available from participating properties during Hidden Nature Week (24 May to 1 June) and in school summer holidays.
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