Critters, furries and the Big Draw for Remembrance.
Following the success of its summer holiday Wildlife Wednesdays, The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire has planned another fun-filled activity day for local children to enjoy during half term. Half-term week also coincides with a national initiative, The Big Draw, which the Arboretum is supporting with its own Big Draw for Remembrance activity.
Half Term’s Wildlife Wednesday will take place on 29th October. Activities will include Critter and Furries animal handling sessions with Critterish Allsorts, bug exploring and bird feeder making.
The Arboretum, which is part of The Royal British Legion family of charities, is a haven for wildlife. Set in a diverse 150 acre landscape, it comprises a variety of natural habitats including emerging woodland, hay meadows, riverbank and marsh, and is home to many species of fauna including the brown hare, otter and several species of bat. Given its rich variety of wildlife, it makes it the perfect setting for families to explore and learn, especially during autumn which is a fascinating time for the natural landscape.
Sarah Montgomery, managing director, said: “After the positive response we had during the summer, we wanted to ensure our younger nature lovers could enjoy our beautiful landscape once more before winter sets in. This time around children can make their own bird feeder to take home to help see our feathered friends through the winter.”
In order to ensure the best enjoyment for both animals and the children, spaces are limited for the Critters and Furriers sessions, so advance booking is strongly advised. The price per child for all four activities is £7.
Participants in the Big Draw for Remembrance are invited to contribute an A6 postcard design in red to form part of a giant poppy artwork piece which will be on display during Remembrancetide. The aim of the Big Draw is to encourage people of all ages to enjoy drawing activities which connect people of all ages with museums, outdoor spaces, artists, designers, illustrators – and each other.
The events are for those who love to draw, as well as for those who think they can’t! Sessions will be available each day throughout half term from 10am. Those unable to attend can contribute to the masterpiece by sending an A6 postcard size design using red materials in the form of a drawing or collage and sending it the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, DE13 7AR.
To book your place for Wildlife Wednesday, call 01283 792 333 or email [email protected]. Remaining places on any sessions will be allocated on a first come, first served basis on the day. Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
The Arboretum is open daily from 9.00am to dusk and is free to enter, although donations are appreciated. A gift shop and a restaurant serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and meals are situated in the Visitor Centre.
