There were lots to see and do in the Kids Zone, including Bushcraft Activities. For more details have a look at their website.

The 11th consecutive Countryside Live event at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, Leyton, East London will take place on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 September, with the event again open to the public on the following weekend.

For information on our Estate Day programme for 2013 click here.

Savills team to travel the length of the country
for Countryside Learning

Team to travel from Land’s End to John O’Groats through various means

 On Tuesday 28 May, a team from Savills will embark on a journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats, to raise money for Countryside Learning, a charity which aims to educate, inspire and inform children to enjoy and appreciate the countryside.

 The Savills team will exercise various means of travel, from walking and cycling through to swimming, riding and kayaking up through the British Isles. Participants will operate a relay with each group completing a leg then passing the baton to their colleagues in the next region. 

 Along the way, the team will be passing through a number of  country estates, meeting prominent local rural businesses and visiting schools along the route.

 Paul Cressy of Savills’ south west rural team, who is taking part in the first leg of the journey comments, “This is a huge challenge for us both physically and logistically, but one we are excited and proud to be involved with.  Countryside Learning is an organisation which is very close to our hearts – we spend much of our working week out in the countryside and it is something I fear we take for granted.  Countryside Learning expands access to the countryside for children from some of the most disadvantaged sectors of society in both rural and urban communities and we are delighted to be able to offer our support.”

 Gary Richardson, Chief Executive of Countryside Learning adds, “Voluntary income is vital to secure the work of Countryside Learning so this kind of fundraising is fundamental to our work.

 “Countryside Learning is more than just an organisation that offers children a day out. We offer all our stakeholders the chance to communicate with each other. We offer socially excluded rural communities and small businesses the chance to find new sources of income and continue their vital role in managing our countryside. We offer urban children the opportunity to experience what else life has to offer them and their families.

 “We extend our thanks to all the staff at Savills who have organised this challenge and we wish them all the very best on their journey.”

 To sponsor the Savills team, visit http://www.justgiving.com/SavillsLeJog

Savills is delighted to be supporting Countryside Learning. Savills has a deep rooted history as a rural business being founded over 150 years ago and is committed to supporting the lives and objectives of our rural clients.

Visit our website www.savills.co.uk

Countryside Live at Lee Valley Park 2012

ARENA

We have put together an exciting arena programme that includes: gundog training; a display of indigenous birds of prey; sheep dogs, and ferret racing. You are free to watch any of the demonstrations throughout the day so make sure you catch your favourites.

ANIMALS IN TUITION

Creature Features

Focusing on senses and adaptations, this is your chance to meet some fascinating animals, with lots of interesting facts and information and even the opportunity to do some animal handling. Come and meet some Snakes and Invertebrates, also Minnie the Rabbit and Jedward the fantastic twin rats.

National Curriculum: Life processes and living things : habitats/senses/adaptations

This is a bookable activity. Age range – any. Group size up to 30. Approximate duration of activity – 30 minutes.

Visit their website: www.animalsintuition.co.uk

BEAGLES (WED) AND BASSET HOUNDS (THURS)

 Come along and meet the Trinity Food and South Herts Beagles or the De Burgh &  North Essex  Basset Hounds

The Association of Masters of Basset Hounds, the Organisation that regulates Basset Hound packs and The Association of Masters of Harriers & Beagles, the Organisation that regulates Beagle packs, recommends trail hunting as an alternative activity to live quarry hunting (pending repeal of the Hunting Act). It describes trail hunting as the hunting of an artificial scent and recommends that hunts use the scent of a hare. The Association states that “There is no reason why huntsman or followers should know in advance the route hounds will take when following a trail, thus closely matching hunting in its traditional form”.

The official website of DEFRA, the Government Ministry with responsibility for the countryside, states “Trail hunting is perfectly legal, as long as animal welfare and other laws are not broken in the process of obtaining the scent. Many hunts have adopted some form of trail hunting in place of live quarry hunting. The Government has said that it welcomes this, provided that the hunts are genuinely intending to stay within the law and not trying to use the practice as a subterfuge for engaging in illegal hunting activities.”

This is a drop-in activity for any age range.

Visit their website: http://www.amhb.org.uk/

BLACKSMITH

The Mobile Forge – Blacksmith demonstrations

A working demonstration and talks on iron working – see an old fashioned blacksmith at work.
This is a drop-in activity for any age range.

BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR SHOOTING AND CONSERVATION (BASC)

BASC Taste of Game; Game as Food and Venison Burgers Tasters

The chance to discover game food and an opportunity to try it too with our venison burger bar!

A lively interactive look at how game (wild birds and animals) as a food source, gets from the heart of the countryside to city shops and restaurants – why it’s becoming so popular, why it’s such a healthy eating option, what the game species are, what BASC does to ensure the welfare of game species and their environment.

The lively and informative presentation is illustrated with:

• pop up banner display
• large screen TV slide show
• burger bar (venison burgers)
• interactive display with exercise matching vacuum sealed cuts of game to species
• visual display of British game species -(taxidermy and photos)
• leaflets to take away

BASC staff available to talk about all aspects of shooting and conservation. The British Association for Shooting and Conservation is the UK’s largest field sport organisation with 129,000 members.

This is drop in activity. Age range – all. Group size up to 30. Approximate duration of activity 15 minutes.

Visit their website: www.basc.org.uk

BRITISH HORSERACING EDUCATION AND STANDARDS TRUST 
- RACING TO SCHOOL 

Weighing In

Pupils will get an insight into life of a jockey and see what goes on behind the scenes in the Weighing Room. They will see a practical application of the maths they learn in the classroom.

This is a bookable activity for 7+ year olds. Group size up to 30. Approximate duration of activity 25 minutes.

National Curriculum– Functional Maths.

Visit their website: www.racingtoschool.co.uk and www.bhest.co.uk

BRITISH WATERFOWL ASSOCIATION

Come and see the ducks.

An opportunity for children to learn about ducks and their uses to man.

This is a drop-in activity for any age range.

Visit their website: www.waterfowl.org.uk

CANAL & RIVER TRUST

Wildlife in the River Lea

The Canal & River Trust is the new charity which looks after our canals and rivers. Come and build a model canal and meet some canal creatures from your local River Lee. This will help you with NC  Science ‘Identifying animals in their habitats’. You can also find out how the Trust can provide activities and resources to support history, science and geography in your school through its education programme Canal & River Explorers with online resources at www.canalriverexplorers.org.uk and volunteer-led visits to your local canal or river.

This is a drop-in activity for 7 to 11 year olds. Group size up to 30.
 

CITY OF LONDON CORPORATION EPPING FOREST

Longhorn Cattle of Epping Forest

Using a map, the children will be asked to locate their school in relation to Epping Forest. A facilitator will help them to consider how they would get to Epping Forest, what they would find when they got there (different habitats and wildlife, facilities etc) and what activities they could enjoy. Next they will be set the challenge of identifying what does and does not live in the forest. This will be complemented by making a Longhorn Cattle mask to take away. Participants will also be given the opportunity to handle cattle horns.

This is a drop-in activity for any age range. Group size up to 30. There are a range of different activities so children can take 5 minutes to do one activity or 15-20 mins to do them all.

Visit their website: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/eppinglearning

National Curriculum – Science and Geography.
 

THE CO-OPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP

Bee Cart – Pif Paf Theatre

Bee Guides Bombus and Borage have left the Hive with the Bee Cart – their mobile world of interaction and surreal but true information exploring all things Bees and Pollination. Developed from our acclaimed touring installation-show HONEY, the Bee Cart is an exciting, accessible walkabout theatre piece for audiences of all ages. Commissioned by The British Science Association.

Bee Guides Bombus and Borage have taken the Human Union of Pollinators out of the Hive, preparing for the worst but hoping for the best with their mobile world of interaction, Bee wisdom and surreal fun. Delve into the world of Bees, try out their Flapper-Winger-Tronerators, meet a giant Varroa Mite, and maybe even get your nose pollinated! Suitable for all with rave reviews from festivals, environmental, food and agriculture events, schools and museums

The Bee Cart has been developed and toured extensively with support from The Co-operative Plan Bee. It was commissioned in 2009 by the British Science Association.

This activity is bookable. Age range – any. Group size up to 30. Approximate duration of activity 15 minutes.
Visit their website: www.co-operative.coop

CORN DOLLY MAKING

Come and see the demonstration of corn weaving and dolly making. Each child makes a countryman’s favour. These were worn by farm workers at country fairs to signify the type of work they did e.g. shepherd would have wool in his favour.

This is a bookable activity. Age range – 6 years upwards. Group size up to 30 – we can take two groups at a time so 60 per session. Approximate duration of activity 35 minutes.

THE COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE FOUNDATION

Countryside Investigators

Countryside Investigators aims to encourage Key Stage 2 children to learn about the countryside by exploring 10 interesting rural jobs. The resource is made up of a number of elements designed to be used flexibly:
Introductory videos; Facts and information; Interactive web games; Online quizzes; Classroom activities; Visits to the countryside; Curriculum links; Useful websites.
The emphasis throughout is on learning about the protection, conservation and enjoyment of the countryside through practical and fun activities for the 7–11 age group. The learning materials on the site are all written to complement ongoing work at KS2 and to tie in with a number of National Curriculum subjects for England and Wales, including: Geography, Citizenship, English, Science, ICT and Art & Design.

This is a drop in activity for any age range.

Visit their website: www.countrysideinvestigators.org.uk

COUNTRYSIDE LEARNING – 2 activities

 Felt Making

The children will find out more about fleeces and wool and make a simple felt flower to take home.

This is a bookable activity. Age range any (FS may require adult help). Group size up to 30. Approximate duration of activity 30 minutes.

National Curriculum: Art, Design and Technology, Science (materials).

 
Fruits and seeds of trees

Children will learn about the different fruits and seeds that trees produce and how they are dispersed. They will learn what seeds need to be able to grow and why they may not survive long enough to grow into a big tree. If the weather is wet we will then make a wind dispersed spinning seed to take back to school. If the weather is dry we will play the seed growing game outside and the teacher can take the spinning seed template back to school to make later.

This is a bookable activity. Age range – KS2. Group size up to 30. Approximate duration of the activity 30 minutes.

Visit their website: www.countrysidelearning.org

DREAMSTORE UK, WORKING WITH ANGLING UNLIMTED

Angling Learning Zone

The activity involves use of fishing equipment to help ‘catch’ paper fish – using Velcro. There are vinyl ‘ponds’ or target mats to practice casting.  The activity has been used extensively indoors in schools to help with simple maths and English development in post-activity, while the activity lends itself to concentration, focus and motivation and to teamwork in the small groups of three into which the activity is organised. There are lots of pictures on our galleries of the activity at schools. Check at www.dreamstore.org/eaz with the link to the galleries at the bottom of the page.

This is a bookable activity for KS2 children . Group size up to 15. Approximate duration of activity 45 minutes.

Visit their website:  www.dreamstore.org

EAST ESSEX FOOD AND FARMING GROUP

The Cereal Story

The Cereal Story – aims to explain how food reaches our plates – the food chain, from plants (wheat, barley, oats) to the variety of food available from British farms.

This is a drop-in activity for any age range. Duration of activity approximately 15 mins.

FALCONRY

There will be an all day static display of birds of prey, together with flying demonstrations as part of the arena programme from Xtreme Falconry. During the day he will be able to answer questions and talk to children about the birds and their role in the countryside.

This is a drop-in activity for any age range.

FARMING AND COUNTRYSIDE LEARNING (FACE)

Food Web Games

Predator/ pray, and food web games for the whole class. Ideal for pupils with some prior knowledge of the subject. A fun way to reinforce learning about food chains and webs.

This is a bookable activity. Age range KS2 . Group size up to 30. Approximate duration of activity 30 minutes.

National Curriculum: KS2 Life processes and living things

Visit their website: www.face-online.org.uk

FERRETWORLD ROADSHOW

1) A History of ferrets from Romans through to Modern Day with Q and A Sheets
2) A description of hunting with ferrets combined with student participation”finding the ferret” using a metal detector in a grid to demonstrate problem solving
3) The children race the ferret in 2 teams down large pipes.

 This is a bookable activity for ages 5+ . Group size up to 30. Approximate duration of activity 30 minutes.

National Curriculum: History, Food Chains, Physical Exercise

Visit their website: http://www.ferretworld.co/

FULLERS SHIRE HORSES

Come and meet the horses. See the horses at work and have a ride in their dray.

This is a drop-in activity for any age range.

THE GAMEGOER TEAM – GUNDOGS AND FERRETS

The Gamegoer Team is part of the arena programme with their gundogs and ferrets. The gundog display covers every facet of a working dog’s training, incorporating general pet obedience and problems. Always a favourite with the children, watch out for the ferret racing. You can also meet the animals on their stand and can test out your ability to command the dogs over their mini scurry course.

This is a drop-in activity for any age range.

Visit their website: www.gamegoer.co.uk

GREEN MONSTER ARTS

Buzzin’ Beepots

Each child will make a flowerpot bee using a flowerpot, glue, tape, googly eyes and card. They can take their flowerpot bee home.

This is a bookable activity. Age range 6+. Group size up to 30. Approximate duration of activity 20 minutes.

Visit their website: www.greenmonsterarts.co.uk/

GUNDOGS

The gundogs are part of the arena display. The gundog display covers every facet of a working dog’s training, incorporating general pet obedience and problems. You can also meet the animals on their stand.

This is a drop-in activity for any age range.

LEE VALLEY PARK FARMS – ANIMALS

Come and meet a few of the Lee Valley Park Farms animals including our llama and pygmy goats. There’s also the opportunity to have a stroke and hold of some of our smaller pets including the rabbits, guinea pigs and tortoise.

This is a drop-in activity for any age range.

Visit their website: www.leevalleypark.org.uk

LEE VALLEY PARK RIDING CENTRE

Come along and meet and learn about the ponies and how we care for them. There may be a chance to groom them too.

This is a drop-in activity for any age range.

Visit their website: www.leevalleypark.org.uk

LEE VALLEY PARK YOUTH AND SCHOOLS – Minibeast Hunting

The session is 30 minutes in duration and is led by Lee Valley Regional Park staff and volunteers on land adjacent to the event site. The activities will be adapted depending on the age or ability of the group.

Tent based activities
The Lee Valley Park Youth and Schools tent provides further information on the range of educational activities available across the Park. It also provides children with an insight into the hidden world of the countryside including becoming a minibeast detective. Challenge your students with our minibeast I spy quiz, magnificent magnified minibeasts and mouthparts quiz. Get creative making your very own paper plate bug.

The Nature Trail mini-beast hunt is pre-booked and bookable on the day if there are spaces. The tent based activity is a drop-in activity. Both for any age range.

Visit their website: www.leevalleypark.org.uk/en/content/cms/education/education.aspx

LADIES IN PIGS

Cookery of Pork

Ladies in Pigs provide tasters of British Pork. They also educate children about pig farming.

This is a drop in activity for any age range.

Visit their website: www.ladiesinpigs.co.uk

LONDON BAT GROUP

Going Batty

 Meet some bats and see how tiny, furry and cute they are. Find out where they live and what they eat. They are completely harmless, and they are beneficial to the environment. And they are not blind; nor do they suck your blood. Bats use high-pitched sound to navigate and find their insect prey. Normally we can’t hear that sound, but we’ll have equipment that will let you hear it and let you into the secret world of bats. And there’ll be a few different sorts of bats for you to see.

This is a bookable activity. Age range – any. Group size up to 30. Approximate duration of activity – 30 minutes.

Visit their website: www.londonbats.org.uk 

LONDON WILDLIFE TRUST – 2 activities

1. Snack Attack, Wildlife Parachute and Flying and Crawling

Snack Attack

This activity helps the group to understand that the more structurally complicated the environment, the more animals can survive in it. This game introduces the children to animals they will find in habitats and to the importance of safe habitats in order for survival. This game is best with lots of room to run around.
· Each child is given a label, which gives the name of a different plant-eating animal found in a mini-beast hunt. Give four children labels naming predatory mini-beasts, for example centipede, ground beetle, harvestman and wolf spider.
· Place plastic leaves in the centre of the play area with 10 hula-hoops placed in a large circle around it.
· The object of the game is for the carnivorous animals to catch as many herbivores as they can. Once caught the herbivores stand out of the game. The herbivores are safe from the carnivores as long as they stand in a hoop, but they have to leave the ring to get a leaf to ‘eat’. They survive the game if they manage to get a leaf and return to a hoop uncaught.
Let the game run for ten minutes and then stop it and see how many herbivores have been caught, how many managed to get leaves and how many got back to a hoop with a leaf and how many did not manage to get a leaf. Take five rings away and play the game again.
This game should demonstrate that when there are fewer rings for children to stand in there are fewer opportunities for them to get away from predators. The same fact relates to natural habitats, for example the more logs to hide under the more mini-beasts exist in the area.

Wildlife Parachute

This is a simple game that familiarises children with how animals and plants are grouped into families and species.
· Ask the group to stand in a big circle around the parachute.
· Take a moment to carefully make a mental note of what the children are wearing.
· Tell the group that when you call out an item of clothing, colour of hair or eye colour the children that have those items run under the parachute to the other side as the others life the parachute. They must run to the other side before the parachute comes down. For example: wearing a blue coat, trainers, brown hair, brown eyes, etc.
· Continue the process until in the end there is only one child that has not crossed under the parachute.
This game can be played in the same way, but using characteristics of animals. For example, four legs, wings, fins, fur, big ears, etc.

Flying and Crawling

This is a game that helps children to try to understand an animal’s perspective. The children take a simple mirror and see what it is like for creatures to fly through the air or experience the pitfalls of living on the ground.
To Fly: This activity creates the feeling of flying without feet leaving the ground. It can be done anywhere outside, but it is best if you take a path under some tree branches.
· First ask everyone to breathe through their mouth and not their nose (this will get their attention and of course halt any chattering).
· Next demonstrate how to hold the mirror, by placing it horizontally above the mouth and below the nose. Children need to keep their heads up and resist looking down into the mirror. Then have a good snort on to a mirror to show how the mirror steams up if you breathe through your nose.
· Ask everyone to keep their head up as if they are looking straight ahead, but use their eyes to look into the mirror to see the world above, not their own faces.
· Get the group to walk in single file, quietly and without running or pushing. Describe how you can see the world upside down and if they are doing it right they can see the clouds and tree branches moving above them and through them. For first timers it can make them feel slightly queasy, but the overall affect is the same as a roller coaster ride, but without the adrenaline rush.
After a few minutes collect the mirrors and share the feelings the group had about being a flying animal. Did they imagine themselves as birds, bats or insects?
To Crawl: This activity gives everyone a ground beetle’s eye view. This is a very disorientating experience, but helps the group to imagine how life is for an ant.
· Simply repeat as for above, but this time put the mirrors horizontally above the eyes. Of course they can breathe through their noses in this case.
· Keeping heads straight and peering up into the mirror, children can see the ground just in front of their feet.
· Walk in a line, warning the group not to bump into the person ahead.

National Curriculum – KS1 and 2 outdoor activities directly linked to the science curriculum focusing on Habitats, Moving and Growing and Animal Characteristics (Adaptation).  All LWT lessons are created to open up opportunities for children to learn outside the classroom.

This is a bookable activity. Age range – any. Group size up to 30. Activity duration – 30 minutes.

2. Trees from Seeds

Come and plant various tree seeds to take home and grow your own tree. Then learn more about trees and identification through our tree craft activity

This is a bookable activity. Age range – any. Group size up to 30. Activity duration – 30 minutes.

Visit their website: www.wildlondon.org.uk

NATIONAL FARMERS UNION 

Let’s Talk Farming Roadshow

· Collect and Complete the Let’s Talk Farming activity booklet
· Milk Annabel the lifelike cow
· Various free gifts including salad leaf seeds and stickers 
 
This is a drop in activity. Age range – any. Group size up to 30.

Visit their website: www.nfuonline.com and www.farmingdelivers.co.uk

NATIONAL GAMEKEEPERS ORGANISATION (NGO) EDUCATION TRUST

The role of the keeper in conservation and habitat management

Come to the NGO Educational Trust exhibit and meet the gamekeepers who will explain to you the benefits to wildlife of responsible countryside management.

This is a drop in activity for any age group.

National Curriculum: Habitat management, conservation, food chains and webs

Visit their website: http://www.gamekeeperstrust.org.uk/

NATURAL ENGLAND – 2 separate activities

Make a Green Woodpecker Card

Creative activity around nature/wildlife while instructing the children on the environment. The session is mostly based around tables, but we venture into the woods to complete bark rubbings.

This is bookable activity for age 7+. Group size up to 30. Duration of activity 30 minutes.

Owls in the Countryside

Introduction talk about the different types of owls in the British countryside, what they eat and how they hunt for their food. Then with their helpers (from schools) pupils can get hands on investigating the contents of owl pellets to see what they’ve been eating.

PLEASE NOTE THAT TEACHERS AND ADULT HELPERS ARE REQUIRED TO HELP WITH THIS ACTIVITY

This is a bookable activity. Age range 7+. Group size up to 30. Approximate duration of activity 30mins.

Visit their website: www.naturalengland.org.uk

OPAL (Open Air Laboratories) Weather Roadshow

Children learn more about weather and climate and how it affects them by taking part in some fun and free experiments and activities. They can have a go at being a weather forecaster using the latest green screen technology, see a real-life (but small and controlled!) tornado, make their own tornados and clouds in bottles and generally participate in other fun weather stuff. There is also a weather station with live data for those who want to understand a bit more about measuring the weather.

This is a bookable activity. Age range 7+ Group size up to 30. Approximate duration of activity 30 minutes.

Visit their website: www.opalexplorenature.org/

OTTERS

Meet the otters

Come and meet two very tame otters and learn about all 13 species of otter worldwide. Most people associate otters with water, but many do not know that 12 of the 13 species live in warm ‘holts’ on the river banks. They clean up a river by eating the slow and dying fish and also eat rats and mice.

This is a drop-in activity for any age range. Duration of activity is variable.

POTATO COUNCIL

Grow your own potatoes

Children attending the Potato Council promotional vehicle can learn about where their food comes from, how it grows and the potatoes part in a healthy balanced diet. The children will also be able to sample freshly cooked potatoes.

This is a drop in activity. Age range 5- 11 year olds KS1 and KS2. Group size up to 30. Approximate duration of activity 20 minutes.

Visit their website: www.potatoesforschools.org.uk

ROYAL PIGEON RACING ASSOCIATION

Pigeon Racing – the sport for all the family

Learn how to be a breeder, nutritionist, race manager and competitor, all with a little bit of geography, science and maths thrown in. Come and meet the pigeons on the stand and watch some being released as part of the arena programme.

This is a drop-in activity for any age range.

Visit their website: www.rpra.org

SHEEPDOGS AND GEESE 

David Seamark is a sheep and arable farmer running a flock of 550 breeding ewes. As part of the arena programme, the display will demonstrate his skill in working up to five dogs with geese in a way that they would work 200-300 sheep back home on the farm. You will see the true partnership of dog and man together with the great ability and trust that each has for one another when working in the practical environment.

This is a drop-in activity for any age range.

THE SHEEP SHOW

Come and meet Nobby the Norfolk Horn, Belinda the Blue-faced Leicester and many more breeds of sheep in the highly entertaining and educational Sheep Show. There will also be a sheep shearing demonstration.

This 30 minute show will be performed 4 times a day at:

10.15am – 10.45am
11.30am – 12.00pm
12.45pm – 1.15pm
2.00pm – 2.30pm

Visit their website: www.thesheepshow.co.uk

ST. CLEMENT VETERINARY CLINICS

Falconry and Ferrets

Come and meet the ferrets and dog and learn about a variety of birds of prey and falconry’s role in the countryside.

This is a drop in activity for any age range.

Visit their website: www.stclementvets.co.uk

SUN JESTER - 2 separate activities

Fire & Light

An introduction to the use and techniques of making fire from heating,cooking and lighting prior to the introduction of matches and electricity. Make a simple beeswax candle to take away.

This is a bookable activity. Age range – any Group size up to 30. Approximate duration of activities 20 minutes.

Funky Vikings

Construct your own simple template based on a Viking design and use it to make a woollen braid like a friendship band. A proven addictive activity for all ages and genders!

This is a bookable activity. Age range – 7+ year olds. Group size up to 30. Approximate duration of activities 20 minutes.

Visit their website: http://www.sunjester.co.uk

TREEWRIGHT

Bodger- Pole Lathe Turning and Green Woodwork Demonstration

Through the bodging process of splitting, chopping, shaving and turning,we will be transforming logs into useful wooden items. A full range of our products will be an interactive display for all.

This is a drop-in activity for any age range.

Visit their website: www.treewright.co.uk/

WILD PLACE YOUR SPACE

Wildlife Drop-in activity and Wishing Tree

The session will introduce children to different kinds of wildlife in and around the Lee Valley.

The underlying message that will be communicated is that wildlife needs our help and can benefit from us doing even one simple thing, eg growing a pot of thyme, etc.

Children will then be asked to think of one thing they would like to do to help wildlife and to express this in the form of a ‘wildlife wish’ that they can write out and then attach to the ‘wishing ‘tree’.

After Countryside Live, the wishes collected will be displayed at the Waterworks Nature Reserve.

This is a drop-in activity for any age group.

Visit their website www.wildplaceyourspace.org.uk

WILLOWPOOL DESIGNS

Willow Weaving

Join expert willow weavers Steve and Simone and enjoy the wonders of willow! During this mini willow workshop children will be encouraged to have-a-go at creating their own wreath or spring garland to take away. During this process children will have the opportunity to learn about willow and view a variety of examples on display. This is an excellent activity for children to learn some basic weaving techniques and enjoy the relaxing benefits of weaving. Children will also be inspired to decorate their creations with wildflowers, leaves and recycled materials.

This is a bookable activity. Age range – 7+. Group size up to 30. Approximate duration of activity 15 minutes.

Visit their website:www.willowpooldesigns.co.uk

WILLOW WEAVING WITH UNDERWOODSMAN LTD 

Willow Star

Weave a willow star with willow rods using traditional techniques. While weaving, find out about willow and basket making, and the background to this ancient craft.

This is a bookable activity. Age range – 7+. Group size up to 30. Approximate duration of activity 30 minutes.

Visit their website:www.underwoodsman.co.uk