A hands-on Family Wildlife Day is to return to York this weekend.
The event, at the organically run Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens near York, will return for its 10th year this Sunday (25 June) from 11am to 4pm.
The fun and educational event is thought to be unique in Yorkshire, with hands-on close up access to a diverse range of Yorkshire wildlife and the chance to meet people from numerous wildlife and conservation organisations.
Children and their parents can dissect owl pellets, provided by the Barn Owl Trust, and examine what the birds have been eating based on the remains.
You can also meet a rescue bat, dip in the wildlife pond and see if you can identify whose poo is whose. and see birds close up at a bird-ringing demonstration.
There will also be the chance to learn about recycling and composting with the North Yorkshire Rotters, an opportunity to win a hedgehog house and learn about local hedgehog rescue projects and to join fun activities with the Woodland Trust.
The wildlife day aims to inspire the next generation to be nature friendly and explore all the ways in which gardens can be havens for wildlife.
The four-acre garden is managed organically and for the benefit of wildlife.
Wildlife friendly features include insect hotels, hedgehog houses, log piles, wildlife ponds, a wild flower meadow and bird boxes. 10 different species of butterfly, 300 species of moth, 9 species of bumblebee and over 45 species of birds are regularly recorded.
Vanessa Cook, who celebrates her 80th birthday, has spent more than 40 years creating the garden from scratch.
She said: “We are absolutely passionate about wildlife and helping inspire young people to care for our precious Yorkshire wildlife and habitats.
“This event is always incredibly popular, offering such a unique chance to get hands on with wildlife.
“We’d love to help even more young people have a unique encounter with nature and leave brim full with ideas for how they can play their role in helping it flourish.”
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