Bugs, crafts and the chance to be a Viking for the day will all be on offer at a free family outdoor education open day in Worcestershire.
The Field Studies Council is throwing open the doors of its Bishops Wood centre at Stourport on Severn for a fun and varied day of activities on June 11.
Adults and children alike will be able to have a go at Viking games and activities in the Saxon area, which includes a traditional Saxon hall and a full-size Viking long ship.
As well as the Viking activities, wannabe wizards and witches will be able to carve their own wands, families can bring a picnic to enjoy in the centre’s extensive grounds, and there will be stalls showcasing the work of local businesses and craftspeople.
Vicki Wood, education team leader at FSC Bishops Wood, said: “The open day is free and there will be activities going on all day from 10am until 4pm. There really will be something for everyone, and we would love to see local families enjoying everything the centre has to offer.
“Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be on hand to guide visitors through the activities and to explain how we look after the ecology of this stunning site.
“Whether you are interested in pollinators or pond dipping, marshmallow toasting or mindfulness, there will be something to fascinate, educate and entertain you.”
One of the activities on the day will be a Flower-Insect Timed (FIT) Count as part of the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme, which collects simple data on how many insects visit a flower over a short period of time.
Visitors will be able to do their own observations and record data to add to the project, which is monitoring changes to populations of the pollinators which are vital to ensuring that many of our crops and wild plants are able to set seed and produce fruit.
There will also be chance to have a go at pond dipping, shelter building, crafts and fire lighting, and there will be two sessions highlighting everything to do with moths.
There will be a woodland walk and a mindfulness walk to follow around the site, as well as a walk and quiz focusing on climate change.
Anyone interested in volunteering at Bishops Wood will also be able to find out more about the Field Studies Council and register their interest.
All activities at the open day are free and there is free parking on site. For more information about Bishops Wood, visit www.field-studies-council.org/locations/bishopswood
The Field Studies Council is an outdoor education charity which operates 24 sites around the UK. Its aim is to create a world where everyone feels connected to the environment so they can enjoy the benefits it gives and make choices that help protect it.
