Apple festival at Erddig 4th/5th October

Apple festival is back for its 24th year.  There is plenty on offer for everyone to enjoy, including cooking demonstrations, cider making, a cider bar, live music, storytelling and of course plenty of apples!

4 and 5 October 2014, 11am, last admission 4pm.
Free event but Normal admission applies

Access to the garden and Wolf Den Play Area

More Information: General Office, 01978 355314, erddig@nationaltrust.org.uk

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/erddig/things-to-see-and-do/events/

Tatton Apple Day, 5th October

When

On Sunday 5 October 2014

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Location

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN

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Description

A scrumptious Sunday at the Farm and in the Gardens to celebrate the wonderful apple. Join in games and children's activities. In the Gardens, taste delicious varieties from Tatton's historic orchards and enjoy free 1-hour talks on pruning, training and caring for your own apple trees. Apple goods on sale in the shops and restaurant.

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Contact

Tatton Park

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Telephone

01625 374400

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Timings

Normal opening times apply

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Cost

Normal entry charges apply. £5 car entry charge applies.

 

For more information visit Tatton Park website

Help our hedgehogs this Autumn

Autumn is a busy time in the garden for wildlife, as hibernating creatures such as hedgehogs prepare for the winter months ahead. The People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) have together produced a free seasonal guide on how to make your autumn garden hedgehog-friendly.

In Britain, hedgehog populations have plummeted by a quarter in the last decade.  Our once common garden friend is in serious trouble!

Help hedgehogs by taking part in Hedgehog Street  and following the tips in the A-Z Guide to helping hedgehogs in Autumn.

Harvest Festival at the Farm - Tatton Park 20-21 Sep

When

From Saturday 20 September 2014 to Sunday 21 September 2014

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Location

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN

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Description

A chance to celebrate the annual harvest by joining in with the farm's very own harvest festival. See the steam engine running, have a go at scarecrow making and spinning, Make your own corn doll, sheep racing and woodturning demos. Harvest Blessing 2pm with the Preston Brook brass band. Please feel free to bring your own pets to be blessed!

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Contact

Tatton Park

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Telephone

01625 374400

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Timings

Normal opening times apply

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Cost

Normal charges apply. £5 car entry charge applies.

 

Visit Tatton Park website for more information

Merefest 2014 - 20th September

Come along to the Shropshire Wildlife Trust's annual family fun day.

11:00 am - 4:00 pm 
Crenmorne Gardens,  The Mere, Ellesmere

Following the success of last year's Merefest at Cholmondeley, this year's Meres and Mosses Festival moves to Ellesmere and promises to be bigger and better than ever. The festival is completely FREE to enter and will have lots of fun activities on offer.

Over 30 activities are now booked in for Merefest'14. Just to give an idea of what to expect:

• Fishing demonstrations
• Canoeing on the Mere
• Cheese making
• Willow weaving
• Lantern making
• Pond dipping

In addition, there will be two marquees on the site, each housing numerous craft and local produce stalls and science-based fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. A range of hot food will also be available to buy on the day from Maynards Farm, Crumperie Crepes and Food on Fire.

There will be free parking available in a field accessible from Swan Hill for the day and in Ellesmere town centre.
In the evening......A Lantern Procession and Shadow Play will take place in Cremorne Gardens, Ellesmere at 7.30pm.

There will be a procession of lanterns through the woods by the Mere with a few surprises along the way leading to an enchanting Shadow Play: Heronsilver!

Telephone  01743 284 275
Visit the Meres and Mosses Website

August Events at Wrexham Parks

Tuesday 5 August
Nant Mill – Big Duck Race Day
Lots of fun and games and a chance to win £50!
From 1.30pm All ages Some activities free

Wednesday 6 August
Ponciau Banks – Pop-up Puppets
Make easy pop-up puppets to amuse your friends
Drop in at the Bowling Pavilion from 1.30pm – 3.30pm
All ages £2.50

Wednesday 6 August
A|yn Waters – Finger Paint Creations
Messy & Fun
Drop in 1.30pm – 3.30pm All Ages £2.50

Thursday 7 August
Ty Mawr – Magnetic minibeasts, Make a magnet for your fridge!
Sessions from 1.30pm – 3.30pm
All ages £2.50

Tuesday 12 August
Nant Mill – Clay Birds
Drop in from 1.30-3.30pm All ages £2.50

Wednesday 13 August
Ponciau Banks – Professional BMX Coaching
A day of expert coaching.
10.00am – 3.30pm (bring packed lunch)
Age 7+ £3 Limited places.
Telephone 01978 844028 to book in advance

Wednesday 13 August
Alyn Waters – Family Orienteering
Have a go at our child friendly course
1.30pm – 3.30pm All Ages £2.50 per group

Thursday 14 August
Bellevue Park - Tennis Coaching
Learn from a qualified coach.,Meet at the courts
1.30pm – 3.30pm Ages 6-14 Free

Thursday 14 August
Ty Mawr – Puppets Pals - Make a simple puppet and star in your own show!
Sessions from 1.30pm – 3.30pm All ages £2.50

Tuesday 19 August
Nant Mill – Bug hotels -Make homes for garden creepy crawlies
Drop in from 1.30-3.30pm All ages £2.50

Wednesday 20 August
Alyn Waters – Fantastic Felts - Create great collages using felts.
Drop in 1.30pm – 3.30pm All Ages £2.50

Wednesday 20 August
Ponciau Banks – Lavender Bags - Make easy lavender bags to sweeten your home.
Drop in at the Bowling Pavilion from 1.30pm – 3.30pm
All ages £2.50

Thursday 21 August
Bellevue Park – Wood cookie art - Create colourful jewellery and sculptures
with wood
Meet by the play area 1.30pm – 3.30pm
All Ages £2.50

Thursday 21 August
Ty Mawr – Collage cards
Sessions from 1.30pm – 3.30pm
All ages £2.50

Tuesday 26 August
Acton – Tennis Coaching, Free Tennis Coaching
Meet at the courts
1pm – 3pm Free

Wednesday 27 August
Alyn Waters – Spoon People, Create your own spoon character.
Drop in 1.30pm – 3.30pm
All Ages £2.50

Thursday 28 August
Ty Mawr – Old Macdonald Day
See the animals, make a badge and have a tractor ride!
1.30pm – 3.30pm
All ages £3

Download the 2014 Events booklet: http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/assets/pdfs/countryside/events_2014.pdf

Bug Bonanza at Chirk Castle

Explore the Chirk Castle Estate, discovering remote, quiet corners and go on a self-led or a guided bug hunt to discover the creatures that live there.

- 23rd and 30th July

- 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th August.

For more information see: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chirk-castle/things-to-see-and-do/events/

Elf and Fairy Wands - 23rd Jul 2014

Collect magical things from around the park to create your very own elf or fairy wand!

When: 23rd July 2014, 11.00-2.00

Where: Loggerheads Country Park, Mold, CH7 5LH

For more information and events visit: http://www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/events/ and click on the View 'Out and About 2014' directory.

July Events at Wrexham Parks

Tuesday 22 July
Nant Mill – Summer sun catchers
Drop in from 1.30-3.30pm All ages £2.50

Wednesday 23 July
Ponciau Banks – Print a Pretty Picture, Easy to do for little ones too!
Drop in at the Bowling Pavilion from 1.30pm – 3.30pm
All ages £2.50

Wednesday 23 July
Alyn Waters – Clay Play
Fun with clay Sessions 1.30pm – 3.30pm All Ages £2.50

Thursday 24 July
Ty Mawr – Community Fun Day From 1.30pm All ages
Free entry Car park £2

Saturday 26 July
Bellevue Park - Offa Carnival
Community Carnival with a range of attractions
11.00am – 3.00pm Free entry

Tuesday 29 July
Nant Mill – Animal Bookmarks
Drop in from 1.30-3.30pm All ages £2.50

Wednesday 30 July
Alyn Waters – Beautiful Butterfly’s, Create a colourful butterfly - Drop in 1.30pm – 3.30pm
All Ages, £2.50

Thursday 31 July
Bellevue Park – Colour crowns, Make your own fancy crown!
Meet by the play area
1.30pm – 3.30pm All Ages £2.50

Thursday 31 July
Ty Mawr – Clay cows and pottery pigs!, Make a clay creature to take home
Sessions from 1.30 – 3.30pm All ages £2.50

Download the 2014 Events booklet: http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/assets/pdfs/countryside/events_2014.pdf

Den building weekend at Chirk Castle - 12-13 July

Build a den, impress one of Chirk's rangers and tick another thing off your list of your '50 things to do before you're 11' list..

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chirk-castle/things-to-see-and-do/events/

Summer Events at Moreton Park Garden Centre

Keep the children entertained this summer at the Garden Centre…

Owl Roadshow

• Saturday 19th July
• Saturday 26th July

10am to 4pm FREE EVENT
Visit members of Owl Rescue, along with a selection of real birds. This drop in roadshow will promote an awareness of the conservation needs of owls at home and abroad and of their natural habitats within the environment. Throughout the day there will be a rare opportunity to hold the owls (small donation to the Owl Charity required).This event is hosted by Owl Rescue. This is an organization dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of owls and other birds of prey together with education of conservation and the environment to make sure that these birds are around for the next generation. For more information on the work of the Owl Rescue organisation please visit their website www.owlrescue.co.uk

 

Children’s Craft Session

• Wednesday 30th July 10am to 11 am
• Tuesday  19th August 10am to 11am

Have fun making a selection of hats and masks and other fun items all to take home

£3.50 per child BOOKING REQUIRED 

  

Pot a Plant
Thursday 7th August 10am to 11am
Decorate a terraocota pot, with paints and stickers. Pot a plant in your unique container to take home and watch grow..

£3.50 per pot. All materials included. BOOKING REQUIRED 

Variety Entertainment Show
Thursday 14th August 9.30 to 11am
A variety entertainment show including comedy, magic, and balloon modeling with audience participation.

£4 per child BOOKING REQUIRED

Reptile Roadshow
Thursday August 28th 9.30am to 10.30am
An exotic animal presentation, with around 40 animals including snakes, lizards and spiders. Touch, hold and learn about the animal environment, how they protect themselves and how adaption, natural selection and evolution have shaped the way they look and feel.

£4 per child (accompanying adult no charge) BOOKING REQUIRED 

For the online booking form and to download the summer events brochure visit: http://www.moretonpark.com/summerevents
 

 

Fun at Ty Mawr - Sun 6th July

Ty Mawr Country Park, Cefn Mawr is hosting a funday for all the family in its barn, from 1pm until 3pm on Sunday 6th July 2014.

Activities on offer will include free face painting, glitter tattoos, games and refreshments.

Entry into the barn is free, with £1 entry per family for a treasure hunt.

For more information contact Julia Chaplin on 01978 366115

You suggested, we bought....

A big thank you for all the money that you have helped us to raise over the last 18 months.

We are pleased to tell you that based on some great parent and staff suggestions we have recently purchased:

1. Garden drums and wall chimes (to be fitted in the outdoor area)

2. Toadstool table and chairs

3. Additional unit for storing coats and bags for the classroom to be able to use the small room near the nursery office as dedicated area for prams, buggies and car seats you need for pick-ups.

Please keep the great ideas coming!

Are you brave enough to hold a snake or tarantula?

Are you brave enough to hold a snake or a tarantula, a scorpion or a lizard?

Simon Airey brings his array of exotic animals to Powys Castle

Wednesday, 28 May 2014  12pm - 3:15 pm  Free event (normal admission charges apply) 
More Information: Ruth Scutter, 01938 551929, ruth.scutter@nationaltrust.org.uk

Pond dipping and Bug hunting, 17-18 May at Powys Castle

Hunt for creepy crawlies, under rocks and logs in Powys wilderness, or catch dragonflies, skaters and waterboatmen and discover what lurks in the waters of the Stable Pond!

17th-18th May at Powys Castle, normal admission applies, £2 per activity

More Information: Ruth Scutter, 01938 551929, ruth.scutter@nationaltrust.org.uk

Take a walk on the wild side with monkeys or search for fairies!

Monkey Forest
Get up close and personal at Trentham Monkey Forest set in 60 acres of beautiful Staffordshire woodland and meadows where 140 monkeys live in total freedom. You are plunged into the fascinating world of the Barbary macaques as you hear rustling in the trees, chattering in a strange language and see the monkeys crashing through branches.

The three-quarter mile winding forest path takes you through the monkeys home and gives you a great insight into this fascinating primate and how they live in their native Morocco or Algeria. Guides along the path will give you information on the monkeys and what they are getting up to and don’t miss the hourly feeding talks to see some more monkey antics!

For tickets, opening hours and further information visit: http://www.trentham.co.uk/monkey-forest

Fairies at Trentham

Everyone knows that fairies live at the bottom of gardens and Trentham Gardens is no different. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk around the beautiful mile-long lake, and through the woodland, maze and gardens where the Fairies at Trentham live.

Meet the new fairy ‘Wishes’ who has flown in to celebrate our 10th Birthday.

The fairy trail is included in the price charged for garden admission for more information: http://www.trentham.co.uk/trentham-gardens/lake-and-lakeside-activities/fairies-at-trentham


You can also visit the main Trentham Estate website to find out about all the attractions: http://www.trentham.co.uk/

Nursery supports the Derwen

At the last Nursery Parent Support Meeting Lynne, the Nursery Manager, explained how she had recently written a letter to the Derwen College to show support and raise awareness of what a wonderful place the Derwen Estate is to visit with the nursery children and how much they enjoy exploring the woodland and seeing the animals.

The parents wanted to share this with you as not all of them were aware that the children get the opportunity to have so much fun on their walks, although finding Percy Peacock and seeing the fish in the aquarium in the hospital on their shorter walks are also highlights for them too!

Information on the Derwen Estates

Derwen Estates is a ten-acre site incorporating woodland, marshland and animal care areas.
Derwen Estates supports various habitats and includes a pocket-sized wild flower meadow, small wetland area including a pond, with newts and moorhens, and a marshland area that produces teasels, bull rushes and poppy heads. In the bird hide you can watch the birds on the feeders and in their natural habitat.

There is a selection of small animals including guinea pigs, rabbits, pigs, pygmy goats and alpacas.
The Woodland Walk is open to the public – a 750-metre wheelchair accessible footpath meanders through the woodland which contains 3000 trees.

http://www.derwen.ac.uk/visit/derwen-estates/

Bucket list of things to do before you're 12...

The National Trust have developed a bucket list of 50 fun outdoor things to do before you're 12 to encourage kids to get mucky, discover their wild side and get closer to nature.

Download the checklist or visit the kids area where they can register for extra rewards and games

Examples include:

- Roll down a really big hill
- Fly a kite
- Make a daisy chain
- Play pooh sticks
- Eat an apple straight from the tree

There are even helpful parent guides on how to do some of the things: https://www.50things.org.uk/parents-area.aspx

Free entry at Chirk Castle to celebrate St David's Day - 1st March 2014

1 March

Come and celebrate St. David's Day with free entry to the Chirk Castle and Gardens.

Activities include a special live performance to celebrate the 'Golau' art exhibition.

For more information: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chirk-castle/things-to-see-and-do/events/ or  please contact the estate office on 01691 777701.

Help us to enhance the outdoor area

Dear Parents,

We are currently in the process of enhancing our outdoor area and would be very grateful for any old pots and pans, cake tins, baking trays, pieces of wood or pipe, odd bits of material or old duvet covers, trinket boxes or any other bits of treasure that you no longer need!

Many thanks