A FREE nature day packed full of family-friendly wildlife activities will be taking place at Watermead Country Park later this month.
The event, on Saturday 21 June, will help people to become more familiar with the wildlife and habitats that can be found alongside the River Soar in Leicester.
It’s part of Restoring the Soar, a partnership project between Leicester City Council, Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and the Canal & River Trust.
Activities will include minibeast hunts, wildlife walks and ID sessions, and an outdoor lab with microscopes. There will also be a chance to learn more about the Restoring the Soar project, which will enhance the river corridor from West Bridge, near the centre of Leicester, out to Watermead Park.
Hannah Keys, nature conservation officer at Leicester City Council, said: “Our nature day will include lots of fun activities and will give people the chance to complete their own nature passport and learn how to identify species using our surveying equipment. We’ll also show people how to use apps to easily record what they see when they are out and about.”
Fee Worton, community engagement and training development officer from Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust said: “The nature day is an opportunity for the Restoring the Soar team to share, learn and inspire! Beginner-friendly and engaging nature-based activities will introduce people to some of the wonderful wildlife we have on our doorstep through trails and the chance to use equipment like binoculars and microscopes. Our connection to the natural world is important in so many ways and throughout the day we are keen to understand the aspirations of our community needs as we build a vision for the river that runs through the heart of our city.”
The nature day will feature a board where people can draw or write down their ideas for the river, as well as a creative mural station where visitors can share their thoughts, memories, and hopes for the River Soar by drawing, writing, stamping, or printing.
Sue Willis, engagement co-ordinator for the Canal & River Trust, said: “The River Soar was once an industrial highway but today it’s a fantastic corridor for nature, bringing wildlife right into the heart of the city. It’s so important that we protect this wildlife and improve river habitats on the river so the nature day will be a great way for local people find out more about the species that can be found on their doorstep. We’re also really looking forward to hearing people’s ideas on how the river can be improved for people and wildlife.”
Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, Leicester City Council’s deputy city mayor responsible for heritage and conservation, said: “This nature day is a fantastic way to get people thinking about what they would like to see along their river, as well as a chance to learn more about local wildlife and habitats and enjoy some family activities in a beautiful country park. I hope lots of people will be able to get involved, and we look forward to working with our partners to further enhance the river corridor in north Leicester.”
Restoring the Soar is made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which awarded the project almost £579,000 in development funding.
The nature day runs from 12noon until 4pm on Saturday 21 June. It will take place close to the entrance to Watermead Country Park (South), in Alderton Close (there is a charge for parking in the car park).
People can also give their views on the River Soar by filling in the Restoring the Soar Consultation at www.leicester.gov.uk/soar
For more information, please contact nature.conservation@leicester.gov.uk