Come and join us for a walk in Long Wood, one of the Somerset Wildlife Trusts oldest reserves and witness the incredible carpet of bluebells that can be found there this time of year. Plus, if there's time, we will see how the trees we planted at Black Rock are growing. Meeting point arranged on booking, 2pm-4pm, Free. Booking is essential, please call 01823 652400 for more information.
This Naturally Healthy Month, come along for a gentle stroll along the Blackbrook Stream and learn about the wildlife that lives there. This walk is over flat terrain, is accessible and covers around 2.6km. Sturdy footwear and outdoor clothing recommended. Where Meeting at the pavilion in Hamilton Gault Park, Hamilton Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 2BF, 10.30-11.30, Free. Booking not necessary but for more information please call 01823 652400
Take a gentle guided stroll through Kingcombe meadows Nature Reserve followed by tea and cake. This is an opportunity to explore the many paths and trails and discover the wonderful wildlife and heritage that the Kingcombe reserve has to offer. These sociable walks are an opportunity to get outdoors, connect with nature and meet like-minded people. £8 FOR Adults and £4 for children includes tea and cake. Free parking on site. Booking essential, phone 01300 320684 and ask for Debbie Billen to reserve your place.
Chaffcombe coffee morning fund-raiser for SWT 10:30-noon with Bluebell walk commencing 11:30. Join Valerie & John Godsmark for guided walk focussing on ancient woodland Spring flowers at Park Wood Local Wildlife Site and Private Nature Reserve, 10.30am-1pm, Free, For more information please call 01823 652400.
Join DWT’s Neil Gibson for an early morning guided bird walk followed by a hearty home-cooked breakfast. £18 per person. For more information and to book visit www.kingcombe.org. or phone 01300 320684.
Learn the rudiments of this all-absorbing craft and how to nurture an insect that is crucial to us and our planet, between 10:30am and 4pm. Residential £290 pp, non- residential £210pp. For more information about the course and to book visit www.kingcombe.org or phone 01300 320684.
Help us celebrate this beautiful ancient woodland. We're running sessions in woodland crafts, bird calls, Tai Chi, nature discovery, charcoal making and much more! With support from the Hanson in the Community Fund. morning and afternoon tickets available. Asham Wood, SSSI, near Downhead, 9am-5.50pm, Cost £6 adults, £4 children. Booking is essential, please email: events@somersetwildlife.org or call 01823 652400
Come and join Francis Farr-Cox as he unravels the history and mystery of the watercourses of Taunton on this enjoyable guided walks around the town. Sturdy footwear required. Somerset wildlife Trust, Wellington Road, Taunton TA1 5AW, 2.30pm-4pm, Free. For more information please email events@somersetwildlife.org or phone 01823 652400
This walk will be led by Steve Oliver DWT reserve warden. 4.30 am. The cost is £5 pp. Booking is essential as places are limited and these walks fill up very quickly. Please contact Anna Aubrey 07970 903679 for more information. Meeting time is 04:30 at the reserve entrance information board.
Are you crazy about creatures? Batty about birds? Fascinated by flora, or just wild about wildlife? Then head for the great outdoors and the wonderful Wild at Kielder Festival 2018 on May Bank Holiday Weekend – Sunday 6th and Monday 7th May and enjoy a weekend full of wildlife themed activities. For more information about Kielder Water & Forest Park in general, visit www.visitkielder.com.
A walk lead by a RSPB warden. A 2-hour guided walk around part of the extensive Arne Reserve. Meet in Arne Nature Reserve car park, (charges apply for non-RSPB members). Map ref SY971877. Cost £3 per person. Booking not necessary.
We're proud to continue celebrating fabulous regional food and drink created in Ludlow and across the Welsh Marches; together with live music, classic vehicles and much more over the weekend of our Ludlow Spring Festival, held in the stunning setting of Ludlow Castle and around our historic town. There’s also the Wales & West regional judging competition by SIBA which is always an exciting event. There will be talks from local producers, all specialists in their field, and if that’s not enough there are also cocktail masterclasses taking place over the weekend – buy tickets in advance online to take advantage of early-bird discounts - find out more here: http://www.ludlowspringfestival.co.uk
Please come and support the South East Area Group’s Annual Plant Sale and Coffee morning in Castle Cary. Lots of lovely home grown plants for sale. Offers to donate plants and help on the day would be very welcome. Market Place, Castle Cary BA7 7AH. 9am-12.30pm. Free, but donations welcome. For more information please phone 01823 652400
This Naturally Healthy Month, come along to Longrun Meadow to learn all about Geocaching - an outdoor activity, in which you use Global Positioning System (GPS) or a mobile device, as well as your navigational skills, to hide and seek containers with items inside. During the afternoon you'll also get the chance to find caches around the area. Stout Footwear recommended. Oak Barn in Longrun Meadow near to the new Weir Café, TA1 1XQ, 1.30pm -4.30pm, Free. To book please email events@somersetwildlife.org or phone 01823 652400.
Squire’s gardening experts will show you how to line a large basket with moss, then position a selection of upright and trailing plants, as well as a centrepiece plant. You will also be taught some simple tricks so that your plants should bloom for months on end! The masterclass is suitable for everyone. Tickets are £25 and include everything you need to make your hanging basket – the tuition, basket, moss, compost, and all plants. The masterclass lasts around an hour then you’ll get tea or coffee and cake in Squire’s Café Bar, and 10% off any other plants you purchase on the day! Booking is essential, simply call or visit your local Squire’s Garden Centre.
Come on a river adventure with Ollie the Otter and his friends along the River Tone. This guided walk tells you the story of how Ollie is looking for a home. Meet in Goodlands Gardens, The Shed café, 4.30pm - 6pm, Free. Booking not required. For more information please email events@somersetwildlife.org or call 01823 652400
Come and learn how to identify different types of Bumblebee. This event is in conjunction with the Friends of Longrun Meadow. Please wear stout footwear. Somerset Wildlife Trust, 34 Wellington Road, Taunton, Somerset. TA1 5A,10am-12pm, Free Booking essential. For more information please call 01823 652400
Come and help your local wildlife by clearning the park of plastics and other litter. Please wear old clothes. Meet by the entrance to French Weir Park opposite the end of Cleveland Street, 10.30am-12pm, Free. Booking not required. For more information please email events@somersetwildlife.org or call 01823 652400
Come and make a Bee Hotel and a "pop-up" meadow and discover more about the essential role that wildlife plays in our food and flowers. French Weir Park, Taunton, 12.30pm-3.30pm, Free. Booking not required. For more information please email events@somersetwildlife.org or call 01823 652400
Come and cycle around the lanes and back streets of Taunton, discover the green areas and quiet places of the County Town.*This event is for ages 14 and up and accessible to those who are able to cycle independently. Please bring your own bicycle and helmet. Meet at the back entrance to Vivary Park, Taunton, 5pm-6.30pm, Free. Booking is essential. For more information please call 01823 652400
Come and discover the bats that live near the centre of Taunton and make it their home. Please wear stout footwear. Meet by The Coach café in French Weir Park, 9pm-11pm, Free. Booking essential. Please book via phone and call Simon Briggs, 01823 270529
On Sunday 20 May join the thousands of foodies who converge on the market town of Alresford, Hampshire to celebrate the Annual Alresford Watercress Festival. You can find out more here: www.watercressfestival.org.
Come and explore Longrun Meadow and find out about the wildflowers and bees that grow and live there. Suitable for all ages. Meet at the Oak Barn in Longrun Meadow, behind the Castle School, Taunton, 2pm-3.30pm, Free. Booking is not required, for more information please email events@somersetwildlife.org or call 01823 652400
This Naturally Healthy Month join us for a walk around Quants nature reserve in the beautiful Blackdowns and discover its amazing wildlife, history and landscape.The walk will be on fairly steep slopes in places and the ground conditions may well be muddy/slippery so boots/wellies are strongly advised. Meet at the Quants car park at ST 189 175, Blackdown Hills, 10am-12pm, Free. For more information please email events@somersetwildlife.org or call 01823 652400
Discover the wildlife and plants of Whatcombe Fields whilst helping to compile a list of the species that the Fields support, to help shape ongoing management. Joint event with SOS Frome. Whatcombe Fields, Frome, 6pm-8.00pm, Free. Booking is essential, please email events@somersetwildlife.org or call 01823 652400
Join us for a family friendly wildlife walk around Longrun Meadow with us and SUSTRANS - a UK sustainable transport charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle. Please wear sustainable footwear. Meet at the Weir Cafe, french Weir Park, Taunton, 4.30pm-5.30pm, Free. To book please email events@somersetwildlife.org or call 01823 652400
A lively and entertaining fundraising evening that will literally open your ears to the fascinating world of birdsong, brought to you by well-known Tweet of the Day authors Brett Westwood and Stephen Moss. Strode Theatre, Church Road, Street, Somerset, BA16 0AB. 7.30pm – 10pm, £20/Children (under 16) £16. Booking essential. Please visit: www.somersetwildlife.org/Cuckoos_and_Corncrakes.html
Hillcrest has stunning gardens and a beautiful meadow created and looked after by passionate wildlife gardeners. It is an essential wildlife haven that attracts and protects the local species that in turn gives so much joy to everyone that visits! Tea and cakes served at a small extra cost. Hillcrest, Curload, TA3 6JA, 2pm-5pm, £4 per person. No Booking required. For more information please email events@somersetwildlife.org or call 01823 652400
This Naturally Healthy Month, unwind and enjoy being present in the moment by learning the art of mindfulness. Come and enjoy a mindfulness session in Longrun Meadow. Take part in gentle mindful movements and spend time being mindful of the nature around you. Wear suitable footwear and clothing. Willow Cathedral in Longrun Meadow, 10.30-11.30am, Free. To book please email events@somersetwildlife.org or call 01823 652400
Growing your own vegetables has never been so popular, and it’s easy to see why. In very little space you can grow delicious fresh vegetables that don’t need to be shrink-wrapped and sat on a supermarket shelf for days. Recognising this, and wanting to show children where their food comes from, Squire’s Garden Centres are running a great activity for children at May half term. From Monday 28th May until Friday 1st June (10am-4pm) children can choose three tasty vegetable plants and be shown how to plant them in a wooden trough. Then they get to decorate their own plant labels and take the whole thing home to look after and watch the vegetables grow. It costs £6 plus there’s also a free “Veggie Hunt”, where children follow a trail of questions around the garden centre and receive a sticker when complete. Find out more here: www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk
During Naturally Healthy Month find out about the abundance of natural plants growing in the wayside and hedgerows; which can be used to aid well-being and treat many everyday ailments. Wookey Goat Farm, near Wells BA5 1DT, 7pm-8pm, Free. For more information please call 01823 652400
The awards are celebrating its 25th birthday and is the pre-eminent cheese event in the UK, as well as a great celebration of British cheese and the industry. With over 1,000 cheeses expected to be entered visitors will get a unique opportunity to see all these cheeses in one location. The British Cheese Awards forms part of the Royal Bath & West Show, that takes place from Wednesday 30th May to Saturday 2nd June. Tickets for the show can be purchased online at www.bathandwest.com and cost £20 per adult ticket (Gate Price will be £25), which includes FREE entrance for two children.
