With summer now well and truly upon us Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is preparing for a unique free outdoor event next month.

With summer now well and truly upon us Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is preparing for a unique free outdoor event next month.

Mark Hamblin/2020VISION

On Wednesday 21st August the charity will be hosting a Wilder Woodland Gathering at its Skylarks Nature Reserve at Holme Pierrepont just two miles from the centre of Nottingham.

The Trust is gearing up to welcome hundreds of people to an unforgettable and vibrant event, which aims to connect, inspire and invigorate positive action for the natural world and its recovery through music, performance, workshops, debate and discussion.

There will be a range of activities suitable for families as well as refreshments throughout the event which will run from 1pm – 7pm under the canopy of trees at the reserve off Adbolton Lane.

Woodland at Skylarks Nature Reserve by David Barker

David Barker

Speaking about the event, co-ordinator Trish Evans said:

“The natural world is valuable in its own right and integral to our health and well-being and we want people to join us as we gather to celebrate the rich wildlife of this special nature reserve. As well as being a celebration, this event will recognise that nature is under threat and we want to share ideas as to how everyone can play a part in ensuring nature’s recovery. We want people to join us as we gather under the canopy of the Skylarks woodland to celebrate, share and learn in nature – this is quite a departure from our traditional events and we look forward to welcoming friends old and new.”

The unique format of the event, which forms part of the Trust’s Wilder Future campaign, will see the reserve transformed into a series of themed zones where people can enjoy performance such as music, poetry and story-telling; learn about wildlife through interactive sessions and demonstrations; develop new skills through ‘have a go’ activities and share their passion for wildlife and the environment by taking part in debates.

The unique format of the event, which forms part of the Trust’s Wilder Future campaign, will see the reserve transformed into a series of themed zones where people can enjoy performance such as music, poetry and story-telling; learn about wildlife through interactive sessions and demonstrations; develop new skills through ‘have a go’ activities and share their passion for wildlife and the environment by taking part in debates.

Headlining on the Woodpecker Stage will be performance artist Jason Singh – a composer, sound artist and beat boxer who brings nature to life by vocally recreating bird song and event entire forest environments. His work has featured on BBC TV shows including Springwatch and Countryfile.  Other performers will include local musicians and poets.

Jason Singh

Family activities will include woodworking workshops with By our Hands, tree climbing and slack lining.

Local organisations and a community groups who share the Wildlife Trust’s commitment to protecting and restoring nature are also being invited to attend.

Speaking about the event Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Chief Executive Paul Wilkinson said: It is essential that new audiences are engaged in the campaign for nature, and so our event programme will be diverse, enriching, highly creative and positively spirited! We believe by bringing together people from across the arts, culture, nature, government and private sectors we will be a catalyst for change and offer a fantastic experience for everyone.

 

Find out more

Wilder Woodland Gathering Web header

Photo: Mark Hamblin / 2020VISION