Hotels for bugs, houses for wildlife - Half Term workshops and events on Northam Burrows

Northam Burrows Rangers are inviting the young, old and in-between to jump into some Spring half-term events being organised on the burrows at Westward Ho! There are plenty of activities and events in the coming weeks with things to build, see and discover.

Drop into the visitor centre between 2pm-4pm on Tuesday 31^st May to try your hand at some craft activities to help give wildlife a boost in your garden or play area. Rangers will help you build your very own bug hotel, which you can take away with you and in this jubilee year you can also help rebuild the burrows bug residency "Bugginham Palace". After building a home for your bugs you can try your hand at carpentry to help the rangers to build hedgehog houses, bat boxes and bird boxes. The Rangers will also talk about how you can make your garden more welcoming to wildlife and you can make your pledge to nature by adding a decorated leaf to the wildlife tree. No booking is necessary for these activities but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Adults with some spare time would be very welcome at Kenwith Valley on Wednesday 1^st June to help with some footpath improvements around the nature reserve. A great way to get to know this tranquil place on the outskirts of Bideford, work-out a little in natures gym and make a difference that others will benefit from. There's also another chance to volunteer at a beach clean at Westward Ho! in partnership with Plastic Free Torridge between 10am-12pm on Saturday 11^th June. Pre-booking is required for these by emailing northam.burrows@torridge.gov.uk or by calling 01237 479708

Picking up the family theme again, on Thursday 2^nd June there will be a family friendly guided walk around the burrows. You'll be shown how to spot the signs of wildlife and track down the birds and animals that like to call the park home. Leave the burrows with new knowledge and a better understanding of what to look out for in the future when you're leading your own safaris. If you can't make these dates there are also a number of new marked trails for you to follow around the park in your own time. You can also help the rangers update their maps with the time it takes you to walk these, so pick up a leaflet and map at the visitor centre before you set off.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin - Lead Member for Community, Culture and Leisure said:  

"Another great packed itinerary for families and individuals to explore and help out with in the coming weeks at the Burrows and Kenwith Valley, and although it's a much used phrase - really something for everyone rings true in this case! The craft activities and guided walks will be a great way to learn some new skills that you'll be able to use again, either at home, or on return visits to the park. Drop by, take part and help out, all in beautiful surroundings, the rangers are looking forward to welcoming you."