The hands-on family wildlife day at the organically run Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens just outside York will return for its 10th year this Sunday 25 June 2023 from 11am to 4pm.
The fun and educational event is thought to be unique in Yorkshire, facilitating hands-on close up access to a diverse range of Yorkshire wildlife and the chance to meet people from numerous wildlife and conservation organisations.
Dissect owl pellets provided by famous East Yorkshire wildlife artist and conservationist Robert Fuller, meet a rescue bat, dip in the wildlife pond and see if you can identify whose poo is whose. See birds close up at a bird ringing demonstration.
There will also be the chance to learn about recycling and composting with the North Yorkshire Rotters, an opportunity to win a hedgehog house and learn about local hedgehog rescue projects and to join fun activities with the Woodland Trust. Bumblebee walks will be led by Bumblebee Conservation and Butterfly Conservation will be busy identifying butterflies in the garden and showing moths trapped the previous night.
The special event aims to inspire the next generation to be wildlife friendly and explore all the ways in which gardens can be havens for wildlife. The four acre garden is managed organically and for the benefit of wildlife. Visitors to the event can explore all around the site, where wildlife surveys and counts are regularly undertaken.
Wildlife friendly features include insect hotels, hedgehog houses, log piles, wildlife ponds, a wild flower meadow and bird boxes. 10 different species of butterfly, 300 species of moth, 9 species of bumblebee and over 45 species of birds are regularly recorded.
Vanessa Cook, who celebrates her 80th birthday this year and has spent more than 40 years creating the garden from scratch explains: “We are absolutely passionate about wildlife and helping inspire young people to care for our precious Yorkshire wildlife and habitats. This event is always incredibly popular, offering such a unique chance to get hands on with wildlife. We’d love to help even more young people have a unique encounter with nature and leave brim full with ideas for how they can play their role in helping it flourish.”
Advanced family tickets for the event cost £20 and advance discounted booking is recommended at https://stillingfleetlodgenurseries.co.uk/.
Admission can also be purchased on the day at £8 adult and £4 child.
Header Image: The Wildflower Meadow At Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens
