Posts Tagged ‘Nature’
Wild about Norfolk? Well, obviously we are.
It’s also the name of an annual Wildlife and Environment Fair that aims to promote local nature conservation organisations and general appreciation of things natural in Norfolk.
This year, Wild About Norfolk was held at Easton College, a land-based college just outside Norwich that offers courses such as Animal Care, Equine Studies and Horticulture. It was a lovely sunny Saturday, and with free parking and free entry, worth checking out.
The event was held throughout rooms and halls on the Easton College campus, some rooms being dedicated to a particular theme (for example, bees & honey-making, seashore and ocean wildlife…). It was clear that a great deal of effort had been put into the event, with many hands-on, interactive displays that the children (including Little man) seemed to love.
As we wandered around, there was plenty of opportunity to talk to the 40+ nature conservation organisations present, which included the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden, Friends of Gressenhall, RSPB and Pensthorpe. It was particularly interesting to find out more about the plethora of nature-themed events that take place in Norfolk throughout the year, for all age groups.
Outside, there was the chance to explore nature trails around Easton College campus, and the campus itself, which is actually rather lovely. We discovered a couple of beautiful gardens (presumably used in courses offered at the college), including the pretty and tranquil ‘Regimental Garden’, dedicated to those that have lost their lives in conflict.
The day ended with a tractor ride around the lanes surrounding the campus. Fun as it was, it was as bumpy as one of the more riotous amusement park rides you might find. Possibly not advisable at 5 months pregnant. I spent much of the ride bracing myself and holding on for dear life! Think Little Man enjoyed it though.
All in all a nice day out, and, best of all, free. We even won a prize in the tombola (not free, obviously). Excellent.
Keep an eye out for next years Wild About Norfolk event.
On Saturday we had the absolute pleasure of experiencing an event organised by The Fairyland Trust, a Norfolk-based charity that aims to inspire youngsters to appreciate the magic of nature through the use of myths, folklore and legends.
Little Man beside sign for The Real Halloween.
‘The Real Halloween’ was basically an outdoor event held at Holt Hall Field Studies Centre in Holt. Fairyland Trust representative Abbie Panks explained to me that the aim was to relate Halloween back to its true origins as a celebration of the change of season, rather than the blood, gore and trick or treating practice that is the modern image of Halloween.
Having never been to Holt Hall before, I was immediately struck by how beautiful the location was – a stunning house set in some 35 hectares of ancient woodland and gardens. With autumn colour in full bloom, the first impression as one approached through the woodland track from the car park area was breathtaking.
Live Music & Stalls at The Real Halloween.
‘Campfires’, wooden toadstool seating, live music, a Halloween-themed cafe and various stalls framed the scene, while oodles of little witches (as well as some big ones), cats, devils, wizards, pirates and vampires regailed in the late October sun. Truly wonderful.
The Real Halloween.
The day, designed for families and children (although, to be honest, Other Half and I agreed, we’d probably have had a superb time had we turned up on our own – live music and spiced cider, outside on arguably one of the sunniest days of the year? Can’t be bad), began at noon and there was plenty to amuse, interest and delight.
Mulled Apple Juice (& Spiced Cider) Stall.
Throughout the day we carved a pumpkin, followed the ‘Rainbow Trail’ of coloured ribbons through the woods (piqued every now and then by a Halloween-themed ‘factoid’ about the particular tree or plant), sampled the mulled apple juice (lovely) and some spooky cupcakes. I also ended up (albeit briefly) serving pies on Bray’s infamous Pork Pie stall. For me I think that was the most terrifying aspect of the whole Halloween day.
Bray's Pork Pie Stall.
We’d pre-booked a ‘Witches Pet’ workshop for Little Man, which took place in a tent and combined storytelling, craft and information to introduce the group of girls and boys to the world of bats. The workshop was carefully planned and enthusiastically delivered, just managing to hold Little Man’s interest for the duration (at two-and-a-half he was perhaps just on the young side). However, the eventual production of a fluffy, googly-eyed bat on a piece of elastic that ‘flew’ was more than reward for Little Man’s patience. Afterwards he ran around with it, delighted, terrifying all who dared cross his path.
Making Witches Pets.
One Happy Lil Wizard (With Flying Bat).
Other activities on offer included a ‘Witches Kitchen’, traditional apple bobbing, storytelling under a giant old oak and lantern making. We left before the lantern procession at dusk (we had wanted to join in, but sometimes its best not to outstay your welcome with a toddler), but expect this was enchanting and a truly magical experience for slightly older children.
Carving Pumpkins.
Instead, having promised that our Little Man would see the moon when it got dark, we drove along the coast to Cromer and ate fish & chips while the sun went down. Typically, it turned out to be an utterly clear, but also utterly moon-less night. No matter, the lights on the pier reflecting into the black North Sea were more than satisfactory.
View From Cromer Pier As Night Falls.
In all, we had a wonderful family day out – a whole afternoon out in the fresh air, exploring and enjoying the natural world of Norfolk at its best. The Fairyland Trust holds several such events throughout the year, and from what I’ve seen they’re getting more and more popular. Not surprising really… ours really was magical.
Never too young for magic...
Next year’s Fairy Fair will be 29th-30th May 2011, Holt Hall, Norfolk.
Few More Pics From The Day…
Witch Carving Pumpkins (you don't see that every day)
Pumpkins! International Symbol Of Halloween.
Spooky Nature Facts Around The 'Rainbow Trail'.
The Fairyland Trust's 'Real Halloween' at Holt Hall.
DON’T LET THE ‘FAMILY’ BECOME A THING OF THE PAST!
View of the Orangery at Blickling Hall.
Televisions, games consoles, computers… it’s no wonder that recent statistics have shown that the average family spends as little as 49 minutes together a day*. The National Trust in Norfolk is helping people to re-discover the simpler pleasures in life by launching a fun and challenging activity which ticks all the boxes for family exploration and fun.
Those looking to escape the stress of day-to-day life and spend quality time with loves ones in the great outdoors need look no further than the majestic backdrop of Blickling Hall, one of Norfolk’s best-loved stately homes. From 25 September to 31 October, The Big Blickling Treasure Trail is the perfect activity for families to explore history and nature together.
Just 15 miles from Norwich, Blickling Hall, with its treasure trove of romantic buildings, intriguing history, woodland wilderness and perfect picnic spots, provides the ideal location for a fun and engaging treasure trail. Children and adults alike will love working together, putting their map-reading and code-cracking skills to the test while enjoying some fresh air and exercise. Along with taking part in the treasure trail visitors can cycle, play games and have a picnic, making a whole day of it.
The Eastern end of the Parterre Garden at Blickling Hall.
So here’s your chance to tear yourself away from the TV, wrestle the Wii from the kids and engage the whole family in solving the intriguing mystery of The Big Blickling Treasure Trail as well as finding out a multitude of fascinating, historical and unusual facts about one of the region’s finest historical landmarks. With cost one of the main constraints to a family day out, The Big Blickling Treasure Trail at just £20 for a family ticket**, provides a fun day out, the chance to win a selection of prizes – including a weekend away in one of the National Trust’s idyllic holiday cottages, parking and access into the hall for two adults and two children.
Helen Bailey, general manager of Blickling Hall, comments: “Spending time with our friends and family is so important, but busy lifestyles so often get in the way. Our trail is a great way of getting out of the house and doing something different that will challenge the brain cells, capture the imagination with Blickling’s exciting history and encourage some fun in the outdoors.”
So come along and create your own family adventure – the real treasure, if you ask us.
Family of Norfolk-Enjoyers at Blickling Hall, Aylsham.
For further information, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk or view the Treasure Trail information leaflet here.
The Big Blickling Treasure Trail is open to all ages. Please note that part of the trail involves the hall itself – which is open from 11.00am to 4.30pm.
A Family Ticket is £20.
* Source: National Family Week, May 2010
**Free to National Trust members
- 18/05/2012 - Victorian Shell Artistry May 18, 2012
- 18/05/2012 - Shipwrecked! Back to 1897 May 18, 2012
- 18/05/2012 - A Walk Through Time: The Victorians May 18, 2012
- 18/05/2012 - Norwich 20 Group – Looking into 20 – paintings and sculpture at The Forum May 18, 2012
- 18/05/2012 - Tony Foster Paintings/Angela Harding Prints May 18, 2012