Entertain children this summer with Stories from a Field
Published: Friday, 15 July, 2022
Cotswold Canals Connected is continuing with its popular family-focused events this summer with Stories from a Field - a day of fun, outdoor activities exploring wildlife and canal heritage.
Willow weaving, pond dipping, a wildflower scavenger hunt, mammal skull identification and much more will be on offer as children explore the diversity of nature in a field in Whitminster on Friday 5 August, from 10am-4pm.
The event is being hosted by Cotswold Canals Connected partners Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (GWT), Stroudwater Navigation Archive Charity (SNAC) and Stroud Valleys Project (SVP).
The field lies between the non-functioning canal and the River Frome, and also contains a historic World War 2 pill box. Sections of this field, along with additional parcels of land, will be used to create a 21 hectare wildlife and biodiversity corridor.
Cotswold Canals Connected is committed to conserving, protecting and enhancing wildlife by creating new habitats, as well as providing creative opportunities for schools, local groups and the wider community to learn about the heritage and wildlife along the canal and river corridor.
Chris Mitford-Slade, Cotswold Canals Connected Project Director said:
“We are delighted to be able to hold an event for families in a place that holds so much history and significance to the canal restoration project.
“The focus for the day is on the environment and wildlife; the plans for the 21 hectare nature reserve and how we are achieving a biodiversity net gain. This promises to be a fun and unique day out for both children and adults to enjoy. We will be organising more of these events to keep local residents informed about the project, whilst inspiring the younger generation to be the future guardians of the canal.”
Refreshments will be available all day from Fromebridge Mill pub, which is a short walk away.
To book a place, please register here and select your time slot.
Free parking is available on-site at the Fromebridge Mill pub. The walk from the car park to the field is on a flat unmade path which may not be ideal for some pedestrians. The weather will also affect the ground conditions which is important to consider. Dress for the weather – sunscreen and water or wellies and coffee!
Cotswold Canals Connected is a partnership of organisations led by Stroud District Council and the Cotswold Canals Trust which are restoring the canal network. Phase 1A, which is now complete, restored the section between Thrupp and Stonehouse. Phase 1B, which includes this project, will restore a further four-mile section between Stonehouse and Saul Junction providing a connection to the national waterway network.
Find out more about Cotswold Canals Connected on the website and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
This press release has been issued by Stroud District Council on behalf of Cotswold Canals Connected