Nature lovers are being invited to enjoy a three-day activity weekend at Fradley Junction to let them to come face-to-face with watery wildlife and enjoy some quality family time.
The Canal and River Trust, a charity which cares for 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales, is inviting people to escape the bustle of everyday life by getting closer to nature and enjoying some vintage family fun.
The first activity, taking place on the evening of Friday, September 15, will enable people to join the trust's ecologists for a guided walk around Fradley Pool. They will be using special ultra-sonic detectors to listen in to different species of bat as they swoop over the water hunting for insects.
On Saturday, September 16, the focus will be on the bird species that can be found at Fradley with a 'Birding for Beginners' walk. The leisurely walk is an opportunity to learn more about the basics of bird watching and explore all the different species that visit the area.
The next day there will be an opportunity for people to see a range of birds up close as local volunteer group Brewood Ringers give a talk on bird ringing: how it's done and what the information gathered tells us. Visitors will be able to watch as the birds are ringed and the volunteers explain how to tell a bird's gender and age.
Also on the Sunday, the trust's education team are encouraging families to leave their electronic devices at home and enjoy some vintage games. There will be the chance to have a go at a range of games including Shove Halfpenny, Hopscotch and Skittles. Those feeling slightly less energetic can play Jacks or a variety of card games.
The Trust's 'Explorers' education programme is aimed at teaching kids all about the wildlife of their local canals as well as how to enjoy them safely. The games will be run by volunteers and are part of the charity's monthly programme of things to do at Fradley Junction.
Peter Mathews CMG, chairman of the Canal and River Trust's West Midlands Waterway Partnership, said; "Our waterways are great places to wind down and this weekend of activities is a wonderful opportunity to escape the bustle of everyday life and really appreciate the simple things.
"Whether that's listening in to the sounds of bats hunting or beating your family at skittles there’s nothing quite like leaving the tablet at home and heading for a canalside spot like Fradley Junction.
"As a charity we believe that our waterways can help people to lead happier, healthier lives and we hope lots of local people join us at Fradley for this great event."
The full list of events taking place at the Wild Weekend are:
- Friday, September 15, from 8pm until 10pm – Guided bat walk (booking essential)
- Saturday, September 16, from 9am until noon – Birding for Beginners walk
- Sunday 17 September, from 8am until 11am – Bird ringing demonstration and from 11am until 2pm – Vintage family games
For more information on school or event activities, email sarah.bicknell@canalrivertrust.org.uk.
