Families are being invited to a free day out in Watermead Country Park in Leicester when experts will take them out hunting for minibeasts. The day is fully funded by lottery cash and is an educational day out for families.
There will be wildlife walks including "minibeast hunts" and there will also be an outdoor lab set up with microscopes where people will be able to see tiny lifeforms close up.
Leicester City Council, which runs the southern half of the country park that stretches from Rushey Mead in Leicester to Syston, is currently involved in a joint project called Restoring the Soar with Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and the Canal & River Trust.
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Restoring the Soar, which aims to enhance the river between Leicester and Watermead Country Park for humans and other creatures, is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which awarded the project almost £579,000.
Sue Willis, engagement coordinator for the Canal & River Trust, said: “The River Soar was once an industrial highway but today it’s a fantastic corridor for nature, bringing wildlife right into the heart of the city.
"It’s so important that we protect this wildlife and improve river habitats on the river so the nature day will be a great way for local people to find out more about the species that can be found on their doorstep. We’re also really looking forward to hearing people’s ideas on how the river can be improved for people and wildlife.”
The nature day will feature a board where people can draw or write down their ideas for the river, as well as a creative mural station where visitors can share their thoughts, memories, and hopes for the River Soar by drawing, writing, stamping, or printing.
The day runs from 12 noon until 4pm on Saturday, June 21, near the Watermead Country Park south car park in Alderton Close, Rushey Mead. There is a charge for parking in the car park but otherwise the day is free.
Elly Cutkelvin, Leicester City Council’s deputy city mayor responsible for heritage and conservation, said: “This nature day is a fantastic way to get people thinking about what they would like to see along their river, as well as a chance to learn more about local wildlife and habitats and enjoy some family activities in a beautiful country park.
"I hope lots of people will be able to get involved, and we look forward to working with our partners to further enhance the river corridor in north Leicester.”
Anyone wishing to attend on Saturday, June 21 can just show up on the day. For more information email nature.conservation@leicester.gov.uk
