FESTIVE activities at Warwickshire’s Country Parks are set to give residents a breath of fresh air throughout December.
Countryside rangers have prepared a packed programme of Christmassy events to get the family into the festive spirit.
At Ryton Pools Country Park on Saturday December 10, children can take part in a ‘Fairy Merry Christmas’, in which they’ll decorate their own willow Christmas stars and help the fairies hunt for their missing decorations. Once the decorations are found, youngsters can help decorate the fairy Christmas tree and enjoy toasted marshmallows around the fairy fire.
The same venue is inviting those of an artistic persuasion to create their own Christmas wreaths on Wednesday December 7 and Wednesday December 14. With all natural materials provided, visitors are free to bring along other decorations of their choice to add a more personal touch. Mulled juice and mince pies are included.
And Ryton Pools is inviting youngsters to explore the Great Christmas Cookie Mystery Trail on weekends and school holidays from December 3 until January 3. Visitors will be challenged to solve the mystery and find out who ate the cookies, and find all the presents that have fallen out of Father Christmas’s sack around the courtyard.
Kingsbury Water Park will hold free guided Winter Warmer Walks every Wednesday morning at 10am, and ‘Rustic Reindeer’ workshops during November and December, where rangers will help visitors to make a wooden reindeer that can sit in the garden or home. And on Saturday 10 December, children can go along to Kingsbury to learn how to design and build a woodland shelter.
On Sunday December 11, visitors can join a ranger for a four mile walk around Hartshill Hayes Country Park, traversing the ancient hilly woodland to take in views across Staffordshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, and even Derbyshire on a clear day.
Coun Heather Timms, Warwickshire County Council’s spokeswoman for Environment, Climate and Culture, said: “With the arrival of morning mists across the meadows and the ground covered in a crisp frost, the changing of the season brings a magical atmosphere to Warwickshire.
“The ranger team have been busy working up this range of activities, so whether you’d like to add a personal touch to your Christmas decorations, or just fancy a stroll with a ranger to learn about our County’s unique wildlife, there’s something for everyone at Warwickshire’s Country Parks this winter.”
Advance booking is required as tickets are limited and are expected sell out quickly. Visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/warwickshire-country-parks-17229016764 to book.
Visit https://countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk for more information about Warwickshire’s Country Parks.
