Kielder Wildlife Week
14th May to 20th May 2007 Seven Days of Wildlife Events to Celebrate Spring in Kielder Water and Forest Park...Kielder is the place to be this May if you want to view some of the country's most spectacular wildlife! Starting on 14 May, there is a week long programme of events dedicated to Kielder's wildlife, culminating in the Kielder Spring Festival on Sunday 20 May. Places are limited on many of the events, so book early to avoid disappointment! To book your place, call Kielder Castle on 01434 250209. Booking not required for the 'Family Wildlife Day' on 19th May, 'Kingswing' on 20th May and 'Kielder Spring Festival' also on 20th May. Events run in conjunction with Forestry Commission England, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Northumbrian Water and British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. Events:A gentle 3-mile stroll around Bakethin Conservation Area with Northumberland Wildlife Trust looking for signs of wildlife and hopefully seeing some! Meet at grid reference NY630920. Time: 6pm-8pm Suggested donations £2 per adult and £1 per child Join Wildlife Rangers and explore the world of the 'fledermaus'. After a general introduction to our flying mammal friends, explore the Castle grounds with the aid of bat detectors. Time: 9pm-10.30pm Cost: £5 adult, £3 conc, £12 family Join the Ranger on an evening deer safari. Time: 7pm-9pm Cost: £5 adult, £3 conc, £12 family Explore the forest with a member of Northumberland Wildlife Trust ‘Save Our Squirrels’ team to find signs and sights of the elusive red squirrel. Time: 10.00am Suggested donations £2 per adult and £1 per child Travel to Kielder Head and visit one of the few feral goat populations in England. Time: 10.30am Cost: £5 adult, £3 conc, £12 family Join Wildlife Rangers and explore the world of the 'fledermaus'. After a general introduction to our flying mammal friends, explore the Castle grounds with the aid of bat detectors. Time: 9pm-10.30pm Cost: £5 adult, £3 conc, £12 family Join our expert Martin Davidson to celebrate ‘International Dawn Chorus Day’ by listening to our feather friends sing, then warm up over a hearty breakfast in the Duke's Pantry. Time: 5am- 8am Cost: £12, 10 Concs. (includes breakfast) Sat 19 May Wildlife Ferry SailingJoin wetlands expert Kelly Hollings for a trip on the Osprey ferry at Kielder and listen to live commentary about the local wildlife. Includes a light breakfast. Meet at Leaplish Jetty. Call 01434 250294 to book your place. Time: Departing 9am and returning 10.30am Cost: £6, £5.25 (over 60s), £3.55 (child). A day of wildlife events for all the family with Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Northumbrian Water and British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. All events are centred on Leaplish Waterside Park. Activities include Dry stone walling, willow weaving, arts and crafts, nature walks, bird box making, minibeast hunts, Bird of Prey demonstration (separate charge) and much, much more! Time: Events run throughout the day between 9am and 5pm Cost: Activities are free of charge (except where donations for materials are required). Pay and Display parking available on site For further information, call Leaplish Waterside park on 01434 250294 or Northumberland Wildlife Trust on 0191 284 6884. Sat 19 May Kielder Ceilidh Don't miss the pre-festival family ceilidh at Kielder First School! For further details, telephone 01434 250209. Only for early risers! Join the Ranger to take a look at one of our fastest land mammals. Enjoy a warm breakfast in the Duke's Pantry on your return to the Castle. Time: 6.00am Cost: £ 12, £10 Conc. (Breakfast included) One for more energetic wildlife watchers. Join our expert guide to view some early forest riders from your saddle. Participants to provide own bikes. Time: 7.00am Cost: £5, £3 Conc. Sun 20 May Kingswing Visit the Calvert Trust and sample the adrenalin rush of the 'Kingswing’, if you dare! Suitable for 6 years and over. Time: Anytime between 1.30pm-4pm Cost: Suggested donation of £5 The final event during the ‘Kielder Wildlife Week’ is the new look Spring Festival. With Kielder Castle as a spectacular backdrop, enjoy demonstrations of chainsaw carving, pottery, wood turning and traditional crafts. Have-a-go at learning circus skills, archery or just relax and listen to some great music. Also, have a close encounter with one of the forest’s giant timber machines - both mechanised and of the four-legged variety. Why not give your dog a day out as well? Entries accepted on the day for the second annual Kielder ‘scruffs’ dog show. Throughout the day a series of wildlife walks and talks will be conducted. These will focus on freshwater pearl mussels, red squirrels, owls and wildflowers.Free tickets for participation in these are available on the day from the Castle shop on a ‘first-come-first-served’ basis. Tickets for the Festival are available to purchase at the gate and cost £5 for adults, £3 for children and senior citizens and £12 for a family (2 adults and 2 children).
Time: 10.30am - 5pm.
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