Children in Staffordshire are being offered the chance to become a junior wildlife ranger on the Forestry Commission estate at Cannock Chase, near Rugeley, this February half term.
From 10.30am to 12pm on 16, 17 and 18 February, ‘Habitat Holiday Days’ will provide a fun insight into the world of woodland wildlife, including bird and bat box building and animal conservation quizzes with the Forestry Commission rangers.
There will be a different wildlife-themed activity each day, covering mammals, birds, bats and creatures with scales. Each activity will be led by the Forestry Commission’s education team and cost only £4 per child (aged 4-11 years). The bird and bat activities cost only £5 per child (aged 4-11 years) and include a bird or bat box to take home. Children under 2 years are free of charge.
For a great day out, families can also enjoy the popular Forest Café, picnic sites and range of walking and cycling trails at Cannock Chase Forest.
Rowan Clark from the Forestry Commission a Cannock Chase, says:
“Our Habitat Holiday days offer a great opportunity for children to get out and about in their local forest and learn a bit more about woodland wildlife in a fun filled interactive way.
“Our February half term events are popular with families of all ages, and our wildlife rangers are always on hand to make sure everyone has a great day out.”
Advance booking is essential for the ‘Habitat Holiday Days’ at Cannock Forest by calling the Birches Valley Forest Centre education team on 01889-586593. Visitors should meet at the Birches Valley Forest Centre.
For further information visit: www.forestry.gov.uk/westmidlands
Further details about ‘Habitat Holiday Days’ at the Forestry Commission’s Cannock Chase Forest:
Habit Holiday Days
Tuesday 16 February - Mammals and More
Wednesday 17 February - Birds and Bats
Thursday 18 February - Snails to Scales
Time: 10.30am-12pm on each day
Description: Become a junior wildlife ranger at the Forestry Commission’s Birches Valley Forest Centre at Cannock Chase this February half term. Ranger-led activities include bird and bat box building and animal conservation quizzes. There will be a different wildlife-themed activity each day, covering mammals, birds, bats and creatures with scales.
Age Group: Children aged 4-11 years, free for under 2s
Cost of Event: £4 per child (£5 for Bird and Bat day, includes own box to take home)
Meeting Place: Birches Valley Forest Centre
How to get there: Located just off Penkridge Bank Road, just outside Rugeley.
Booking essential as places are limited: Call the education team on 01889-586593.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Images of family activities at the Forestry Commission’s Birches Valley Forest Centre are available by calling 01524-782086.
2. The Forestry Commission is the largest provider of countryside recreation in Britain with responsibility for over one million hectares (2.4 million acres) of forest, woodlands and open countryside. The West Midlands region covers the counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands conurbation.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Rowan Clark (Education Officer) or Jason Maclean (Environment Manager) at the Forestry Commission's Birches Valley Forest Centre on 01889-586593.