On Sunday 20th September, we are inviting families to join a free mini-beast safari and discover the bugs, beetles and insects living around them.
Visitors will be able to follow a new bug trail around Fradley Pool, looking inside specially created insect homes, turning over logs and using magnifying glasses to get a closer look at their finds.
The activities will take place in the beautiful surroundings of Fradley Junction with its nature reserve and historic canalside buildings.
The event is being organised by the Trust's ‘Explorers' education programme aimed at teaching kids all about the wildlife of their local canals. Run by volunteers, the day is part of a monthly programme of things to do at Fradley Junction.
Discover a hidden world
Sarah Cook, education coordinator for the Trust said; “You're never far from some kind of bug, bird or beastie at Fradley Junction and this event will enable families to enter the normally hidden and secretive insect world.
“We want to show children that bugs are brilliant; they look cool and are an important part of our natural environment.
“It promises to be a real adventure as youngsters explore their surroundings to see what they can find hiding under the nearest stone or bit of rotting wood. We're looking forward to welcoming people along.”
Bugs are brilliant
The junction marks the meeting point of the Trent & Mersey and Coventry Canals and has supported a hive of activity on the canal over the past two centuries. Nowadays, with Fradley Pool, it has become a haven for wildlife and a popular visitor destination.
The activities take place between 11am and 2pm on Sunday 20th September. All activities are free although parking is pay and display. The meeting point is the Welcome Station in the courtyard area.
The Fradley Education Volunteers lead visits where children can learn all about their local canal and the wildlife which lives around it. The volunteers can also provide cub-scout and brownie visits to Fradley in the Spring/Summer months. For more information on school or event activities, please email [email protected].
For further resources and activities for schools, group leaders and children go to www.canalriverexplorers.org.uk.
