On Saturday 15 November Canal & River Trust ecologist Stuart Collins will hold a free ‘Birding for Beginners' course teaching people how to identify different species of bird. The course is a regular event, taking place one Saturday each month, and is aimed at showing birdwatchers what to look out for through the changing seasons.
The following day the our ‘Explorers' education team will be at Fradley teaching families how to make simple feeders helping birds through the winter months. The team will also lead some fun bird-spotting activities and helping families to collect leaves which they can use to create special autumn crowns.
Teaching kids
The ‘Explorers' programme is aimed at teaching kids all about the history and wildlife of their local canals as well as how to enjoy them safely. The event is run by volunteers and is part of a monthly programme of things to do at Fradley Junction.
Fradley Junction, which marks the junction of the Trent & Mersey and Coventry Canals, has supported a hive of activity on the canal over the past two centuries and nowadays, with Fradley Pool, has become a special haven for wildlife and a popular visitor destination.
The Pool even has its own bird hide where bird watchers can watch discretely as kingfishers, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Wagtails, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Moorhen and Nuthatch visit to feed or nest.
Stuart Collins ecologist for the Trust said: “Fradley Junction is teeming with bird-life and these events are a great way for people of all ages to learn more about the wildlife that can be found on their doorstep.
“Autumn is a really important time for birds, when they are gathering food to see them through the winter so there should be lots of activity for people to see and learn about. It promises to be a really enjoyable weekend, whatever your age or experience, so come along and find out more about your local environment.”
Times and dates
The Birding for Beginners course takes place from 9am on Saturday 15 November. For more details or to book a place contact Stuart Collins on 07879 884 802 or [email protected]. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
The ‘Explorers' activities take place between 11am and 2pm on Sunday 16 November.
All activities start from outside the Canal & River Trust offices in the café courtyard. All activities are free although parking is pay and display.
