Natural England

Natural England has created a series of free, fun packed and informative events in and around the Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve near York.

Local experts will be leading around 50 events over the coming months. The next event is on the 6th May for an early morning walk at Wheldrake Ings to enjoy the dawn chorus and listening out for some of our summer visitors, including warblers, cuckoos and the 'purring' Turtle Doves as well as some of our delightful residents with top vocalists such as the Robin, Blackbird and Curlew.

Many activities take place during the school holidays and summer evenings. Locations include Strensall, Skipwith and Allerthorpe Commons, Ellerton village and Pocklington canal and North Duffield Carr.

The varied programme provides an opportunity to find out more about wildlife on your doorstep and enjoy the National Nature Reserve. Try a guided walk to hear the dawn chorus, discover wild flowers, moths and minibeasts and nature detective activity days for children at a local village hall. A boat trip along Pocklington canal and a dog-walkers guide to Allerthorpe Common are always popular. If you're feeling more adventurous, Natural England has teamed up with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to run several practical conservation days providing an opportunity to really get your hands dirty.

Site Manager Peter Roworth said "There is something for all to enjoy whether it is visiting a flower rich hay meadow, a local heathland, listening to singing birds at a dawn chorus, marvel at the wonders of moths on a summer evening or getting involved in a practical task. So, find the time, choose an event and come along with friends and family to visit this fantastic, rich, wildlife area to the south of York".

Booking is not required but for more information including a poster detailing the events, please contact Craig Ralston or Julian Small at Natural England's York office on 01904 435500. Further information and a list of dates is also available at http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/regions/yorkshumber/events.htm.

Notes for Editors

Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings. We increase opportunities to make the natural environment an enriching part of people's everyday lives, and improve its long term security by contributing to the sustainable management of our natural resources.

National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are some of the very finest sites in England for wildlife and geology, and provide great opportunities for people to experience nature. They have been established to protect and manage the special wildlife habitats, species and geological features that occur there. These features are of national and often international importance, and many NNRs are important for study and research.

Almost all NNRs have some form of access provision - many are fully open throughout the year - as we want people to enjoy these wonderful places. There are 222 throughout England.

Contact - Emma MacDonald, Communications, Natural England
Direct line - 0113 2858218
Mobile - 07900 608073