Somerset Wildlife Trust’s most successful urban wildlife projects, Routes To The River Tone is delighted to announce ‘Celebration Of The River Tone’ – an entire week of nature-based activities for all at half term.
The celebration is aimed to give people the opportunity to enjoy, discover and explore Taunton’s amazing green spaces, wild places and the stunning wildlife that lives along the river. The programme of events aims to inspire people to support the charity’s ongoing work to reconnect people with nature and reap the health and wellbeing benefits of spending quality time outdoors.
The Routes to The River Tone project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund with additional support from Viridor Waste Management, was launched in 2014. Over the past three years the project has worked with local people and partnership organisations to provide a wide range of public events, school wildplay sessions, citizen science projects, interpretation for greenspaces, community gardens, trails (art, history, misguided, story and geocaching) and opportunities to get involved in practical conservation.
Nick Tomlinson, Routes the The River Tone Manager, said: “We really weren’t prepared for the overwhelming response we received when we started to talk to people from the communities, neighbourhoods, schools and community groups across Taunton. The cumulative amount of passion, enthusiasm and interest that people have shown over the past three years and the popularity of the events we have put on, really shows that people in Taunton really do value nature and understand how critical it is that we make ourselves responsible for ensuring our wild places are still there to enjoy going forwards.
“Once people are helped to discover the natural places on their own doorstep, they value their local greenspace even more and have a greater desire to look after it. We are very proud of what the project has achieved and I am really excited about the programme of events we have put together with partners and local community groups to celebrate the successes of the last three years.”
Simon Nash, CEO of Somerset Wildlife Trust, added: “Community-based support for involvement and engagement with the environment is the key to the long term, sustainable management of Taunton’s wild and open spaces, as well as the health and wellbeing of the communities that surround them. Projects such as this one leave a significant and lasting legacy that can be taken beyond the life of the project itself and owned by the people who enjoy these places the most.”
EVENT PROGRAMME
Celebration of the River Tone – 13th-18th February 2017
Welcome to our Celebration of the River Tone, part of Somerset Wildlife Trust’s urban project – Routes to the River Tone. Join us as we celebrate our town’s amazing green spaces, wild places and the stunning wildlife that lives along the river through a week of nature-based activities. There’s something for all the family, so why not join us, and be part of it!
Litter Pick for Wildlife (in association with the Inland Waterways Association)
When: Monday 13th February, 2.30-4pm
Where: French Weir Park Slipway (near Clarence St.)
Help your local wildlife by removing litter from along the riverside. All equipment and guidance provided by the Inland Waterways’ Volunteers.
How to book: No booking required.
Further details mike.slade@waterways.org.uk or 07977 263840
Build a Bird a Home
When: Tuesday 14th February
Session: 1 10am
Session: 2 11am
Session: 3 2pm
Session: 4 3pm
Where: New COACH outdoor classroom, French Weir Park
Join us and build your own bird box for free as part of National Nest Box Week. All materials provided.
How to book: Book your time and a bird box kit by visiting www.somersetwildlife.org/celebratetone
Story Trail
When: Thursday 16th February
Where: Brewhouse Theatre, Orchard, Taunton TA1 1JL
Join Ollie the Otter and his friend as these characters perform and launch you on an exploration of the river. Enjoy reading the story of Ollie the Otter and Vern the Water Vole as you discover the hidden waterways and green spaces of Taunton. Great family fun (walk is 1.5km pram and wheelchair accessible). You may also like to join a craft workshop or enjoy The Lorax film.
Craft Workshops – 10.30am, 12pm and 1.30pm, Free
Story Walk – 11pm, 12.30pm and 2pm, Free
The Lorax Film PG – 3pm, £4 per ticket
How to book: Please contact the Brewhouse Theatre, Orchard, Taunton TA1 1JL 01823 283244
Story Time
When: Friday 17th February
(Session1) 1.15pm- 2.45pm
(Session 2) 3.00pm-5.30pm
Where: New COACH The Parkroom, French Weir Park
Fantastic fables, wild tales and clay art to launch our new picture book about the wildlife of the River Tone.
How to book: Book to ensure a place by visiting www.somersetwildlife.org/celebratetone
River of Light Finale Event (in partnership with FUSE Performance )
When: Saturday 18th February, 3- 7.30pm
Join us as we create a River of Light with willow lanterns and streamers followed by a fire performance, live music and food.
Willow Streamer Making Workshop: 3-4.30pm at the Brewhouse Theatre
River of Light Procession: Starts at 5.30pm from the Brewhouse Theatre/Castle Green
Fire Performance: 6pm Goodland Gardens
Band and food: 6.30-7.30pm Goodland Gardens
How to book: No booking required
For further details on the Celebration of the River Tone activities and events visit www.somersetwildlife.org/celebratetone or contact rivertone@somersetwildlife.org or call Claire, Nick, Olivia or Rose on 01823 652 400