Kids Go Wild events this summer

Families can once again have fun at the popular Kids Go Wild discovery days, run by East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s countryside access team.

This summer holidays, brilliant habitats and wildlife on the local nature reserves can be enjoyed by all, with brilliant animal trails, safaris and arty activities in store.

The programme of summer events gets underway on Tuesday, 26 July with Butterfly Safari and Mill Open Day at Humber Bridge Country Park Local Nature Reserve (HU13 0HB). This colourful day is all about beautiful butterflies, with many to spot on the Big Butterfly Count around the meadows. Also, follow a Crazy Caterpillar Trail to reveal stunning small tortoiseshells, red admirals and peacocks. The event – which is suitable for children, accompanied by adults – includes the Rusticus Encounter where you can meet Barmy Butterfly!

Families can drop into the free event anytime between 10am-4pm, and can meet Barmy Butterfly at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm.

Bumble Bee Safari and Art Activities take place on Tuesday, 2 August, where people can explore the orchard on a bee adventure trail at Beverley Parks Local Nature Reserve (HU17 0RN). Many bumble bees and honey bees can be spotted, but how many? You can also find out about why these pollinators are so important. Wildlife artist Michele Davy will be on hand to help children make a crafty bee to take home.  

Children, accompanied by adults, can make a beeline to the event, which costs £2.50 for children (accompanying adults go free) at 10am, 10.30am, 11am, 1.30pm, 2pm or 2.30pm.

Participants can explore the woods and meadows of Humber Bridge Country Park Local Nature Reserve (meeting at the Hessle Foreshore entrance next to the black mill car park) on Tuesday, 9 August with the Minibeast Safari and Art Activities. Hunt minibeasts and take a closer look at some beautiful bugs and boggle-eyed beasties, with the chance to create a piece of woodland art with artist Michele Davy.

The event is suitable for children (with a £2.50 cost) accompanied by adults (who go for free) and take place at 10am, 10.30am, 11am, 1.30pm, 2pm or 2.30pm.

Woodland Adventures take place at Eastrington Ponds Local Nature Reserve (near Howden, DN14 7PL) on Wednesday, 10 August. There will be adventure among the trees as woodland skills tutor Bev Oliver will help keep minds busy, exploring, making a bug hotel for the wild creatures, and creating an enchanted woodland home for the fantasy fairies!

Children aged 3-11 are charged £2.50, with accompanying adults free, and the event is on at 10am-12.30pm and/or 1-3.30pm (booking either the morning or afternoon). Please note that there is also a 30-minute break during the event for a drinks or snacks (not provided).

On Tuesday, 16 August at Eastrington Ponds Local Nature Reserve (near Howden, DN14 7PL) participants can enjoy an exciting exploration of the ponds with the Pond Safari and Art Activities. From the safety of the shore, look for ferocious water scorpions, curious water stick insects and amazing dragonfly nymphs (pond dipping nets and trays provided). Afterwards, spend some chilled-out time on the quiet reserve with artist Michele Davy where there are lots of environmental art materials to re-create the creatures.

Children (with a £2.50 charge) and accompanying adults (free) can go at 10am, 10.30am, 11am, 1.30pm, 2pm or 2.30pm.

At the Humber Bridge Country Park Local Nature Reserve (at the Black Mill on Hessle Foreshore and in the meadows of the country park) on Friday, 19 August there is a Wild Woodland Art Activities and Mill Open Day between 10am-4pm. The free event, with no booking required, lets families explore the woods and meadows and get creative using natural materials. You can make giant land art creatures – maybe a snail with a shell of many colours and textures, or a newt with a colourful crest and spotted belly! The Mill is open too where you can explore inside and take part in activities.

On Tuesday, 23 August, enjoy Flying Feathers at Beverley Parks Local Nature Reserve (HU17 0RN), where participants can spot and identify birds who visit or make it their home. This will be a great introduction to how to watch birds and what you can do to help them, and there is the chance to make a crafty bird or garden feeder to take home.

The event is suitable for children (with a £2.50 cost) accompanied by adults (who go for free) and take place at 10am, 11am, 1pm or 2pm.

To cap off a wonder summer of wild adventures, the Wacky Wildlife with Rusticus takes place on Friday, 26 August. For those who like to explore, visit Humber Bridge Country Park Local Nature Reserve (meeting at the Hessle Foreshore entrance next to the Black Mill car park) and find an array of wildlife. You might find the perfect photo opportunity with a wily woodpecker, a ditzy dragonfly or barmy badger whilst taking part in some seriously silly activities!   

This wild event is suitable for children (with a £2.50 cost) accompanied by adults (who go for free) and takes place at 11am, 12.30pm or 2pm.

For further information on all the events listed, visit https://eastridingcoastandcountryside.co.uk/whats-on/ or for enquiries, contact (01482) 395320.