Here’s great event just kicking off in Walsall Arboretum right now (Sunday 16th August 2015) running until 5pm – loads of free nature and wildlife stuff to do for all the family, including the truly remarkable activity of chainsaw sculpting.

Get down there quick – looks like fun!

Looks like a great event for a sunny Sunday – get up there sharpish!

Walsall Council said:

The free family environment day that has become an annual fixture within the calendar for Walsall Arboretum will be taking place on Sunday 16 August 11am -5pm.

Organised by park rangers at the nationally acclaimed Walsall Arboretum the event provides a range of free activities for all the family aimed to increase awareness of green issues in a fun environment.

On the day artisans will be demonstrating traditional skills showcasing crafts such as sculpting, willow weaving and stool making. There will be live demonstrations of carving with a chainsaw and pole lathe wood working.

Walsall Council’s Countryside estates team will be providing demonstrations of the machinery they use to manage Walsall’s Countryside sites and there will be an opportunity for children to climb aboard a tractor for a photo opportunity!

For animal lovers, Staffordshire’s Owl Experience will be bringing a selection of birds of prey and there will be an ‘Animal Man’ teaching children about a variety of animals while offering the those brave enough a chance to get up close and personal with to handle some of the more creepy varieties.

As well as all the activities on the day there will be the chance to digest a range of different food dishes and a chance to sample locally produced ales and cider from the ‘beer buz’.

Stalls will be selling vegetables and plants and there will be a live music stage which will be hosting local talent throughout the day. Headlining at 4pm will be Anglo/ Irish band, The Wild Irish featuring the fiddle playing of Donegal’s Brian Patton, Pete Kelly(vocals/guitar) and Simon Hayward(Bass/Vocals).

The event will be held in the Arboretum extension adjacent to the ever popular and much loved Woodland Wildlife Learning Garden, run by Arboretum User Group volunteers Jackie Cocken and Jo Lester.

Councillor Harrison, Portfolio Holder for Clean and Green said; “This is an event that is always popular with families and promises to be an enjoyable day.

‘What better way to celebrate the environment than in Walsall’s premiere park which provides a beautiful setting. Residents will be able enjoy a large number of environmentally themed activities and see some amazing creatures.

On the day there is a chance to learn about some of the activities that the Clean and Green service get up to and to find out about the many different activities that you can find happening in your local area throughout the year.’

For further information visit www.facebook.com/walsallarboretum