Explore Witley Court's wilderness with the Wildlife Rangers
Tuesdays 31 July, 7, 14 and 21 August 2012
The flora and fauna of Witley Court & Gardens, near Worcester, will come under the microscope this summer as the site hosts a series of hands-on activities for families with the Wildlife Rangers!
Every Tuesday from 31 July to 21 August, visitors will be invited to join two nature experts from the Worcester Wildlife Trust as they look at different aspects of the plant, insect and mammalian life that inhabits the varied habitats in the grounds of Witley Court.
“When people think of Witley Court, it is often the formal gardens and the fountains to the rear of the property that immediately spring to mind, but the most ecologically-rich areas are actually between the visitor centre and the road which passes in front of the ruins,” comments site manager, Ella Harrison. “We’ve got a wild flower meadow, lakeside and woodland walks and a superb collection of Victorian rhododendrons which play host to a vast array of wildlife, from bugs and minibeasts to deer. If you spend enough time around the lake, you might even spot a brightly coloured kingfisher, although they are quite elusive!”
The Wildlife Rangers will help visitors to explore the site’s trees, from identifying different species to making a simple bird feeder to take home. Other workshops include looking at minibeasts, identifying and then drawing some of the insects living around the grounds, and creating shelters for some of Witley Court’s assorted occupants, from a small mouse-house to an insect hotel!
There will also be colouring activities in Witley Court’s Education Centre, and a hands-on nature table for visitors to explore and examine. Children can also collect a Wildlife Ranger trail to follow around the grounds, and make butterfly feeders.
The Wildlife Rangers will be welcoming visitors between 11.00am and 5.00pm each Tuesday, with Witley Court & Gardens itself open daily from 10.00am to 6.00pm. Alongside the event programme, highlights of a visit to Witley Court include the restored East Parterre garden, which should be in full bloom by the end of July, and the firing every hour of the Perseus and Andromeda Fountain, which shoots its central jet of water up to 30 metres into the air!
Admission prices for Witley Court & Gardens are £6.50 for adults, £5.90 for concessions and £3.90 for children, of £16.90 for a family ticket (two adults and up to three children). English Heritage members get in free.
For more details, please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/witleycourt or call 01299 896636. You can also follow Witley Court on Facebook.
ENDS
For further media information, please contact:
Jay Commins – PRO English Heritage (West Midlands)
Tel: 0113 251 5698
Mob: 07810 546567
Email: jay@fim.org.uk
