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Bee-amazed when you visit the Wildlife Zone at BBC Countryfile Live this weekend
Tuesday 1st August 2017
BBOWT at the Wildlife Zone, BBC Countryfile Live 2016. Credit: BBOWT
A new BBOWT nature reserve is popping-up in the grounds of Blenheim Palace this week. As part of the four-day extravaganza of BBC Countryfile Live, BBOWT’s Wildlife Zone will be buzzing with hints, tips and hands-on help for anyone who wants to learn about or care for the wildlife on our doorsteps.
BBOWT staff and volunteers have a packed programme of activities, workshops, events and demonstrations in the Wildlife Zone, to give visitors a snapshot of the work of the local Wildlife Trust.
Whatever your interest in wildlife and the countryside, and whatever your age, there will be something for you to enjoy
Estelle Bailey, BBOWT’s Chief Executive is looking forward to the event. “All our visitors will be amazed and excited by what they discover in the Wildlife Zone. We’ve got bees, reptiles, story-telling, a composting zone, scything demonstration and kids can even get their hands dirty making seed bombs to take home.”
Zaira Puddephatt, Events Manager at BBOWT says “We’re really pleased to be joined by many other wildlife organisations too, who will be making their home in the Wildlife Zone.” These include the British Beekeepers Association, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Upper Thames Butterfly Conservation Group, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Oxfordshire Mammals Group, Gloucestershire Geology Trust, Plantlife, British Trust for Ornithology and Buglife.
Meet our pop-up experts on the Garden Stage with their favourite animals. This is your chance to ask lots of questions at the ‘show and tell’ with snakes and other reptiles, amphibians and spiders. Find out why a slow worm isn’t really a worm, and all about creepy crawlies.
Children can build giant nests, become wildlife detectives and take the Wild Challenge. Use your skills to compete against native animals; can you jump as high as a frog or balance like a squirrel. There’s a prize for everyone completing the Wild Challenge!
Our fantastic partners in the Wildlife Zone have lots of activities too. The British Beekeepers Association will be demonstrating how honey makes it out of the hive and into the jar. There’s even a hive to have a close-up look at a busy working bees.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the event with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and watch birds on the lake from the hide. Brush up your birdwatching skills with experts on hand to help you identify what you’re looking at.
The British Trust for Ornithology will be giving bird ringing demonstrations. Thanks to this skilful task we know so much more about how far birds travel and how long they live. Come and see birds closer than ever before and find out more about their remarkable lives.
It isn’t summer without enjoying the sight of butterflies flitting past. Upper Thames Butterfly Conservation will be in the Wildlife Zone to show you how you can help butterflies. While Buglife will be discovering the rare and unusual beetles and other bugs that live in the parkland at Blenheim Palace.
Can you identify a mammal from just their skull? Test your skills with the Oxfordshire Mammal Group as they challenge you to name that skull.
Wildflower meadows are disappearing from our countryside at an alarming rate. Plantlife will be showing you how to make magical wildflower meadows in your own garden. Master Composters and Garden Organic have plenty more tips for composting at home and making your garden a haven for wildlife.
Book your dicounted tickets. Quote BBOWT on the online form.
Come along and meet staff and volunteers from BBOWT and all the other organisations joining us in the Wildlife Zone. Bring your questions for our experts and discover more about your local wildlife.
Elsewhere at BBC Countryfile Live see arena shows, discover farming secrets and rare breeds, take part in hands-on activities, animal displays, debates, food, drink and shopping!