Do go down to the woods at night!

Rosliston Forestry Centre’s Nightwatch 2019 event features walks, talks, presentations and activities focussed on what goes on in the natural world after dark.

Several expert groups are leading sessions during the evening, which takes place on Friday (July 26).

Derbyshire Bat Group will give a talk and lead a bat walk, during which visitors will be able to watch these fascinating creatures flitting across the sky and to try out bat detectors which allow the bats to be heard as they hunt for moths and other insects.

The Rosliston Astronomy Group will also present a talk, and have telescopes available to help visitors get the best views possible of planets and stars in the night sky.

Several different owls will be on display in the centre’s picnic area and visitors will be able to ask questions and learn about these wonderful birds from the falconers.

South Derbyshire Badger Group will be providing information about one of Britain’s most popular but rarely seen animals, the iconic badger.

Finally, follow the candle trail to the bright light of the moth traps, managed by the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Entomological Society, for an encounter with some of the beautiful moths which can be found at the Forestry Centre.

Kate Allies, Manager of the Environmental Education Project at South Derbyshire District Council, said:

“Our Nightwatch event is an exciting opportunity for families to see what goes on in the woods and sky at night and to experience the world of nocturnal creatures.”

Nightwatch, aimed at those aged six and above, takes place between 7.30pm and 11.30pm on Friday, July 26th, with tickets priced £2.50 per person available on the night. Visitors need to bring a torch, drinks and snacks, and are welcome to arrive early to picnic outside.

If the weather is wet, the activities will take place indoors until 9.30pm.

More information about Nightwatch and other events at Rosliston Forestry Centre during the school summer holidays is available at www.roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk, by contacting the Environmental Education Project on 01283 535039 or by emailing rosliston@southderbyshire.gov.uk

People can also keep up to date by following @roslistonenved on Twitter or searching for ‘Environmental Education at Rosliston Forestry Centre’ on Facebook.

24 July 2019