Northumbrian Water is hosting a range of free nature themed activities at Derwent Waterside Park to keep children entertained during the school holidays.
Families can enjoy five-days of fun-filled activities between Monday 30th July and Friday 3rd August including a birds of prey display, a Let’s Go Family Fishing session and helping towards building a bug hotel.
During the second week of the summer holidays children can turn explorer by taking part in the Derwent Discovery Nature Trail. After collecting a map from the cafe and shop follow the route along the reservoir’s shore line and hunt for the eight hidden letters to spell a word linked to your surroundings. Then hand in your sheet at the café to claim your nature prize.
Waterside Parks Operations Manager Don Coe said: “We can’t wait to host our exciting week of free family fun during the summer holidays. This is a wonderful opportunity for families cross the region to enjoy the wealth of activities on offer at Derwent Waterside Park. There is plenty to choose from to make the most of the great outdoors and to explore our beautiful surroundings.
“We are thrilled to be offering children the chance to learn new skills and discover the vast array of wildlife that live at Derwent Reservoir. We hope they enjoy our activities including the birds of prey display, Let’s Go Family Fishing and building a bug hotel as well as taking part in our new Derwent Discovery Nature Trail.”
On Monday 30th July families can see some impressive birds of prey up close and watch them in action during two flying displays. During the displays and demonstrations you can find out about the different types of birds and learn more about falconry.
Families who love creepy crawlies will want to sign up to one of the three wildlife sessions to help build a bug hotel on Tuesday 31st July. Children will be able to fill a tube with natural materials including fir cones, wood, and canes to be part of an onsite bug hotel. You will also be able to learn about the My Tyne community science project and see a selection of the different types of river invertebrates.
The following day visitors can take part in our Let’s Go Family Fishing drop in sessions to try out a new lifelong skill. You will learn everything you need to know about catching your first fish, from how to use a fishing rod to the type of fishing tackle and bait that works best. This event takes place on land and gives you a great insight into angling.
On Thursday 2nd August families can meet a selection of minibeasts with Steve’s Animal Ark. Children will be able to see a range of exotic invertebrates up close and hold some of them too.
For the more adventurous families, on Friday 3rd August the Cave Bus will be at Derwent Waterside Park all day. Visitors can experience caving in this mobile simulated cave by working your way around the multi-level route, squeezing through the narrowest of tunnels until you finally reach the exit.
Throughout this week families can also enjoy large lawn games, a game of 5-a-side on the new football pitch, going wild in the play park, refreshments at the café and browsing the home gifts, books and toys in the shop.
Derwent Waterside Park is also the perfect place to explore by foot or bike and there are plenty of places to stop to take in the views and have a picnic.
To find out more about Derwent Waterside Park and all the exciting activities going on this summer visit www.facebook.com/nwwatersideparks/.