Out & About August 2017

OA outdoors

Get into the Wildlife Zone The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust is buzzing with activities in August says WENDY TOBITT

BBOWT’s wildlife garden in the BBC Countryfile Live Wildlife Zone

I f you’ve been to our Nature Discovery Centre at Thatcham you’ll know that BBOWT looks after our local wildlife and helps visitors have a great time taking part in activities. And that’s what we’re doing, on a bigger scale, from August 3 to 6 in the Wildlife Zone at BBC Countryfile Live at Blenheim Palace. 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 their doorstep. We’ve got bees, reptiles, storytelling, a composting zone, scything demonstration and kids can get their hands dirty making seed bombs to take home. 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. 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. 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. BBC Countryfile Live is a full-on experience with live arena shows, hands-on activities, animal displays, debates, food, drink and shopping. Book your tickets using the promotional code BBOWT at countryfilelive.com After the razzmatazz of that event you can get even closer to your local wildlife at the Fantastic Wildlife Friday sessions at the Nature Discovery Centre on August 18 to make bug hotels, and on August 25, to make bird feeders for your garden. If you love bats, then book a walk with expert Dave Endacott on August 18 or September 1 to stroll around the lake at the Nature Discovery Centre using bat detectors to tune into the squeaks, splats and squirts of the different species as they hunt for food.

The Nature Discovery Centre’s Becky O’Melia at BBC Countryfile Live last summer

Tune in to bats

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT LOCAL WILDLIFE EVENTS Wherever you are this summer, go wild with your local wildlife trust

www.bbowt.org.uk/whats-on for events throughout August

Pictures: Emma Bradshaw, Wendy Tobitt

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