Wild times at Chatelherault

Outdoor play sessions for children

Youngsters can learn about ‘Growing up Wild’ during some fun-filled events at Chatelherault Country Park.

Families can get along the next two Wednesdays (July 26 and August 2) for the outdoor learning and family woodland play project.

The sessions will be led by the Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership (CAVLP).

Karen Dobbins, development officer with CAVLP, said: “I am delighted that CAVLP are able to expand the project to develop opportunities for outdoor play in new areas.

“It is essential for our children’s wellbeing that we allow them the space and freedom to play.”

The summer play sessions are part of a wider programme promoting natural play. They will run from 10am to noon on both days at Chatelherault.

To deliver the sessions, CAVLP teamed up with OUTLET Play Resource, who are experts in outdoor play.

Jackie Meager, the director and founder of OUTLET, said: “We are very excited to be given the opportunity to bring this popular family play initiative back once again this summer.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to play and explore in their local wild spaces and we hope it will help keep the benefits of outdoor play at the forefront of people’s minds.”

Other sessions are available at other venues across Lanarkshire. The RSPB Baron’s Haugh nature reserve in Motherwell will host play sessions over the next two Tuesdays (July 25 and August 1) from 1pm to 3.30pm. There will also be an additional slot on July 25 from 10am to noon.

Lanark Racecourse will host events over the new few Wednesdays (July 26, August 2 and August 9) between 1pm and 3.30pm.

And Lesmahagow’s Birkwood Estate will have the sessions on the two Thursdays (July 27 and August 3) between 1pm and 3.30pm.

To book any of the sessions, go to www.growing-up-wild.eventbrite. co.uk. And for more information on what support is available for setting up an outdoor play club, contact CAVLP on 01555 663 430 or email info@ clydeandavonvalley.com.

There are also additional Grow Wilder drop-off wild play sessions, taking place. These are suitable for children aged over five and will let them try activities such as den building, making tree swings, exploring in streams, bug hunting, climbing trees, making bows and arrows, building and lighting fires, toasting marshmallows and much more – all without parental supervision.

Those sessions will be at Lanark Racecourse on Wednesday, August 9, from 10am to noon; and Birkwood Estate on Thursday, July 27 and August 3, from 10am to noon.

Tickets can be booked through www.growing-up-wild.eventbrite. com, but those interested in doing so are encouraged to do so quickly as they are going fast.

Meanwhile, two free ‘Insects at Cadzow Oaks’ guided walks have been scheduled at Chatelherault. The walks will take place each day between 10.30am and noon.

People are invited to go along to find out more about the field work that is happening and explore parts of the ancient site not normally accessible to the public.

Tickets for the walks at Chatelherault can be booked at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/insects-atcadzow-oaks-tickets-35788958739, or by searching ‘Insects at Cadzow Oaks’ at www.eventbrite.co.uk.