Bees, bands, bows and…hedgehogs
We’re all about the wildlife in our gardens at the start of May.
We are celebrating brilliant bees from 30th April – 1st May with two expert-led Bumblee Rambles, and enough stats and information to get your head buzzing with bee facts.
There’ll also be Have-A-Go Archery sessions that weekend for children aged three and above and adults, at just £5 for six arrows. No need to book.
Then on 7th May we have our Hedgehog Awareness Day. This much-loved mammal has been in decline over recent years, and we plan to make sure we all know how to make our gardens accessible and safe places for them to be. There’ll be great advice from people who know these shy creatures best, including local rescue centres.
Please note, we can’t guarantee there will be hedgehogs present, but it’s another great free event and you can also underline your commitment to nature and wildlife by planting a promise in our ‘Pledgehog’.
It’s an early start the next morning, Sunday 8th May – 4.45am to be precise – for our wonderful Dawn Chorus guided walk, led by a birding expert to help you identify which birds’ song is greeting the new day in the Forest.
The tour costs £10 per person (£8 for RSPB members). Booking is essential and a booking fee applies.
The iconic red tunics of the Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers will be on parade as they perform for the 77th anniversary of VE Day on Sunday 8th May, along with the Major Oak Pop Choir, the Red Hot Swing Band, Spotlight Dance Studios and the Dukeries Community Band, all appearing throughout the day from 11am.
Bring a picnic with you and enjoy music from across the decades. It’s all free.
You’ll learn all about the Myths and Legends of Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood from none other than the Sheriff of Nottingham’s Master At Arms, William De Tankerville, on our fabulous costumed guided tours on the 7th and 14th May. Tours are priced at £7.50 for adults and £5 for children (£6 and £4 for RSPB members) and booking is required. A booking fee applies.
If you prefer, you can take a Tour with the Sheriff himself on Saturday 21st May from 10am-11am. Again, the prices are £7.50 for adults and £5 for children (£6 and £4 for RSPB members), and booking is essential.
And there will be a chance to stretch your legs and go Nordic Walking every Tuesday in May from 12pm-1.30pm. Each session costs £8 and poles are provided. Booking is required and a booking fee applies.