Wildlife Day 2026

Our 14th Family Wildlife Day was held on the 28th June – the weather was perfect and our visitors loved meeting the experts who joined us on the day. We had 10 stands/activities which were enthusiastically received.

As ever the bird-ringing drew quite an audience as children and adults alike had a chance to see some garden birds up close – one of the highlights was this gorgeous greenfinch. One of our regular volunteers, Jean, ran the owl pellet dissection activity again and it was as popular as ever.

The other participants on the day were Bumblebee Conservation, who have attended every one of our wildlife days, East Yorkshire Bats, Yorkshire Dragonfly Group, Project Wild: CIC, PLACE and St Nicks, all of whom have been regular participants over the years. We also had two new groups joining us this year: Milford Hedgehogs and Village Green.

Difficult Decision

Now that the dust has settled, we have made the difficult decision that this year’s Wildlife Day was the final one. We started back in 2012 and have only missed one year since then. In that time we have met some amazing people and given a lot of children and their families the chance to experience nature close-up. We couldn’t have done this without the amazing support of the experts who have attended as enthusiastic volunteers – some of you have been in the past will remember that over the years there have been spider hunts, wildflower meadow walks, moth trapping, pond-dipping and bird fancy dress.

One of the highlights was when a small boy said “This is the best day of my life!” That sort of response is what we all as nature enthusiasts try to inspire in the next generation.

I have already contacted all this year’s participants to thank them and tell them that this was our final Wildlife Day. Dr Margaret Atherden of PLACE replied to say:

“It was a pleasure to join you again this year and we had more interest on the PLACE stand than ever before.

I have thoroughly enjoyed coming to the Wildlife Day each year, meeting some delightful families, seeing old friends on other stands and looking at your wonderful garden. However, I can understand that you feel the time has come to end the annual occasion. It must have been an incredible amount of work for you, John and your helpers, not only on the day itself but before and after the event.

I shall miss the event but will certainly visit your garden in the future and encourage others to do so. Thank you for making us so welcome and laying on such an original and enjoyable day.”

Thank you Margaret, and thank you to everyone who has visited, volunteered or otherwise supported our Wildlife Day over the years.