A Big Wild Weekend in Godstone!

A Big Wild Weekend in Godstone!

Ralf Jones

Hundreds of families joined Surrey Wildlife Trust for the Big Wild Weekend on Father’s Day on Sunday 17th June at Bay Pond in the heart of Godstone village.
Leaf bashing on bags

Surrey Wildlife Trust

Some families travelled from as far as London to continue their commitment to do something wild every day in June, as part of the Wildlife Trust’s 30 Days Wild challenge. Other more local families were delighted to discover Bay Pond nature reserve for the very first time and enjoy the wonderful activities on offer.

With wildlife experts on hand, families were introduced to the frogs and newts from the pond, they could hold a rare smooth snake and see an adder. And the children loved making stick men, leaf bashing on bags, firelighting, marshmallow toasting and face painting.

Older members of the public venturing into the reserve took a stroll on a bird walk and enjoyed a peaceful moment in one of the hides observing the wetland birds.

Visitors also met wildlife experts from Surrey Bird Club, Reigate Bee Keepers and Surrey Amphibian & Reptile Group and enjoyed a fresh coffee from Wild About Coffee and delicious homemade cakes.

Sophie Coad, events manager at Surrey Wildlife Trust, said: ‘It was wonderful to see so many families enjoying a wild day out with the Trust.  Children loved being able to touch the animals and of course the favourite was eating freshly toasted marshmallows.’