Enjoy a wild day out exploring nature in the wonderful setting of Cassiobury Park, Watford, this Saturday, 8th July, which promises a fun day out for all ages.
Affinity Water, the sponsor for Wildfest, encourages everyone to take part in fun activities and learn about wildlife while underscoring the importance of protecting it.
Rebecca Froud, Director of Customer Experience at Affinity Water, expressed the company’s pride in sponsoring Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust’s Wildfest 2023, held in Cassiobury Park, Watford. Froud stated, “We’re keen to celebrate the fantastic local organisations that work to protect wildlife and nature in the region.
“As a company, we’re supporting our customers to reduce their water usage through our Save Our Streams campaign, which will help us to leave more water in the environment, including the region’s rare chalk streams, protecting the wildlife that they support.”
Wildfest 2023 offers a variety of activities for participants, including bird walks, nature crafts, and discovering river creatures, while also educating attendees on how to support the amazing species that call this area home.
The event features guided butterfly and bird walks, conducted by Butterfly Conservation and RSPB Watford (weather dependent), along with the opportunity to explore river life. Visitors can engage in crafts, storytelling, and learn about local actions to support nature in their neighborhoods.
Rachel Rogers, Engagement Coordinator at Herts and Middlesex Trusts, expressed delight in bringing Wildfest 2023 to Watford, following the festival’s success in St Albans last year.
Rogers noted the event as a chance for families to connect with nature, enjoy the local wildlife, and meet local groups dedicated to wildlife conservation. She hopes that participants will be inspired to take care of the natural world, contributing to the fight against climate change.
Wildfest is also part of The Wildlife Trust’s Nextdoor Nature project, a nationwide celebration in July to help nature flourish in communities across the UK.
Throughout the day, there will be numerous free activities for visitors, including the Animal Olympics, where attendees can discover the amazing talents of wildlife and learn about nature’s record breakers. Information stands will provide knowledge about Hertfordshire’s bats, amphibians, and reptiles, with the opportunity to observe some of these creatures up close.
Guided walks will enable participants to explore the wildlife within Cassiobury Park, such as butterfly walks with Butterfly Conservation and bird walks with RSPB Watford. Crafts, storytelling, and learning sessions on protecting local species will also be available.
Dave Wills, Chair of HertsARG (Amphibian and Reptile Group), said:
“HertsARG are excited to be involved in another Wildfest. Our members will be on hand to showcase the amphibians and reptiles of Hertfordshire and to answer questions. We will also be keen to hear of sightings from members of the public!”
Wildfest 2023 will be held on the grass area between The Hub and Gade Avenue car park in Cassiobury Park on 8th July, from 10am to 4pm.
Activities will take place throughout the park, and picnics are welcome. For more information about the event, visit https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/events/wildfest-2023
