Families looking for something different for the May half-term are being encouraged to head to Whixall's Meres and Mosses for a free Bog Safari.

On May 31, Marches Mosses BogLIFE will be hosting the free Safari and Picnic on the Natural England and Natural Resources Wales managed Fenn’s, Whixall & Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve (NNR), near Whitchurch.

All are welcome at this event, which runs from 10am until 2pm at the Manor House Reserve Base, Whixall, SY13 2PD. Families will be able to go for a short walk up on the Moss, do some pond dipping, bug hunting, and look for amazing plants and animals, and discover why the Mosses are so special.

Guides hope visitors will be able to see all sorts of minibeasts including raft spiders – huge spiders that can walk on water before a group picnic.

Mike Crawshaw, Marches Mosses BogLIFE project engagement officer said: “This event will be great fun for the whole family. Bug hunting, pond dipping, there is something for everyone.”

Extensive restoration work to the mosses means, internationally important raised bog wetland now replaces vast swathes of dry bare peat where mire species great and small can thrive, all in partnership with Natural Resources Wales and Shropshire Wildlife Trust.

The Bog Safari is free and you need to bring your own picnic, but booking is essential as places are limited. Contact Mike on 01948 880362 or email info.whixall@naturalengland.org.uk for more details.