The closure of Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s shop in The Boathouse, Ellesmere, has opened up a great opportunity for staff to engage with many more people in North Shropshire through a series of exciting events. Building on the popular monthly ‘Laugh, Learn & Lunch’ events for adults at The Boathouse, Dr Cath Price, Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s North Shropshire Engagement Officer, has developed a programme of activities including wildlife-themed drop-in events at The Boathouse, monthly events at the Trust’s Wood Lane reserve near Ellesmere, Drop-in and ‘Walk, Talk & Tea’ events at Alderford Lake, Whitchurch, and informal early evening talks in The Boathouse. The events are designed to be as entertaining as they are informative, and are aimed at an interested non-expert audience – beginners welcome! Subjects ranging from Wildlife Gardening through pond dipping and the wildlife of the meres, to Shropshire’s geology and historical Ellesmere are covered in the course of the year.

Cath is an engaging, enthusiastic speaker and guide, bringing her subject to life with arcane facts and entertaining anecdotes to amuse all. Coming soon – day-flying moths and butterflies at Castlefields, Ellesmere (23rd June), pond dipping for grown-ups at Wood Lane on 1st July, a chance to try wild swimming at Alderford Lake on 7th July and a magical meadow meander followed by a light lunch at The Boathouse on 3rd August.

Events are listed on the Trust’s website at shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/whats-on, where you can find out more and book your place.