WAH Booklet 2012_WAH BOOKLET 05/01/2012 15:23 Page 1

Countryside and Wild Green Spaces Events Programme 2012

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Hart to Haswell Walkway LNR Please note we take photos at all our events and these may be used in future leaflets and publicity. If you have any objections please tell one of the event leaders before the start of the event. PHOTOGRAPHS

You are advised to arrive at the event at least 10 minutes before the start time. Events may be cancelled at short notice due to adverse weather conditions but people will be notified in advance. YOUR EVENT YOUR ARRIVING AT ARRIVING AT

Warm and waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear is recommended for all events. Please wear walking boots or strong shoes on all walks. On longer events and walks please bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink. In warm and sunny weather please bring sun protection, including a hat. We retain the right to refuse to take anyone who arrives at an event or walk TO BRING WITH YOU

CLOTHING AND WHAT AND WHAT CLOTHING wearing unsuitable clothing.

Please book well in advance as spaces are limited. Walks with less than five bookings will be cancelled and walkers will be notified accordingly. Walks may Welcome to the Wild also be cancelled at short notice due to adverse weather conditions. Please note the ‘Clothing and what to bring with you’ section regarding suitable

about Hartlepool GUIDED WALKS equipment required for walks. Events leaflet If you need to cancel your place on any event or guided walk please phone or email to let us know as Welcome to the Wild about Hartlepool Events leaflet. Inside soon as possible so that we can offer your place to you will find a wide and exciting range of events and activities someone else as many of our events are

brought to you from a diverse range of organisations and CANCELLATIONS oversubscribed. individuals, working together to protect and promote the local and natural history of Hartlepool’s Wild Green Spaces. Whether you want to enjoy a tranquil stroll in one of our local Please wear old/outdoor clothing, strong boots/shoes nature reserves, take part in a family fun day in one of our and bring a packed lunch and drink if staying all day. parks or join us for an overnight bivouac at Summerhill we Tools and gloves will be provided. No previous hope you will find something to enjoy. experience is necessary as you will be shown what to If you have any suggestions for future events please don’t do. Please take part at a level suitable to your own

hesitate to give us a call on 01429 853325. DAYS CONSERVATION ability.

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Countryside and Wild Green Spaces Events Programme 2012 Spion Kop Cemetery This historic cemetery, formed from a combination of sand dunes and ship ballast now supports species rich dune grassland with habitat of such quality that it is unique in Hartlepool and rare within the Tees Valley. Directions: Head towards Hartlepool Headland on the A179 straight over the roundabout onto Cleveland Road/West View Road before turning left onto Old Cemetery Road. On-road parking is available outside the cemetery.

Greatham Beck LNR One of Hartlepool’s best-kept secrets is the lovely wildlife corridor that runs along the western edge of the Fens Estate. Rich in plants and fringed with deciduous woodland, it provides a rich and varied habitat for many species including kingfisher, woodpecker and owl. Directions: From Catcote Road, turn into Mowbray Road then left into Spalding Road to join Newark Road. Limited on-road parking is available and visitors are asked to park with respect for local residents. Hart Warren Dunes Situated south of Crimdon, this beautiful area of calcareous grassland and dune system supports many rare plants and animals. The dunes are prized for their wildlife value and also for their extensive sea views. Directions: Hart Warren Dunes are accessible on foot from the Hart Station end of the Hart to Haswell Walkway on Ocean Road

Seaton Common and Dunes Seaton Common is home to a vast number of resident and migratory wading birds, as well as invertebrates and mammals. The Common holds much historical interest including the relics of the once thriving salt industry, ridge and furrow and the old sea wall. Across the golf course are Seaton Dunes, one of the largest dune systems between Lindisfarne and the Humber, providing a rich and varied habitat for many plants and animals including fox and short-eared owl. Directions: Seaton Common is located south of Seaton Carew just off the A178 Tees Road. Parking is available at the North Gare Car Park and Seaton Coach Park. The site can be accessed on foot, by cycle or on horseback along Seaton bridleway from Seaton Carew. Hart Warren Dunes

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Hart to Haswell Walkway LNR This beautiful disused railway line extends north from Hart Station towards Haswell. The site is managed by the Countryside Team and Volunteers and contains a mosaic of habitats including woodland, butterfly glades and ponds. It forms part of Sustrans National Cycle Network (Route 14) and is accessible by bike or on foot. Directions: Limited on-road parking is available on Ocean Road in Hart Station which is located just off the A1086 as you travel north out of Hartlepool. Visitors are asked to park with respect for local residents.

Summerhill LNR Summerhill is a 100 acre Country Park located on the western edge of Hartlepool, transformed for the benefit of conservation, outdoor sport and The Wild Green Spaces in Hartlepool project is funded by Natural England recreation. It is also an excellent venue for meetings and events. Whether through Access to Nature, as part of the Big Lottery Fund's Changing you want a quiet walk or something more strenuous like rock climbing on Spaces programme. The project engages with local communities to our groundbreaking Boulder Park, BMX riding on our purpose-built course, develop and improve Hartlepool’s green spaces for people and wildlife. or play in the adventure play area. You can also take part in one of our The project is now in its second successful year and continues to offer activity sessions. local people a variety of learning experiences, health benefits and Contact the Visitor Centre for activities in: opportunities to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the natural environment through volunteering, environmental education, events and • Orienteering & map reading • High level ropes course activities. Look out for our regular Wild Wednesday’s volunteer days • Rock climbing • Nature study advertised on the Park’s notice boards or check out our list of events to • Archery • Arts and crafts find an activity you can enjoy. From bat walks to willow weaving, there’s something to suit everyone. We even provide transport to the events we run in more out of reach locations. Directions: To reach Summerhill head down Summerhill Lane, just off Catcote Road. Parking is available in the car park next to the visitor centre. If you, your group, or your school would like to be involved in the project please contact the Wild Green Spaces team on 01429 853325 Tel: 01429 284584 Web: www.sunnysummerhill.com for more information.

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Burn Valley Gardens Burn Valley Gardens is a wonderful green corridor which connects the town centre with Family Wood, Summerhill and the wider countryside to the west of the town. The eastern entrance to the park is located at York Road and the western entrances at Catcote Road and Elwick Road. Burn Valley Gardens is within close walking distance to Ward Jackson Park and contains three bowling greens and two play areas. Ward Jackson Park During 2012 the northern Burn Valley will be developed as part of the Wild Ward Jackson Park is one of the most original in the North East region and is Green Spaces Project to create beautiful wetland areas and winding listed in the National Register of Historic Parks & Gardens because of its watercourses which will benefit wildlife and provide a fabulous green space collection of Victorian and Edwardian features for local people and visitors to enjoy. A project to restore and develop the park was recently completed returning the Family Wood park to its original splendour complete with a magnificent lake set in a Victorian landscape. Developed over a six year period as For the more wild at heart, why not visit the Woodland Walk to enjoy the new commemorative woodland, Family Minibeast Reserve and the fascinating wildlife the park has to offer, or the Wood forms an essential woodland recently improved play area which contains plenty of activity stations to corridor linking the Burn Valley occupy the liveliest of children. Complete your day with a visit to the Place in Gardens to Summerhill. Family the Park for a well deserved drink and a snack. Wood is a mixed habitat of young mixed woodland and grassland The Friends of Ward Jackson Park organise a range of brilliant events and planted predominately with Oak, Ash activities and raise funds for their own Park projects. For information regarding and Hazel which enhances the natural Friends of Ward Jackson Park contact Rachel Wilson on 07961 407929. quality of the Burn Valley Ward Jackson Park is located at the junction of Park Avenue and Elwick Road. Rossmere Park Seaton Park Set in an urban residential area, the park incorporates open-grassed areas, trees, flower beds and an improved fixed equipment playground for toddlers Seaton Park is situated close to the seafront and teenagers. at Seaton Carew, an attractive coastal village to the south east of Hartlepool. The park During your visit why not enjoy a stroll around the picturesque lake contains a bowling green, tennis courts, complete with a wooded island, a variety of wildfowl and a nature area playing field and a fantastic new children's incorporating a pond dipping platform. play area complete with a sunken pirate ship. Angling is also permitted on the lake. A newly created wetland area complements The Friends of Rossmere Park organise the play area with bridges spanning the open a number of wonderful events every year water. The recently formed Friends of Seaton Park have drawn up a so why not check out the spooky wonderful new Masterplan for the Park which includes a new pond complete Halloween walk or the Summer Carnival. with wetland plants, the creation of nectar rich flower and shrub borders and For information regarding Friends of hedgerow planting to enhance the area for wildlife. Why not join in some of the Rossmere Park contact Trisha Lawton on events planned for 2012 and show your support for the park improvements. 07940 091767. Rossmere Park is located on Rossmere Way.

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Countryside and Wild Green Spaces Events Programme 2012

Teesmouth Field Centre We have provided a varied programme of quality field studies continuously for more than 40 years. Every year we welcome over 4000 visitors, including school children, students and members of the public. Educational and recreational groups of all ages are welcome and all of our visits are free of charge.

Are you the organiser for a community group in Hartlepool, looking for somewhere different to visit? Have you thought about bringing a group to Teesmouth Field Centre?

Some of the activities on offer for 2012 include: Wildflower Wander - Take a gentle guided stroll through the sand dunes at North Gare, discover the special plants living there and a little of their folklore. Suitable for a summer evening or weekend. Teesmouth Tour - A guided tour highlighting the wildlife and industry of the North Bank of the Tees Estuary. Own transport needed. Suitable for a Parks and Countryside What’s in it for me? summer evening or weekend. Volunteers •Gain valuable experience The Field Centre is accessible for wheelchairs, parking and toilets are The Countryside Team are assisted •Learn new skills available on site for visitors. For further information and to book your by a dedicated team of Volunteers, visit contact Lynne Burn on 01429 264912 or •Gain a qualification in helping to look after Hartlepool’s Environmental conservation e-mail: [email protected] Nature Reserves, Parks, green •Meet new people The Partnership for Nature in Hartlepool spaces and Rights of Way. •Make a difference to Hartlepool’s coast and The Partnership plays a crucial role in managing, protecting and promoting What do Volunteers do? our precious natural assets for the benefit of wildlife and the enjoyment of countryside people. EDF Energy together with Hartlepool Borough Council, Natural •Practical conservation and No previous experience or England and Teesmouth Field Centre combine to pool their talents and horticultural tasks qualifications are needed, just resources with the aim of making Hartlepool a leading light in terms of •Events and Guided Walks enthusiasm and a willingness to conservation, environmental education and access to nature for the public. •Helping with school visits lend a hand. Volunteer as much or Hartlepool Power Station acts as the glue of the partnership providing the as little time as you wish, and you •Site maintenance tasks other organisations with accommodation, facilities and support with decide what to help with. staffing costs. We are then able to provide education, guided walks, events •Rights of Way monitoring and If you are over 16 and would like and manage reserves across the town, from the Hart to Haswell Walkway maintenance to know more please contact the in the north to the Teesmouth National Nature reserve in the south. The Countryside Team on result is a wonderful array of coastal (01429) 853325 habitats and wooded areas for everyone to enjoy.

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Countryside and Wild Green Spaces Events Programme 2012 Hart to Hart Moor Woodland Winter Mammal Walk Image Carl Watts Sunday 8th January 10am - 1pm Join the Northumbrian Mammal Group and Hartlepool Countryside teams for a fascinating family walk around Hart Moor Woodland in search of further evidence of Harvest Mice which were discovered here in 2009. Learn about the tracks and signs left by other mammal species, and learn how to identify and track them. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325.

January Seaton Snook Winter Wildlife Walk Thursday 12th January 10am - 12noon Join Natural England for this short walk (approx. 1.5miles) Wild Green Spaces Volunteer Taster Day looking for the winter wildlife of the Teesmouth estuary and Blue Wednesday 4th January 10am - 3pm Lagoon. Binoculars will be available to borrow. Transport Join the regular Wild Green Spaces volunteers for a available from Rossmere Park and Burn Valley, please enquire New Years review of the Parks around Hartlepool. when booking. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Transport available, wrap up warm for the day’s weather conditions, pop on some sturdy footwear Who was Ward Jackson? and don’t forget your packed lunch. Meet at: The notice board Sunday 15th January 10.30am - 12.30pm at the entrance to Family Wood, Join local historian Steve Robbins to learn more about this off Elwick Road significant historic Hartlepool resident and just how important he was during the town’s industrial heyday. Discover how and why the Park was developed and how mythological lake spirits and tree dryads found their way into the park. A gentle wheel chair and pushchair friendly circular walk through the Park. Booking Summerhill to Ward Jackson essential, ring 01429 853325. Park Friday 6th January 10am - 11.30am Winter Wader Wander Image Carl Watts New Year’s Resolution…become more active!! Walking is an Friday 20th January easy activity to start doing – build up gradually and continue long 10.30am - 12.30pm term. Start by joining the Countryside and Wild Green Spaces teams on a 3 mile circular stroll Join Natural England for this gentle from Summerhill over to Ward stroll looking for the winter residents Jackson Park and back through of the Teesmouth Estuary at Seal Family Wood, taking in the winter Sands. There will be plenty of scenery along the way. Booking opportunities to see a variety of essential, ring 01429 523419. winter wading birds and possibly the resident population of common seals. Binoculars will be available to borrow. Transport available from Rossmere Park and Burn Valley, please enquire when booking. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325.

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Big Garden Bird Watch Seal Watch Saturday 28th January 10.30am - 12noon Saturday 11th February 11am - 1pm The Big Garden Bird Watch is fun, free, really easy, and only Visit Hartlepool Power Station hide to view the seals as they haul takes an hour to complete. Join the Wild Green Spaces team as out on Seal Sands and the winter migrants that spend the winter they survey Ward Jackson Park and find out more about the here. Waterproofs and stout footwear recommended. Dress up species that inhabit your garden so that you can carry out your warmly and bring a warm drink. Meet at the Teesmouth Field own garden survey tomorrow. Then make a bottle seed feeder to Centre. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. take home with you. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Darwin Discoveries Volunteer Taster Day - Sunday 12th February 10am - 12noon Introduction to Coppicing Happy Birthday Charles Darwin! Celebrate the anniversary of the Sunday 29th January 10.30am - birth of a man who revolutionised our understanding of the 3pm natural world by taking a relaxing stroll from Ward Jackson Park Join the Countryside and Summerhill over to Burn Valley Gardens. Along the way we’ll be looking at teams and learn about the tools and different examples of natural selection and how it works. Then techniques of the ancient art of join us back at Ward Jackson Park for some birthday cake! coppicing - a technique that has Booking essential, ring 01429 523419. shaped our native woodlands, provided woodcraft materials for centuries and is a sustainable Hedgehog Haven way of managing woodlands. Wear old clothes and stout footwear. All equipment provided. Bring a packed lunch. Monday 13th February Booking essential, ring 01429 284584. 10.30am - 12.30pm Make your own FREE hedgehog box with the Northumbrian Mammal Group and Wild Green February Spaces team to create a home to make any hedgehog happy. Suitable for over 8’s and access Wild Green Spaces Volunteer Taster Day for all on tarmac path surfaces. Wednesday 1st February 10am - 3pm Booking essential as spaces are Help to open up the woodland alongside the beck limited, ring 01429 853325. in Family Wood to let in the light for springtime flowers to grow. All tools provided, please bring your lunch and plenty of energy! Meet at: The notice board at the entrance to Family Wood, off Winter Welly Wander Elwick Road. Tuesday 14th February 1pm - 3pm Head along to Summerhill for a family walk in the deepest parts Winter Wader Wander of the Summerhill woodland to see what you can find. Wear Wednesday 8th February 1.30pm - 3.30pm warm clothing (and wellies if you have them!). Age 3 years and Join Natural England for this gentle stroll looking for the winter over. Not suitable for buggies. Cost: £4.70 standard; £2.60 residents of the Teesmouth Estuary at Seal Sands. There will be concessionary. Booking essential, ring 01429 284584. plenty of opportunities to see a variety of winter wading birds and possibly the resident population of common seals. Binoculars will be available to borrow. Transport available from Rossmere Park and Burn Valley, please enquire when booking. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325.

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Bushcraft, Beasties and Bugs Seaton Snook Winter Wildlife Walk Wednesday 15th February 11am - 2pm Friday 24th February 10am - 12noon Head off to the Hart to Haswell and Bellows Burn with the Join Natural England for this short walk (approx. 1.5miles) Countryside team to learn how to survive in the wild using the looking for the winter wildlife of the Teesmouth Estuary and Blue many natural sources of food and fuel that the woodland Lagoon. Binoculars will be available to borrow. Transport provides. Wear old clothes and strong shoes or wellies and don’t available from Rossmere Park and Burn Valley, please enquire forget to bring a packed lunch... just in case you’re not fond of when booking. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. eating worms! Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Volunteer Taster Day - No laying around Ramble in the Dene Sunday 26th February 10am - 2.30pm Wednesday 15th February 9am - 3pm Sample a volunteer day with the Countryside and Summerhill Join the Countryside team for a 10 mile walk that takes in part of teams and learn about laying a hedge to enhance it for its wildlife the Hart to Haswell, Hulam and Sheraton as well as walking value. Wear old waterproofs and stout footwear. All equipment through the magnificent limestone gorge of Nesbitt Dene. provided. Bring a packed lunch. Booking essential, ring 01429 Sensible clothing and footwear recommended. Don’t forget to 284584. bring a packed lunch and a flask of warm tea! Booking essential, ring 01429 523419. March Twig Tower Sculptures

Thursday 16th February 1pm - 3pm Wildfowl Wander Join the Summerhill team and be creative in the countryside by making mini towers in the Summerhill woodland out of branches, Saturday 3rd March 10.30am - 12noon twigs and leaves. Age 5 to 10 years. Cost: £2.60. Booking Have you ever fed the ducks? Have you essential, ring 01429 284584. ever wondered why there are so many different shaped ones, and all different colours? If you have, this event is perfect Bird Box Bash in Seaton Park for you! Join the Wild Green Spaces team Friday 17th February 10.30am - 12.30pm with binoculars and learn all about the Make your own FREE bird box with the Wild different birds we have on Rossmere Park Lake, and take home Green Spaces team to take back to your an ID guide for next time too. Wheelchair and pushchair friendly. garden to encourage birds to nest there this No dogs please. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. spring. And why not make a nest ball bundle too so there’s plenty of lovely snugly material Howls & Dalton Mammal Walk for the birds to make their nests with? Suitable for all abilities and access for all on Sunday 4th March 10am - 12noon tarmac path surfaces. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Join the Northumbrian Mammal Group and Hartlepool Countryside teams for an exploration of the Howls and Dalton Batts searching for evidence of mammal activity during this Stranton Headstone Histories guided walk of the area. Learn about the tracks and signs left by Saturday 18th February 1pm - 2.30pm various mammal species, and learn how to identify and track Want to know who brought the first bananas into Hartlepool? them. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Family This is just one of the strange stories unearthed from behind the activity. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. headstones by local historian Steve Robbins. A short wheelchair and pushchair friendly walk to hear more tantalising tales and local legends. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325.

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Wild Green Spaces Volunteer Taster Day Totally Toads and Numerous Newts! Wet & Wild Planting Saturday 24th March 10.30am - 12noon Wednesday 7th March 10am - 3pm Join Natural England and the Countryside Join the Wild Green Spaces team for a day of team for a short walk to discover the planting wetland plants at some of the towns newly created amphibians of Teesmouth National Nature ponds to enhance these valuable habitats for wildlife. Meet at: Reserve and Seaton Common. Please The notice board at the entrance to Family Wood, off Elwick wear wellies or walking boots. All Road. equipment provided. Transport available from Rossmere Park and Burn Valley, please enquire when booking. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Wildfowl Wander Sunday 10th March 2pm - 3.30pm Greatham Water Vole Walk Have you ever fed the ducks? Have you ever wondered why there are so many different shaped ones, and all different colours? Sunday 25th March 10am - 1pm If you have, this event is perfect for you! Join the Wild Green Join the Northumbrian Mammal Group and Hartlepool Spaces team with binoculars and learn all about the different birds Countryside team for a family walk exploring the area between we have on Ward Jackson Park Lake, and take home an ID guide Greatham and Cowpen Bewley; searching for evidence of for next time too. Wheelchair and pushchair friendly. No dogs mammal activity during this guided walk of the area. Learn about please. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. the tracks and signs left by different mammal species and learn how to identify and track them. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Sand Dune Saunter Tuesday 13th March 11am - 1pm Marine Conservation Society Join Natural England for a fascinating 3 mile circular walk taking BeachWatch: in Teesmouth National Nature Reserve (Blue Lagoon). Please wear sturdy footwear and bring warm waterproof clothes. North Gare Sands Transport available from Rossmere Park and Burn Valley, please Thursday 29th March 1.30pm - 3.30pm enquire when booking. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Can you give a couple of hours to help survey the litter and clean up the beach at Wild West Figure of Eight Teesmouth? This is part of the Marine Conservation Society’s national campaign Wednesday 14th March 10am - 3pm to clean up the UK’s beaches for wildlife Take a walk on the wild side….Join the Countryside team on a and people. Prize for the most unusual leisurely 6 and a half mile ramble around the Stotfold Moor area on item found. All equipment provided. Please the western side of the A19. Escape from the hustle and bustle of wear sturdy footwear. Booking essential, town and experience the beginnings of spring. Don’t forget to bring ring 01429 853325. a packed lunch. Booking essential, ring 01429 523419.

Year of the Bat Bonanza Mammal Workshop Saturday 31st March 10am - 12noon Saturday 17th March 10am - 12.30pm Bats may be mysterious and misunderstood, but the earth’s only Join the Northumberland Mammal Group and Teesmouth Field flying mammals are essential to our global environment. Join Centre to look for mammals living on the Hartlepool Power Station Northumbrian Mammal Trust and the Wild Green Spaces team for Nature Trail. Waterproofs and stout footwear recommended. Meet a fascinating morning learning more about these often maligned at: Teesmouth Field Centre. Places are limited, so booking creatures. Make your own bat box and one to put up in the Park. essential, ring 01429 264912. Booking essential as spaces are limited, ring 01429 853325.

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April Minibeast Safari Thursday 5th April 10am - 12noon & 1pm - 3pm A walk around Summerhill looking for all the bugs and beasties that Springtime Tree Trail lurk in the deepest part of the woodland. 5 years and over. For Monday 2nd April 10am - 2pm details of charges and to make a booking ring 01429 284584. Would you like to learn the difference between elder and alder, blackthorn and hawthorn? Join the Countryside team for a Easter Sunday Funday relaxing 5 mile stroll up to the Howls Ancient Woodland, hidden away in Dalton Piercy and come away with some identification Sunday 8th April 1pm - 5pm skills and interesting facts. Don’t forget to bring a snack. A feast of family fun in beautiful Ward Booking essential, ring 01429 523419. Jackson Park. Fairground rides, face painting, art exhibitions, craft workshops, bouncy castle and much more. Come along and join Spring has Sprung Walk in the fun! Tuesday 3rd April 1pm - 3pm A chance for a family stroll around Summerhill to look for the Sounds of Summerhill signs of Spring and all the amazing animals that live in the woodland. 5 years and over. Not suitable for buggies. Tuesday 10th April 10am - 12noon For details of charges and to make a booking ring 01429 284584. Make your own sound catcher and then go on a safari to hear the Summerhill secret sounds.Age 5 to 10 years. Not suitable for buggies.For details of charges and to make a booking ring 01429 284584. Wild Green Spaces Volunteer Taster Day Seaton Butterfly Border Wet & Wild - Pond Dipping Picnic Wednesday 4th April 10am - 3pm Wednesday 11th April 11am - 2pm Come along and help us plant a beautiful butterfly Get dipping and bring the family to discover border filled with lots of different nectar rich plants to increase the what wild and wonderful creatures lurk number of species of butterflies and moths found in Seaton Park. beneath the surface of the Hart to Haswell If you require transport please Meet at: Seaton Park car park. ponds, then make your own weird and ring 01429 853325. wonderful pond creature to remind you of your visit. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy at the new picnic benches. Suitable for wheelchairs and Bushcraft Bonanza pushchairs. Transport available from Rossmere Park and Burn Valley Gardens, Wednesday 4th April 11am - 2pm please enquire when booking. Calling all Ray Mears fans….Join the Countryside team and try Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. your hand at shelter building, fire lighting (without a match) and cord making using natural materials. Ages 8 Springtime Stroll and over. Children must be Thursday 12th April 10.30am - 12noon accompanied by an adult. Wet weather A wonderful wander through the beautiful Burn Valley with the clothing and footwear essential and Wild Green Spaces team looking at the natural world beginning to don’t forget a packed lunch. Booking wake up all around us. Search for signs of Spring and finish up essential, ring 01429 284584. by making a lovely Springtime surprise! A gentle wheel chair and pram friendly circular walk through the Burn Valley Gardens. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325.

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Easter Walk and Butterfly Feeders North Cemetery Headstones Thursday 12th April 1pm - 3pm Sunday 22nd April 10.30am - 12noon Join the Summerhill team for a Spring walk around Summerhill A chance to hear a selection of new fascinating stories about followed by a chance to make your own butterfly feeder for your some of the many people buried in the cemetery on this short garden. Age 5 to 10 years. For details of charges and to make guided walk led by local historian Steve Robbins. Booking a booking ring 01429 284584. essential, ring 01429 853325.

Family Wood Spring Clean Friday 13th April 10am - 2pm May Family Wood is an important and much loved green link between Burn Valley Gardens and Summerhill. Get some fresh air and join us in sprucing the wood up by planting Spring flowers and making it litter free. Wear old clothing and suitable footwear. Low Tide Day Give as much or as little time as you can, all equipment provided. Sunday 6th May 10am - 2pm Ring 01429 523419 for more details. Meet at the Family Wood Bring a picnic and get out into the fresh air to explore the brilliant entrance off Elwick Road. local marine environment around Seaton Carew. Enjoy a fun filled day of free environmental games, touch tanks, crafts, Meet at: Seaton Bird ID Workshop storytelling, displays and a rockpool ramble. beach beside the Lifeguards hut. Please come at 10am for the Saturday 14th April 10.30am - 3pm rockpool ramble as it is tide dependant. Come and learn about the Spring & Summer birds of the Teesmouth National Nature Reserve. The day is designed for beginners and includes Low Tide at Longscar a birdwatching session. Packed lunch required. Sunday 6th May 10am - 12noon Meet at: Teesmouth Field Centre. Booking In addition to the fun family Low Tide Day there is also an essential, ring 01429 264912. opportunity to join local historian and naturalist Steve Robbins for a walk to Longscar Rocks and Hartlepool’s own Petrified Forest Avocet Amble which is exposed at very low tides. The walk will also take in some of Seaton’s more historical properties and landmarks. Sunday 15th April 11am - 1pm Please wear wellies or strong boots. Booking essential, Join Natural England and the RSPB for a chance to view these ring 01429 853325. beautiful and distinctive birds as they return to their breeding ground beside Greatham Creek. Also a chance to see Teesmouth’s best seal haul out site. Booking essential, ring Lake to Coast 01429 853325. Friday 11th May 10am - 2.30pm Join the Countryside and Wild Green Spaces team on 8 mile Wild Willow Workshop linear ramble, starting from Rossmere Park. We’ll work our way out of the hustle and bustle of Hartlepool and into Seaton Carew. Saturday 21st April 10am -12.30pm There we’ll discover more about the coast and what wildlife is Using locally sourced willow, join the Wild Green Spaces team to tucked away within the dunes. At the end there will be a free learn how to create a beautiful willow creation, either a giant minibus waiting to take us back to Rossmere Park. Don’t forget flower sculpture or a willow plant support, to take home. No to bring a packed lunch. Booking essential, ring 01429 523419. experience or equipment necessary, but please wear clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty! Age 12 and above. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Further details given when booking.

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Avocet Amble Again! June Sunday 13th May 10am - 12noon Another chance to view these beautiful birds and their chicks in Creatures of the Night the company of the RSPB and Natural England. Also a chance to see Teesmouth’s seals at their favourite haul out site. Transport Friday 1st June 9pm onwards available from Rossmere Park and Burn Valley, please enquire Explore the nocturnal world of the Burn Valley with the Wild Green when booking. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Spaces team as they look for bats and other night time creatures. Have a go using a bat detector and learn how to identify these fascinating flying mammals. Please bring a torch and wrap up Wild Green Spaces Volunteer Taster Day warm. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Flower Bed frolics Wednesday 16th May 10am - 3pm Sensational Seals and Brilliant Birds Ward Jackson Park’s planted beds are famous across the town. But how do the park keepers keep them so Tuesday 5th June 2.30pm - 4pm colourful? Join the Wild Green Spaces Team for a day’s work Join Natural England for an easy stroll of about 1.5 miles trying to constructing a new raised sensory bed in the Park and pick up spot wildlife at Greatham Creek and Seal Sands with games and some top tips on keeping your activities for children. Transport available from Rossmere Park and plants flowering all summer long. Burn Valley, please enquire when booking.Booking essential, ring Meet at: Ward Jackson Park, 01429 853325. beside the Clock Tower. If you require transport please ring Going on a Bug Hunt 01429 853325. Wednesday 6th June 10am - 12noon Join the Countryside team to discover what creeps and crawls, what flies and flutters and what slimes and squelches beneath our feet in the North Cemetery. All equipment provided. Family event suitable for all ages. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Wild Willow Workshop Sunday 20th May 2pm - 4.30pm Hedge-u-cation Using locally sourced willow, join the Wild Green Spaces team to learn how to create a beautiful willow creation, either a giant Wednesday 6th June 1pm - 3pm flower sculpture or a willow plant support, to take home. No Summerhill has lots of hedges and this is your chance to find out experience or equipment necessary, but please wear clothes that more about them as we explore what lurks within the hedge!! For you don’t mind getting a bit dirty! Access for all on tarmac path details of charges and to make a booking ring 01429 284584. surfaces. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Further details will be given when booking. Scavenger Hunt and Beach Art Thursday 7th June 10.30am - 12noon Naturally Nice Nettles Join Natural England on a hunt for natural treasures then make Sunday 27th May 10am - 1pm fantastic creature sculptures, sand silhouettes and mini- Join the Countryside and Summerhill teams for a stroll around masterpieces on the gorgeous beach at North Gare. Transport Summerhill to discover that there’s more to nettles than just their available from Rossmere Park and Burn Valley, please enquire sting. Find out more about their many uses and their importance when booking. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. to humans and wildlife. Sample some nettle tea and nettle soup and have a go at making a bracelet from nettle cord. For details of charges and to make a booking ring 01429 284584.

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Paws and Prints Walk Wildflower and Orchid Walk Thursday 7th June 1pm - 3pm Thursday 21 June 10.30am - 12.30pm Join the Summerhill team for an early summer walk spotting the A gentle stroll of about 1 mile around Teesmouth National Nature footprints of the many different animals that roam the area. You Reserve to try and spot the five different species of orchid and can also have a go at making plaster casts of your finds as a many other wild flowers. You may wish to bring a camera to reminder of your visit. For details of charges and to make a photograph the beautiful flowers. Transport available from booking ring 01429 284584. Rossmere Park and Burn Valley, please enquire when booking. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Green Man Masks Saturday 9th June 10.30am - 12noon Headstone Histories Celebrate Summer with the Wild Green Sunday 24th June 10.30 - 12noon Spaces team in the traditional way by Join Steve Robbins to hear what new and making your very own green man mask to intriguing tales of historical people and take home. Follow the trail and answer the events he has revealed from beneath the clues to help find where the green man of headstones of Spion Kop Cemetery. Meet at: Seaton Park lives! Booking essential, ring Spion Kop Cemetery, Old Cemetery Road. 01429 853325. Butterfly Biodiversity Walk Crimdon Coast Sunday 24th June 1pm - 2.30pm Wednesday 13th June 10am - 3pm A chance to find and record some of the butterfly species found in Join the Countryside team on a pleasant 5 and a half mile circular Stranton Cemetery in the company of the the Friends of Stranton walk, following the Durham Coastal Path through dunes and Cemetery and the Countryside team to find out what improvements along sea cliffs. Then down into Bellows Burn and back up again we are making to improve the species diversity of the site. into Hart Village. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as well as a Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. healthier heart! Don’t forget to bring a packed lunch. Booking essential, ring 01429 523419. Butterfly SOS Friday 29th June 1pm - 3pm Wild Green Spaces Volunteer Taster Day Want to learn the difference between a large Pond Weed Clearance white and a green veined, or a speckled wood Wednesday 13th June 10am - 3pm and a meadow brown? Then National Insect The pond is an intrinsic part of the Park at Rossmere, and to keep Week is the perfect time to do so! Join the it in the best possible condition for both wildlife and people now’s Countryside and Wild Green Spaces teams on the time to be pulling out invasive pond weed. a relaxing stroll around Family Wood, where Meet at: The Tea Gardens, Rossmere Park. If you the woodland plants provide feeding grounds for many butterflies require transport please ring 01429 853325. and other insects that we may see along the way. Booking essential, ring 01429 523419.

Wildflower Wander Art in the Park Weekend Saturday 16th June 10am - 12noon Ward Jackson in Watercolours Join the Wild Green Spaces team on a stroll around Family Wood and the surrounding area learning about the different wildflowers Saturday 30th June 12noon - 3pm that we get here in Hartlepool. Take home your own mini guide Bring along your pad and paints and take this fabulous FREE for future use too! Age 12 and over. Booking essential, ring opportunity to paint the park in the company of a local expert who 01429 853325. will be at hand to advise you on how to improve your technique. Booking essential as places are limited, ring 01429 853325.

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July Ward Jackson Park Summer Funday Sunday 22nd July 1pm - 5pm Bigger and better than ever! As Ward Jackson Park is Art in the Park Weekend Wild Art in the Park transformed into your favourite Family Fun Park. All your Sunday 1st July Rossmere Park 11am - 1pm & favourite activities and more.....Come along and join in the fun! Ward Jackson Park 3pm - 5pm Join the Wild Green Spaces team for a picnic and paint in the park! Summer Planting in Family Wood No experience necessary, all you need is enthusiasm. We’ll provide the materials and tips on how to create a mini Monday 23rd July 10.30am -12noon masterpiece, you’ll provide a picnic, something to sit on, plus Join the Wild Green Spaces team to make the already wild Family plenty of creative flair. Suitable for all abilities and access for all Wood that little bit wilder by planting all sorts of plants that’ll on tarmac path surfaces. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. make it just perfect for wildlife. We’ll also help you create your very own mini wildlife friendly garden to take home too! Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Wild Green Spaces Volunteer Taster Day Green Wood Working Sticky Caterpillars Wednesday 4th July 10am - 3pm Join the regular volunteer team in having a go using Tuesday 24th July 1pm - 3pm some historic green wood working tools and techniques to create Come on a caterpillar hunt around Summerhill and make a some simple structures to go in the Old Coach House using caterpillar bookmark by collecting bits and pieces as you walk materials gathered from Family Wood. Meet at: The notice around. Age 3 to 7 years. Limited pushchair access. For details board at the entrance to Family Wood, off Elwick Road. of charges and to make a booking ring 01429 284584.

Summer in the Dene Summer Storybook Trail Wednesday 11th July 10am - 2pm The Very Hungry Caterpillar Take some time out and enjoy the delights of the Nesbitt Dene Wednesday 25th July woodland during a 4 and a half mile circular stroll starting from 10.30am - 12noon and Hart Village. Don’t forget to bring a packed lunch. 1.30pm - 3pm Booking essential, ring 01429 523419. Join the Countryside team and Natural England, listen to the Moths & Butterflies story then follow the Very Hungry Caterpillar trail and make a Sunday 15th July 9am - 3pm chunky caterpillar or a beautiful Come and enjoy the Moths & Butterflies found around the butterfly to take home with you. Teesmouth Field Centre. A morning looking at moths, followed A fun family event suitable for by an afternoon looking for butterflies. Booking essential as children under 8yrs. Nature trail places are limited, ring 01429 264912. suitable for most push chairs. Transport available from Seal Walk Rossmere Park and Burn Valley Gardens, please book transport in Saturday 21st July 1pm - 4.30pm advance, booking essential ring Join the Countryside team on a 5 mile circular walk to Greatham 01429 853325. Creek from Greatham Village for a chance to see this year’s Harbour Seal pups close up. Bring a drink and a snack. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325.

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Wild Art and Countryside Crafts at Teesmouth August Field Centre Thursday 26th July Moth Nights 10am - 3pm Wednesdays in August Starting at 8pm Come and join the Wild Green Come and join Natural England at Teesmouth National Nature Spaces team and Natural Reserve moth trapping on Wednesday evenings in August – no England at Teesmouth Field need to book but please ring on the day as mothing will only take Centre. Take part in wild art place on calm, dry evenings. Please ring 01429 853325 or and countryside craft activities 07795 291665. inside and outside, suitable for adults and children. Also a chance to have a look around the centre and enjoy a hot drink! Drop in at any time between 10am National Play Day and 3pm. Transport available from Rossmere Park and Burn Valley Wednesday 1st August 1pm - 3.30pm Gardens, please book transport in advance, booking essential ring Head on down to Summerhill for a fun filled afternoon of FREE 01429 853325. games and activities for all the family to enjoy.

Picture This Wild Art and Countryside Crafts Friday 27th July 10am - 12noon at Teesmouth Field Centre Bring your camera along for an introduction to taking better Thursday 2nd August 10am - 3pm photos of all the sights you can find around Summerhill. Age 9 to Come and join the Wild Green Spaces team and Natural England 14 years. For details of charges and to make a booking ring 01429 284584. at Teesmouth Field Centre. Take part in wild art and countryside craft activities, suitable for adults and children. Also a chance to have a look around the centre and enjoy a hot drink! Drop in at Rossmere Summer any time between 10am and 3pm. Transport available from Carnival Rossmere Park and Burn Valley, please book transport in Saturday 28th July advance, ring 01429 853325. 11am - 3pm Come along to Rossmere Park Wet & Wild – Headland Rockpool Rummage for a fun packed family Friday 3rd August 11am - 12.30pm afternoon of carnival capers, Have fun catching and learning about the amazing creatures crafts, activities, stalls and found in the rock pools at Hartlepool Headland. Bring a net and a displays in beautiful Rossmere bucket and wear your wellies to join the Countryside and Wild Park. Green Spaces teams for this fun family event. Suitable for all ages although the terrain is very uneven. Transport available Summer Storybook Trail - What the Ladybird Heard from Rossmere Park and Burn Valley, please enquire when Tuesday 31st July 10.30am - 12noon and 1.30pm - 3pm booking, ring 01429 853325 or meet at the Heugh Battery. Starting at Teesmouth Field Centre. Listen to the story, go on a hunt around a short nature trail looking for ladybirds and other Dogs' Day Out minibeasts and then make something crafty to take home with Saturday 4th August 10am - 2.30pm you. Suitable for ages 7 and below. Nature trail suitable for push A fun day of 'doggy' activities, sniffer trail and waggy walks at chairs. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Teesmouth National Nature Reserve. Join in anytime from 10.00am 'till 2.30pm. Meet at North Gare car park.

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Marine Conservation Society BeachWatch: Three Village Ramble North Gare Sands Friday 10th August 10am - 3.30pm Sunday 5th August 11am - 1pm Take in the summer sun during a leisurely walk from Ward Can you give a couple of hours to help survey the litter and clean Jackson Park, through Dalton Piercy, then briefly stopping off at up the beach at Teesmouth? This is part of the Marine Elwick for a well earned rest (either on the Village Green or in the Conservation Society’s national campaign to clean up the UK’s local pub!) The ramble then continues up to the Hart to Haswell beaches for wildlife and people. Prize for the most unusual item Walkway where a free mini bus will be waiting to return us to found. All equipment provided. Please wear sturdy footwear. Ward Jackson Park. Don’t forget to bring a packed lunch or Transport available from Rossmere Park and Burn Valley, please money for a pub lunch. Booking essential, ring 01429 523419. enquire when booking. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Summerhill Sleep-out Victorians, Violets and Violins: Friday 10th August 8pm - 8am The story of Burn Valley Gardens Join the Summerhill and Countryside teams Sunday 5th August 2pm - 3.30pm for an evening beneath the stars, camping out in your own shelter. Look out and listen for Learn why the gardens were first created and how the people of the nocturnal creatures that inhabit the site Hartlepool once used them with local historian Steve Robbins. before building your own cosy shelter in See how they’ve been added to, changed and developed and which to spend the night. Booking essential, appreciate what the Victorian architects have left for us and future ring 01429 284584. Cost: £10. generations to enjoy. A gentle, wheel chair and pushchair friendly circular walk through the Burn Valley Gardens. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Summerhill Bug Box Making Tuesday 14th August 1pm - 3pm Summer Saunter You’ve heard of bird boxes – well here’s your chance to make a Tuesday 7th August 1pm - 3pm home for insects at Summerhill so you can attract more wildlife to your garden. Age 5 and upwards. For details of charges and Head along to Summerhill for a pleasant summer family stroll to make a booking ring 01429 284584. finding out about the hidden treasures within the large woodland. Limited pushchair access. For details of charges and to make a booking ring 01429 284584. Wild Green Spaces Volunteer Taster Day Bird Feeding Station The Olimpet Games Wednesday 15th August 10am - 3pm Wednesday 8th August 12noon - 3pm Join the Wild Wednesday’s volunteer team in helping Join the Countryside team, Groundwork and Natural England for a the birds of the Burn Valley Gardens prepare for the fun filled afternoon at Seaton’s alternative marine based Autumn by creating a feeding station in the grounds of The Old Olympics. Take part in the Starfish Sprint, the Hermit Crab High Coach House. Meet at: The notice board at the entrance to Jump and the Sand eel Shot Put to name but a few. Make a Family Wood, off Elwick Road. marine medal to take home to reward you for all your hard work. Meet at: Seaton Coach Park. Storybook Trail The Gruffalo goes to Summerhill Wednesday 15th August 11am - 2pm Scavenger Hunt A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood…join him on Thursday 9th August 10am - 12noon the story trail and meet the fabulous creatures who live within A fun family walk around Summerhill following a secret trail hunting Summerhill’s deep dark woods on your way to meet the Gruffalo. for clues and playing environmental games. Age 5 to 10 years. For A fun family event suitable for children under 8yrs. Bring a picnic details of charges and to make a booking ring 01429 284584. and wear suitable clothes. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325.

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Sensational Seals and Brilliant Birds Scavenger Hunt and Beach Art Thursday 16th August 1.30pm - 3pm Thursday 23rd August 1.30pm - 3pm Join Natural England for an easy stroll of about 1.5 miles trying to Join Natural England on a hunt for natural treasures then make spot wildlife at Greatham Creek and Seal Sands with games and fantastic creature sculptures, sand silhouettes and mini- activities for children. Transport available from Rossmere Park and masterpieces on the gorgeous beach at North Gare. Transport Burn Valley, please enquire when booking. Booking essential, available from Rossmere Park and Burn Valley , please enquire ring 01429 853325. when booking. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325.

Greatham Beck Bat Walk Batty about Bats Sunday 19th August 8pm onwards Friday 24th August 10am - 12noon Enjoy a stroll along Greatham Beck using bat detectors to locate Join the Wild Green Spaces team and the Friends of Stranton the movements of the many bats patrolling the area. No Cemetery for a bat box making workshop. Make one to put up in experience necessary, but please bring a torch. Booking the Cemetery and another for your garden. Booking essential as essential, ring 01429 853325. places are limited, ring 01429 853325.

Family Photographic Fun Batty about Bats - Part two Monday 20th August 10.30am - 1.00pm Friday 24th August 8pm onwards Use the Wild Green Spaces team digital cameras or bring your Explore the nocturnal world of the Cemetery in the company of own. Spend some time with an expert learning just how to get the Wild Green Spaces team and the Friends of Stranton the very best shots from in and around Ward Jackson Park. Cemetery as they search for bats. Have a go using a bat detector Please bring a packed lunch. Booking essential, ring and learn how to identify these fascinating flying mammals. 01429 853325. Please bring a torch and wrap up warm. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Deadly Seashore! Bats in the Belfry Tuesday 21st August 11am - 12.30pm Discover and find out about the deadliest creatures on the sea Sunday 26th August 8pm onwards shore with Natural England. Including games and activities for Celebrate European Bat Weekend and try out bat detectors around children. all equipment provided. Please wear wellies. Transport Greatham to discover more about the village’s nocturnal residents available from Rossmere Park and Burn Valley, please enquire with council Ecologist Ian Bond. No experience necessary but when booking. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. please bring a torch. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325.

Summer Storybook Trail - Going on a Bear Hunt Summer Storybook Trail - Wind in the Willows Wednesday 22nd August 11am - 2pm Wednesday 29th August 12noon - 2pm You can’t go over it and you can’t go under it so you must follow Head along Greatham Beck with the Countryside team in search of the Wardens as they forge through sand, sea, grassland and Ratty, Toad, Mole and Badger then make a special memento from woodland in search of the Bear! A fun family event suitable for willow to take home with you. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. children under 8yrs. Wear suitable clothes as it may be wet & muddy and bring a picnic to enjoy on the beach. Seal Walk Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Friday 31st August 11.30am - 3pm Another chance to spy Teesmouth’s Harbour seals when they are at their most abundant on a 5 mile walk from Greatham Village to Greatham Creek. Bring a packed lunch. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325.

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September Seaton Big Beach Blitz Sunday 16th September 10am - 12.30pm Wild Green Spaces Volunteer Taster Day Can you spare us a couple of hours to help the Countryside team improve the beach at Seaton for International Coastal Clean-up Autumn Planting Day? All litter picking equipment will be provided and prizes Wednesday 5th September 10am - 3pm awarded for the most unusual items of litter found. Wildflowers are an important part of our parks, so give them a Meet at: Seaton Coach Park, Seaton Carew. helping hand by joining our regular volunteer team in Family Wood by planting out some colourful, nectar rich species that will Rivermouth Ramble flower next year. Meet at: The notice board at the entrance to Family Wood, off Elwick Road. Wednesday 19th September 11am - 3pm Join Natural England and the Countryside team for a fascinating 6 mile circular walk taking in Seaton Dunes and Teesmouth Autumn Wild Wine National Nature Reserve (Blue Lagoon). Please wear sturdy Saturday 8th September 12noon - 3pm footwear and bring a packed lunch. Transport available from You can create wine out of almost anything collected from the Rossmere Park and Burn Valley, please enquire when booking. Autumn hedgerow which brings an abundance of fruit, leaves Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. and flowers ripe for harvesting. Forage with the Countryside and Summerhill teams and learn how to make your own wine at Fungus Funguy home with the fruit you collect. Wear old clothes and strong shoes. For details of charges and to make a booking, ring Saturday 22nd September 01429 284584. 11am - 1.30pm Come along to the Hart to Haswell for this fascinating walk Burn Valley and Beyond! led by fungi fun guy Tom Kirby Friday 14th September 10am - 3pm who will entertain you with See how close we really are to the great outdoors! During this 6 fantastic tales of elf caps, earth mile circular stroll, follow the beck along Burn Valley Gardens, stars and ear fungus. Booking through Family Wood and up into Summerhill. Then out into the essential, ring 01429 853325. beautiful countryside of Dalton Piercy and back again. Don’t forget to bring a packed lunch. Booking essential, ring 01429 523419. West Park Wander Sunday 23rd September 10am - 12noon Hedgerow Harvest Take a stroll around Park Avenue, The Parade, Wooler Road and Saturday 15th September 10.30am -12.30pm Elwick Road with local historian Steve Robbins as he recounts Join the experienced Wild the history behind some of the beautiful Victorian mansions Green Spaces team to learn found here. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. what you can find in our hedgerows that makes an The Return of Ratty excellent food source, and those that you really wouldn’t Friday 28th September 10am - 2pm even want to touch! This short Help us to improve the habitat for one of our much loved Wind in walk will take you through the Willows characters – Ratty. We’ll be working along the Family Wood, then out and Family Wood beck to encourage the return of the water vole. around Summerhill where Wear old clothing and suitable footwear. Give as much or as little historic plant uses and folklore time as you can, all equipment provided. Ring 01429 523419 for will also be explored. Suitable for ages 12 and over. more details. Meet at the Family Wood entrance off Elwick Road. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. 38 39 WAH Booklet 2012_WAH BOOKLET 05/01/2012 15:26 Page 40

Picture your Park Turning Acorns into Oak trees Saturday 29th September 10am - 2pm Saturday 6th October 10.30am - 12noon Use the Wild Green Spaces digital cameras or bring your own. Follow the Wild Green Spaces team on a trail around the Burn Valley Spend some time with an expert learning just how to get the very Gardens and Family Wood, learning about the different trees we best shots from in and around Ward Jackson Park. Please bring have. Collect seeds to plant up in our very own mini-nursery to turn a packed lunch or money to buy something in the cafe. Age 12 into the Park trees of the future. You can even take some home for and over. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. your own garden! Booking essential, ring 01429 853325.

Peninsula Wildlife Watch Autumn Birdwatch Saturday 29th September 1.30pm - 3.30pm Thursday 11th October For one day only join Natural England for this special event to see an 11am - 1pm area usually closed to the public, with amazing views of wildlife on Join Natural England for this Seal Sands. This event starts at Teesmouth Field Centre – transport gentle stroll looking for the will be provided by minibus to the site. Binoculars provided if winter residents of the required. Warm up afterwards with a hot drink at the field centre. Teesmouth estuary at Seal Transport available from Rossmere Park and Burn Valley, please Sands. There will be plenty of enquire when booking. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. opportunities to see a variety of winter wading birds and possibly the resident population Marine Conservation Society BeachWatch: of common seals. Binoculars North Gare Sands will be available to borrow. Transport available from Rossmere Sunday 30th September 10am - 12noon Park and Burn Valley, please enquire when booking. Can you give a couple of hours to help survey the litter and clean Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. up the beach at Teesmouth? This is part of the Marine Conservation Society’s national campaign to clean up the UK’s Seal Watch beaches for wildlife and people. Prize for the most unusual item found. All equipment provided. Please wear sturdy footwear. Sunday 14th October 10.30am - 12.30pm Transport available from Rossmere Park and Burn Valley, please A low tide visit to view the many species of birds found at enquire when booking. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Teesmouth and get some of the closest views of common seals seen anywhere in the North East. Bring a snack and a warm October drink. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325.

Wild Green Spaces Volunteer Taster Day Headland Sea Watch Positive Pruning Wednesday 3rd October 10am - 3pm Wednesday 17th October 10am - 3pm Join the Countryside team on a leisurely 6 mile walk along the Now we’re coming towards the end of the season it’s the ideal coast. We’ll make our way through Hart Warren Dunes, past the time to be looking at what needs pruning and cutting back in our remnants of the old ‘Steetley’ factory, along the historic cemetery wildlife areas in Ward Jackson Park. Meet at: Ward Jackson Spion Kop and out onto the Headland. Here we’ll have the Park, beside the Clock Tower. If you require transport please chance to see some seabirds and learn how to identify their ring 01429 853325. characteristics. A mini bus will be waiting at the end to return us, but not before we have chance to pop into the local chippie! Bring a packed lunch/snack. You may also want to bring some binoculars. Booking essential, ring 01429 524319.

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Image copyright D Clayton Bird ID Workshop Autumn Snaps Saturday 20th October Tuesday 30th October 1pm - 3pm 10:30am - 3pm Head along to Summerhill with your camera to learn tips about Come and learn about the Autumn & taking landscape and wildlife photos using the Autumnal colours Winter birds of the Teesmouth at Summerhill as inspiration. Age 9 to 14 years. For details of National Nature Reserve. The day is charges and to make a booking ring 01429 284584. designed for beginners and includes a birdwatching session. Packed Night Walk lunch required. Booking essential, ring 01429 264912. Tuesday 30th October 6.30pm - 8pm A moonlight meander across the beach and sand dunes of Teesmouth National Nature Reserve. Admire the twinkling lights Hibernating Hedgehogs of the River Tees and make some glowing sand sculptures. Bring Sunday 21st October 10.30am - 12.30pm a torch, warm clothes and wellies/walking boots. All equipment Have you got hedgehogs in your garden? Come and join the provided. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Wild Green Spaces team to find out all about what we can do to encourage these charismatic little creatures into our gardens and Wet & Wild - Rockpool Rummage what we can do to help them over the cold winter. There will also be the chance to meet a real hedgehog! Booking essential, ring Wednesday 31st October 9.45am - 11.15am 01429 853325. Explore the shore for the weird and wonderful wildlife normally hidden by the tide. Bring a net and a bucket and put on your your Bloomin’ Beautiful wellies to join the Countryside and Wednesday 24th October 10am - 12noon Wild Green Spaces teams for this Join the Friends of Stranton Cemetery and the fun family event. Suitable for all Wild Green Spaces team for our annual ages although the terrain is very morning of bulb planting to enhance the uneven. Transport available from beauty of the Cemetery next spring. Wear old Rossmere Park and Burn Valley, clothes and strong shoes or wellies. please enquire when booking. All equipment provided. Meet at: The junction of Corporation Road and Marine Drive on the Headland sea front. Ghost Walk Friday 26th October 6.30pm - 8pm Rossmere Halloween Fright Night There are countless ghosts and stories of unexplained happenings associated with Hartlepool Headland. This is your chance to hear Wednesday 31st October 5pm - 7pm about some of the more gruesome tales on this walk led by Steve Prepare to be scared as you spend an evening watching out for Robbins. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. ghosts and ghouls on this spooky family Halloween walk around Rossmere Park. Please bring a torch. Meet at: The Tea Gardens, Rossmere Park. Lantern Lights in the Park Monday 29th October 4pm - 5.30pm Light up Seaton Park with your very own colourful handmade glass lantern! Wrap up warm and bring a torch and head out on a magical walk around the park and along the beach with the Wild Green Spaces team. A gentle wheel chair and pram friendly circular route. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325.

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November Diwali Delights Tuesday 13th November 6pm - 7pm Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights celebrates the victory of good Autumn Craft Walk over evil, light over darkness and a renewed commitment to Thursday 1st November 1pm - 3pm friendship and goodwill. If you would like to help us celebrate A chance for a walk around the deepest parts of the Summerhill this wonderful festival, pop down to Rossmere Park, pick up a woodland followed by an indoor craft session. Age 5 to 10 lantern and follow the procession around the lake before sending years. For details of charges and to make a booking ring 01429 your wish for the future across the lake. Meet at: The Tea 284584. Gardens, Rossmere Park.

Autumn Tree Hunt Elwick Circular Friday 2nd November 10am - 2pm Wednesday 14th November 10am - 3pm Join the Countryside and Wild Green Spaces teams on a tree Enjoy a gentle countryside stroll from Elwick to High Tunstall. hunt from Burn Valley Gardens up to the Howls Ancient Throughout this 5 mile circular route you will have the chance to see Woodland, hidden away in Dalton Piercy. With the chance to the wildlife that lives within the farmland landscape. Don’t forget to enjoy the spectacular Autumn colours, discover the identity of a bring a packed lunch. Booking essential, ring 01429 523419. variety of trees along this 5 mile circular stroll. Don’t forget to bring a snack. Booking essential, ring 01429 523419. Hedgerow Baskets Saturday 17th November 10.30am - 1pm Wild Green Spaces Volunteer Taster Day Learn how to make simple, rustic baskets with materials found Bulb Planting from the hedgerow with expert help from the Wild Green Spaces Wednesday 7th November 10am - 3pm team. No experience or equipment necessary, but please wear clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty! Suitable for over Planting bulbs now will ensure that the spring will be full of colour 12’s. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. across the parks in Hartlepool. A wide variety of Details of event location given when booking. species will be planted across a number of sites, so why not join us for the day? Meet at: The notice board at the entrance to Family Wood, off Elwick Seal Watch Road. Saturday 17th November 12.30pm - 2.30pm Join Teesmouth Field Centre and Hartlepool Countryside to view Autumn Birdwatch the many species of birds found at Teesmouth and get some of Saturday 10th November 11am - 1pm the closest views of common seals seen anywhere in the North East. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Join Natural England for this gentle stroll looking for the winter residents of the Teesmouth estuary at Seal Sands. There will be plenty of opportunities to see a variety of winter wading birds and Image Carl Watts possibly the resident population of common seals. Image Carl Watts Binoculars will be available to borrow. Transport available from Rossmere Park and Burn Valley, please enquire when booking. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325.

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Headstone Histories – Stranton Cemetery Wild Green Spaces Volunteer Taster Day Sunday 18th November 10.30am - 12noon Seaton Park Tree Planting Join local historian Steve Robbins for a short wheelchair and Wednesday 28th November pushchair friendly walk to enjoy more fascinating tales about the Planting trees and hedgerows is essential in forgotten lives and times of historical figures unearthed from providing interconnecting wildlife habitats both within and beneath the Stranton Cemetery headstones. between our green spaces. So wrap up warm and join us for the Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. day carrying out this important task in Seaton Park. Meet at Seaton Park car park. If you require transport please ring 01429 853325. Volunteer Taster Day - Coppicing Sunday 18th November 10am - 2.30pm Marine Conservation Society BeachWatch: A day of "hands-on" experience for North Gare Sands anyone wanting to find out more Thursday 29th November 10.30am - 12.30pm about volunteering with the Can you give a couple of hours to help survey the litter and clean Countryside and Summerhill teams. up the beach at Teesmouth? This is part of the Marine Try your hand at coppicing in Conservation Society’s national campaign to clean up the UK’s Summerhill’s maturing woodlands. beaches for wildlife and people. Prize for the most unusual item Wear old waterproofs and stout found. All equipment provided. Please wear sturdy footwear. footwear. All equipment provided. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Bring a packed lunch. Booking essential, ring 01429 284584.

National Tree Week December Planting Events Saturday 24th November - Sunday 2nd December Celebrating Seaton Check the local press, Council Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd December 10am - 7pm website and Parks notice boards for Join the Friends of Seaton Park for a weekend of Festive fun in details of tree planting events held in the Park to kick of the Christmas Season. Check the local press your area during National Tree Week. and the Parks notice board for details of the activities taking place over the weekend. Christmas Countdown Sunday 25th November Christmas is Coming Day 1 10am - 11.30am & 12.30pm - 2pm Saturday 1st December 12noon - 3pm Christmas is coming so head over to Celebrate the ‘treemendous’ trees in Ward Jackson Park and join Ward Jackson Park to create your the Countryside team for a drop-in session to celebrate Tree own special advent calendar made from natural and recycled Dressing Day. Create your own Christmas tree decorations from materials collected from around the Park. natural and recycled materials - some to take home and some to Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. decorate the Parks Christmas Wishing Tree. Meet at: The Place in the Park Cafe, Ward Jackson Park.

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Christmas is Coming Day 2 Christingle at Ward Jackson Park Sunday 2nd December 10.30am -12.30pm Friday 14th December 6.30pm - 7.30pm Celebrate Tree Dressing Day as part of the Celebrating Seaton A spectacular candlelit family Christingle complete with a Silver event with the Wild Green Spaces team. Create your own Band and a choir. Wrap up warm and enjoy this festive event fabulous Christmas tree decorations from natural and recycled which also includes hot chocolate and mince pies! Meet at: materials some to dress Seaton Parks Christmas Wishing Tree Ward Jackson Park Bandstand. and some to take home too! Meet at: the Bowls Pavilion, Seaton Park. Christmas Wreath Workshop Saturday 15th December 10am - 12noon & 1pm - 3pm Gathering of Greenery Join the Wild Green Spaces team in making your own traditional Wednesday 5th December 10am - 3pm Christmas Wreath, using all kinds of festive greenery from around the Join the regular Wild Wednesdays team in collecting parks. Booking essential, ring 01429 853325. Cost £5 per wreath. festive greenery from around the parks in preparation for the many up and coming events. Meet at: The notice board at the Carols by Candlelight entrance to Family Wood, off Elwick Road. Saturday 15th December 6pm - 7pm Enter into the true spirit of Christmas by singing along to your Gorgeous Garlands favourite festive tunes followed by a chance to meet Santa in his Sunday 9th December 10am - 12noon grotto. Meet at: The Tea Gardens, Rossmere Park. & 1pm - 3pm Make your own beautiful Christmas Volunteer Taster Day - No Laying around wreath using willow and other natural materials and greenery with a little help Sunday 16th December 10am - 2.30pm from the Countryside team. Booking Another chance to sample a volunteer day with the Countryside essential, ring 01429 853325. Cost: and Summerhill teams. Learn about laying a hedge to enhance it £5 per wreath. for its wildlife value. Wear warm clothing, waterproofs and strong footwear. All equipment provided. Bring a packed lunch. Booking essential, ring 01429 284584. Candlelight Concert Thursday 13th December 4.50pm for 5pm start Volunteer Taster Day - Hedgelaying The Friends of Stranton Cemetery are holding their annual concert of remembrance for people to come along and remember Sunday 23rd December 10am - 2.30pm friends and family members at Christmas. Please wear warm A chance for volunteers who have previous experience of hedge clothing and bring a torch. Meet at the Stranton Cemetery laying to wind down for Christmas and enjoy a wonderful day Lodge, Tanfield Road. laying one of Summerhill’s hedges with the Countryside and Summerhill teams. Wear old waterproofs and stout footwear. All equipment provided. Bring a packed lunch. Booking essential, Midwinter Wander ring 01429 284584. Friday 14th December 10am - 3:30pm Get your walking boots on and join the Countryside and Wild Make it a Countryside Christmas Green Spaces team on this 6 mile circular walk from Ward Jackson Park up to Elwick Village. Enjoy the winter wildlife as we Sunday 23rd December 10am - 11.30am & 1pm - 2.30pm make our way to the village pub where you can warm yourself up Christmas is nearly here so relax, wind down and enjoy yourself with a lunchtime treat before setting off again back to Ward making a selection of Christmas tree decorations and a table Jackson Park. Don’t forget to bring a packed lunch or money for centerpiece made from natural materials collected from around a pub lunch. Booking essential, ring 01429 523419. Summerhill. For details of charges and to make a booking ring 01429 284584. 48 49 WAH Booklet 2012_WAH BOOKLET 05/01/2012 15:26 Page 50

Image Carl Watts Countryside and Wild Green Spaces Events Programme 2012 Saltholme Events

February half term - Wildlife Beauty Salon Tuesday 14th - Thursday 16th February 11am - 12noon & 1pm - 3pm Come along to Saltholme and have fun seeing how you can look after the wildlife in your garden. Cost: £2 per child or free to members Easter Holidays Tuesday 3rd - Thursday 5th April 11am - 12noon & 1pm - 3pm Become a Friend Tues 10th - Thursday 12th April 11am - 12noon & 1pm - 3pm Come along to Saltholme and take part in family fun activities Friends groups exist throughout the town to help look after and Cost: £2 per child, free to members improve our local nature reserves, parks and green spaces. If you are interested in becoming involved in the development of an area Garden weekend near you the following groups would be delighted to hear from Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th May you: Get stuck in with practical activities and ideas for you to try at home. Summer half term Tuesday 5th - Thursday 7th June 11am - 12noon & 1pm - 3pm Burn Valley Gardens Rejuvenation Consortium Come along to Saltholme and take part in fun family activities Cost: £2 per child, free to members Contact Dawn Robinson on 01429 244070

Saltholme’s Sheep Shearing Spectacular Friends of Rossmere Park Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th June 11am - 3pm Contact Trisha Lawton on 07940 091767. Watch our Shetland sheep get their annual hair cut and enjoy some activities using the fleece. With the Durham Guild of spinners and weavers. Friends of Seaton Park Date with Nature - Seals Contact Sue McBride on 01429 523075 Wednesday - Sunday, 11am - 5pm from 11th July through to the end of September Friends of Ward Jackson Park Enjoy great views of the seals as they haul out at Greatham Creek. Contact Rachel Wilson on 07961 407929 Summer holidays Tuesdays - Thursdays through the summer holidays Friends of North Cemetery 11am - 12noon & 1pm - 3pm Contact Ann Callaghan on 01429 523388 Come along to Saltholme and enjoy fun activities inside and out. Cost: £2 per child, free to members Friends of Spion Kop October Half term Contact Liz Torley on 01429 428404 Tuesday 30th October - Thursday 1st November 11am - 12noon & 1pm - 3pm Friends of Stranton Cemetery Come along to Saltholme and take part in family fun activities for all the Contact Sue McBride on 01429 523075 family Or email [email protected] Cost: £2 per child, free to members.

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Hartlepool Natural History Society The Hartlepool naturalists meet up once a month for talks and activities in Hartlepool’s Art Gallery, Church Square. The Tees Valley Local Access Forum is working: Indoor meetings are held from January until April and from • Locally, with Stockton on Tees Borough Council, assisting with September through to December (inclusive) and are held on the the successful bid to construct the Infinity Bridge across third Wednesday of each month from 7.30pm to 9pm. the River Tees Outdoor field trips are held over the summer to places both within • Regionally, with Darlington, Stockton on Tees, Middlesbrough Hartlepool and further afield. and Hartlepool Borough Councils to shape each Local Times and dates of outdoor meetings vary, but full details are Development Framework provided in the club’s monthly newsletter, The Spine. • Nationally, with Defra and Natural England to develop Anyone with an interest in nature is welcome to attend any of the plans for Local Access indoor meetings. If you would like to find out more, please contact the Forums For details of the next meeting or how to join, contact the Club Development Officer on (01429) 523472 at Hartlepool Borough Secretary, Russell Mc Andrew on 01429 277291. Council, Parks and Countryside Team. Public Rights of Way in Hartlepool

Image copyright Carl Watts Rights of Way can be found in towns, villages and the countryside which provide many opportunities to enjoy the natural environment. Some paths may be surfaced and many are tracks across countryside owned by farmers and landowners. The network in Hartlepool includes: • 84km of Footpaths for use on foot only • 6km of Bridleways for use by horseback, pedal cycle or on foot only • 6km of Byways open to all traffic (BOATs) for use by motor vehicles, horse and cart, horseback, pedal cycle or on foot. You can find the Rights of Way and permissive paths in Hartlepool and surrounding areas by looking at Ordnance Survey (OS) Explorer map number 306. Alternatively you can obtain a free ‘Access and Cycling map’ for the Hartlepool area which shows paths and cycle routes through the town. The map is available from most council offices and the Tourist Information Centre. Many of the Hartlepool routes are also included in Self-Guided Young and Wild Nature Club Walking leaflets which can be downloaded from the Councils’ website. Please contact the Access team on 01429 523419 if you Are you looking for a fun outdoor club for your kids to enjoy on would like to receive a free copy of the Access and Cycling map. their days off? The Young and Wildlife Nature Club is run by Hartlepool Countryside team, Teesmouth Field Centre and the Wild Green Spaces team to provide a fun, free and friendly way of connecting children to the wild and wonderful world of nature that’s all around them. The club meets once a month at various local green spaces in Hartlepool and is open to children aged between 8 and 12. If you would like to find out more please ring the Countryside team on 01429 853325.

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Useful Contact numbers

Countryside team Telephone: 01429 853325 Email: [email protected]

Parks & Recreation Grounds Telephone: 01429 284124

Wild Green Spaces team Telephone: 01429 853325 Email: [email protected] Hartlepool Beach Lifeguard Service Make sure you always swim at Lifeguard patrolled beaches Summerhill between the RED and YELLOW FLAGS. Telephone: 01429 284584 We are now looking to recruit Beach Lifeguards for the 2012 Season Web: www.sunnysummerhill.com or Email: [email protected] HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES? Countryside Access Are you a strong swimmer? Telephone: 01429 523419 Are you alert and observant? Email: [email protected] Are you a good communicator? Could you be relied on in an emergency? Teesmouth Field Centre Are you available for work in the summer? Telephone: 01429 264912 Can you work weekends? Email: [email protected] IF YES THEN WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Natural England (Teesmouth) Telephone: 01429 853325 Ideally you will hold a current RLSS National Beach Lifeguard Qualification, however suitable candidates will receive full training to achieve this award. Hartlepool Natural History Society Telephone: 01642 701730 For more information please contact Debbie Kershaw on 01429 523412 [email protected] Image Carl Watts The Council offers a ‘Various Rights’ scheme, which offers traders of children’s attractions to tender for sites at the Seaton Carew Paddling Pool for the Summer and Winter seasons, for more information please contact the Parks and Countryside team on (01429) 523412. The Council is also happy to consider granting permission for the sale of goods/food etc from mobile stalls etc in appropriate locations. To discuss how permission can be obtained please ring the Council’s Licensing Team on (01429) 523354.

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Countryside and Wild Green Spaces Events Programme 2012 This document is available on request in alternative formats (eg. Large type / Braille / on tape). We can also arrange versions in other languages. If you would like an alternative version please contact us. 01429 853325. This booklet has been funded by Natural England through Access to Nature, as part of the Big Lottery Fund's Changing Spaces programme.

Disclaimer Events, their times and details were correct at the time of going to print. These may change and Hartlepool Borough Council does not accept liability for these changes.

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