Outdoor family fun for the wild at heart this summer

THERE’S an exciting adventure around every corner this August with the jam packed Wild at Heart outdoor activity programme seeking to connect all ages with nature and provide some fantastic summer entertainment.

The programme will offer free sessions every week to explore local nature in beauty spots across the borough including Stalybridge, Hyde, Droylsden and Ashton.

Families will be engaged and inspired by nature and encouraged to unleash their inner creativity through a series of brilliant interactive events. They will discover more about the fascinating wildlife on their doorsteps and enjoy the true beauty of Tameside’s nature filled outdoor spaces.

Chadwick Dam 2023 will provide a backdrop for families to revel in the local biodiversity including the wetlands and woodlands. With experts on hand to help spot every possible species of bug, bird, and flower and then inspire people to turn those experiences and memories into art. It will also be home to the Story Tent where little ones can discover a world of folklore and mythical tales and then bring the wonder of their stories to create pictures.

A day of adventure and creativity foraging at Werneth Low Country Park will encourage the discovery of the hidden treasures and delights within. Families will be able to get hands on creating bunting, scented playdough or playing a role in the magical improvised stories of Adam Blake.

The Woven Rainbows event at Sunny Bank Vale will be bring nature to life with an exploration journey through the wilds of the vale with the added bonus of learning the skilled art of willow weaving and taking part in lots of fun interactive activities.

Children and families enjoying the performance of The Hare and the Moon at Ryecroft Hall Park, Audenshaw in Tameside.

The Shapes of Wonder event at Waterloo Park will captivate the attention of all ages and encourage them to look at nature in a different way and then use their new insight to help create some large scale land art and join in with some imaginative story-telling.

Cllr Sangita Patel Tameside Council’s Assistant Executive Member for Culture, Heritage and Digital Inclusivity, said: “Our Wild at Heart programme always inspires a love and passion for nature across all ages and showcases the fantastic countryside on our doorsteps across Tameside. The free activities can really help families to explore new places and spend time together making memories and having fun.”

Wild at Heart has been partly funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is organised by Tameside Cultural Services, part of Tameside Council.

These events are free and suitable for all ages visit www.intameside.co.uk where you can also find out more about shows and the events on offer across Tameside this summer.

Events schedule:

  • Bio Blitz – Saturday 5 August, Chadwick Dam, Stalybridge, 10am – 3pm
  • Forage Delights – Wednesday 9 August, Werneth Low Country Park, Hyde, 11am – 3pm
  • Psst Meet you by the Story Tent! Saturday 12 August, Chadwick Dam, Stalybridge, 11am – 3pm
  • Wetlands and Woodland Wonders, Saturday 19 August, Chadwick Dam, Stalybridge, 11am – 3pm
  • Woven Rainbows, Tuesday, 15 August, Sunny Bank Vale, Droylsden, 11am – 3pm
  • Shapes of Wonder – Thursday 24 August, Waterloo Park, Ashton, 11am – 3pm