Harlow Council's Forest Funtasia at Parndon Wood

Young people in Harlow are being offered the chance to get closer to nature with the launch of a fantastic new project called Forest Funtasia, which is based at Parndon Wood.

Among the free activities on offer will be nature trails, quizzes, adventure packs, arts and crafts, pond dipping, bug hunting, coppicing and orienteering.

The three-year project is designed to allow children to explore the woodland in a safe environment on a casual, drop-in basis, rather than just structured events, which will continue to be offered through ‘Wildspace!’ projects.

Organised by Harlow Council and funded by a ‘Big Lottery’ grant of nearly £62,000 the project kicks off on Saturday May 10, from 9am and will run every Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer from 9am to 6pm and Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm, with extended opening hours in the school holidays. The project also will run during the winter months with reduced opening hours, to be advised nearer the time.

Parndon Wood Warden, Leanne Block, said: “This is a great opportunity for children and young adults to get involved in our local nature reserves and find out more about the wonderful biodiversity we have right here on our doorstep.

“It is also a chance for them to take part in a wide range of nature-related activities and even join a forum to have a say on environmental issues and future plans for the local woodlands.”

Under 18s are being invited to take part in a competition to design the logo for the project, which will be used on notice boards, stationery and all Forest Funtasia promotions.

To take part, entrants need to submit their design with their name, address, age and phone number to Leanne Block at Parndon Wood Nature Reserve, Parndon Wood Road, Harlow CM19 4SF. The design should feature children and a nature theme and include the name ‘Forest Funtasia’.

The competition closes on Friday May 2 and the winner – who will receive a certificate - will be voted for at Parndon Wood Craft Fair on Sunday May 4^th The winning entry will be unveiled on May 10.

Forest Funtasia events will be advertised in the ‘Wildspace!’ Leaflet about local woodlands, which is available at the Civic Centre and other public places and on notice boards at the woods.

For more information about the project, contact Leanne Block on 01279 430005 or email leanne.block@harlow.gov.uk.

Bluebell Walk - Sun 27^th April, 10-12 noon Marshgate Springs

Retired Nature Reserve Warden, Colin Lincoln, will be guiding ramblers on a walk around the Marshes to see a beautiful bluebell wood in full spring colour. If you are interested in joining Colin for a fun spring stroll in scenic surroundings, meet him at the zig zag bridge off Edinburgh Way at 10am.