Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have arranged a programme of events at Potteric Carr Saturday and Sunday 21st-22nd July in celebration of the reserve’s 50th birthday. Visitors can enjoy free entry to the site and trails, where there will be activities for all ages and reserve volunteers and wardens throughout, to help visitors spot wildlife and make the most of a visit.
In addition to free entry to the reserve, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have arranged two special events with Vicky Woodgate and Dr Mark Avery at Potteric Carr’s visitor centre. Booking for these sessions is via the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust website and there is a small charge. Both writers will also be signing copies of their books.
Vicky Woodgate has been a commercial artist for over 20 years and travelled the globe on interesting projects when working as a scenic artist in the TV, film and theme-park industry. She will be bringing her popular family workshop based on her newly released book 'A World of Birds' to Potteric from London’s TATE modern - a great opportunity to work with a fantastic artist and see at first-hand how her art is crafted.
Her workshops run on the following days
15:00 - 16:00
09:30 - 10:30
11:00 - 12:00
On Sunday, Dr Avery will be holding a question and answer session between 15:00 - 16:00, as an author and leading commentator on environmental issues. He also worked for the RSPB for 25 years where he was their Conservation Director for nearly 13 years.
Mark said; “I've visited Potteric Carr several times but not for a few years. In recent years the wildlife has really increased so I'm looking forward to this visit. And everyone likes birthdays! Looking back over my time in nature conservation we've made a lot of progress, but there is so much to do. Come and hear what I think about the past and the future, and ask as many difficult questions as you like.”
Andy Dalton, Potteric Carr’s Gateway manager said “Potteric is a really special site, an oasis in the heart of business park development, major road and rail networks. Over the last 50 years, the site has thrived and is now a well-known and important habitat for wildlife and place for people to enjoy and we are especially proud of what we’ve achieved at Potteric Carr with the help of our volunteers. We are delighted to welcome Vicky and Mark as part of the celebrations this weekend – it’s a great time to visit and we hope all the activities and free entry will encourage more people to explore the site.”
Last month , Potteric Carr’s volunteers were awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in honour of their 50 years of voluntary involvement in Yorkshire’s wildlife conservation. The QAVS is the MBE for volunteer groups and represents the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities.