By William Coleman
Children went wild at a Lancaster holiday park this August when they tackled a series of challenges to help heighten their awareness of the natural world. It all took place during a wildlife discovery day at Moss Wood in Cockerham which was attended by a line-up of Lancashire-based charities and organisations.
Aimed at both youngsters and grown-ups, activities included supervised pond dipping sessions, and the chance for children to built their own bee and bug hotels.
Bodies such as the RSPB and the Lancashire Wildlife Trust explained to guests how they can identify and help protect the county’s native animals, birds and plant-life.
Hungry visitors also enjoyed tasting locally-produced foods from exhibitors, including goats-meat burgers from Cockerham Boers, and honey from hives tended by Lancaster Beekeepers.
The beekeeping organisation also helps maintain three traditional timber hives on the park which, in the summer months, are home to more than 100,000 honey bees.
Family-owned Moss Wood caravan park held the wildlife discovery day to help local people and holiday guests learn more about rural Lancashire’s abundant flora and fauna.
The park’s Henry Wild said the business also wanted to demonstrate the wealth of food, drink and other products which could be sourced from within the county.
For over 20 years, the Moss Wood has been an annual winner of the prestigious David Bellamy Conservation Award at its top gold level.
Last year, the award also came with a rare Special Distinction to celebrate the success of the first wildlife discovery day and the number of young people it drew in.
Many of the park’s environment-friendly initiatives were on view to guests at this year’s event..
They included a 1.5km nature discovery trail, and a 3000 square-foot wildflower wilderness which attracts many honey bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
There is also a spring-fed lake at Moss Wood which acts as a magnet for birdlife, dragonflies, waterfowl and a host of other different aquatic species.
“This was our second wildlife day to be held on the park, and it proved even more popular than last year’s inaugural event,” said Henry.
“Activities such as pond dipping and bug-hunts are a fantastic way for youngsters to become inspired by nature and to learn more about its wonderful secrets.
“Many visitors also went away with ideas on how to copy our conservation work at home, such as planting high-nectar blooms and using red squirrel friendly feeders,” said Henry.
Moss Wood provides holiday homes to buy as well as pitches for touring caravans and motorhomes. There is more information about the park at www.mosswood.co.uk
