nature day

Batford Springs Local Nature Reserve, near the Marquis Lane Play Area 

A fun filled Nature Discovery Day, celebrating Batford Springs Nature Reserve. With guided tours, river dipping, bug hunting, trails and hands on activities, this event brings together local organisations to showcase wildlife and our local green spaces. Perfect for families, nature lovers and curious explorers! 

Batford Springs Local Nature Reserve boasts a mosaic of habitats including a rare chalk lined stream, reed fen, wet woodland, meadows, hedgerows and the River Lea. Come along to find out about its world-wide importance and the incredible creatures that live there.

FREE TICKETS FOR BUG HUNTS, RIVER DIPPING AND GUIDED TOURS

Visit our Eventbrite page to reserve your free place at these sessions: TICKETS

Places will also be avaiable on the day but we recommend reserving yours now to avoid disappointment

Bug Hunt
Join us for a guided 30-minute Bug Hunt at Batford Springs Nature Reserve, where families and young explorers can discover the fascinating mini beasts living in the reserve’s woodland, meadow and stream habitats. Participants will search for bugs using nets, pots and magnifiers while activity leaders help observe and identify different species such as butterflies and insects. Along the way, leaders will share fun facts about the creatures found and their role in the local ecosystem, making this a hands-on and educational outdoor adventure for all ages.

Guided Tours

Join the knowledgeable Batford Springs Volunteers for a 25-minute guided walk around Batford Springs Nature Reserve and discover the wildlife, history and hidden features that make this local nature reserve so special. Led by volunteers with a wealth of experience and passion for the site, the tour will explore the reserve’s unique habitats, including its chalk stream, woodland and wildflower areas, while sharing fascinating facts about the plants, animals and conservation work that help the reserve thrive. A relaxed and informative walk suitable for all ages.

River Dipping

Get hands-on with nature during this 25-minute River Dipping session near the sluice gate in Batford Springs Nature Reserve. Guided by knowledgeable Batford Springs Volunteers, participants will use nets to carefully collect wildlife from the water before examining their discoveries in trays and buckets with the help of magnifiers. Leaders will help identify fascinating freshwater creatures, while explaining how the species found help keep the river ecosystem healthy. A fun and interactive activity perfect for curious children and families who want to explore the hidden world beneath the water’s surface.

There will also be live music by Abbie Gathard, Reverbs and Hanging Bandits. Follow the Town Council on social media to stay in touch with what's happening on the day!

Look out for delicious refreshment vans on the day: pizza by BB Pizza and drinks by Bubbly Bar! 

*Free parking is available at Katherine Warington School. Please note the car park will be closed at 5pm.