DAYSOUT
30 Days Wild cont...
© Ailison Miles
BETTESHANGER COUNTRY PARK
On the sunny shores of Louisa Bay, a Seashore Safari on 8 June from 4pm- 6pm will entail an exploration of Thanet’ s chalk-covered landscape and fascinating rockpools. Run with the help of Thanet Coast Project volunteers, this safari will last up to two hours with a suggested donation of £ 2.50 per person. An activity that is sure to be fun and educational for all the family, why not celebrate World Ocean Day this year by exploring Kent’ s wonderful coastline?
Orienteering, Betteshanger Country Park, Deal betteshanger-park. co. uk
An excellent way to sharpen your problemsolving skills, develop independence and immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery of one of Kent’ s most iconic country parks, orienteering is one of many wild adventures available for visitors to Betteshanger this June. Suitable for individual adventurers as well as groups of friends and large families, orienteering is up to an hour of fun for all ages.
Using maps and compasses, participants will navigate their way across the park in search of designated checkpoints along the way. An opportunity to see the outdoors from a new perspective, orienteering challenges participants to think critically, make decisions and plan routes through the natural world. For the outdoor enthusiasts wanting to make a day out of a trip to Bedgebury, other activities on offer include target archery, cycling, fossil hunting and their ever-popular survival school.
Wildflower Spotting, West Blean & Thornden Woods, Sturry kentwildlifetrust. org. uk
The largest ancient broadleaved woodland in southern England, the West Blean and Thornden Woods are an ancient reserve spanning 90 hectares of flora and fauna. From common hazel, beech and oak trees to brambles, chestnuts and blankets of bluebells, these woodlands are an ideal exploration spot for floraphiles.
Flowering plants such as the common centaury, spotted orchid and St John’ s wort grow throughout the woodland, neighbouring the many forest birds such as woodpeckers, nightjars and hawfinches that live within the trees. For those who bring their binoculars, many of these birds are easy to spot during the daytime and lucky visitors in the summer may even hear the fluting song of the golden oriole. Additionally, West Blean and Thornden Woods are one of the few areas in England where visitors can spot the Heath Fritillary butterfly and seven-spot ladybird amongst the flowers. With four nature trails throughout the woodland- one being fully wheelchair-accessible- there are plenty of routes to see some of nature’ s most magical displays.
Forage and Cookery Courses, Totally Wild UK, Kings Wood, Challock totallywilduk. co. uk
With a goal to excite people with all of the amazing flavours that can be found in the natural world around us, Totally Wild UK’ s professional forager Alasdair offers unique Forage and Cookery Courses in Kent’ s picturesque woodlands. Taking attendees on a journey through the hidden world of wild edibles, this experience lasts around six hours with opportunities to learn about foraging, explore the surrounding area and enjoy a wild food meal.
Being guided by Alasdair about the rules and ethics of foraging, you’ ll receive tips on how to identify different plants as well as their herbal and medicinal qualities, and get to sample an assortment of premade wild food items such as flavoured salts, alcohol infusions and syrups. Following the expedition, there is then a communal cooking session to create seasonal dishes inspired by what nature has to offer, with past meals including wild garlic rolls, dandelion and dulse rice noodle salad, and elderflower Eton mess. After the event, attendees will also receive an email detailing everything that was foraged throughout the day, harvesting tips and some recipes to recreate the experience at home.
44 • www. insidekent. co. uk