Creating a buzz for a wildlife weekend in a nature wonderland...

May 6th and 7th was literally a wild weekend at Derbyshire’s largest inland marina with the Mercia Marina Nature Society hosting an extravaganza of all things wildlife. The event put on by Save Our Bees and Nature Society volunteers was a huge success and was jam, (and honey), packed with activities and competitions.

Rob Dawson of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust who had a stall at the event reflected that it was one of the best days he has had and signed up many new members. Other stalls included Burton Wildlife Rescue who brought some hand reared baby animals for visitors to see and touch including a fox cub, baby owl and some baby magpies. Little ones were thrilled to be so close to the tiny animals and more importantly learn about them and their natural habitat.

Another stall causing a hive of activity was the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Rhodri Green from BBCT had a great day and was able to speak to about 50 young ones across the day. One young lad was frightened of bees and insects but Rhodri caught a bumblebee bee and it ended up on the lad’s finger who was then fascinated.

No weekend event for the Nature Society really gets going until Mr Buzz makes an appearance. He immediately made a bee-line for any
youngsters and fun to be had, posing for bumble-tastic photos and adding to the entertainment on Saturday.

There was lots of information available at the event too. You could find out about mammal tracking, go on nature spotting walks or enter the photography competition and raffle to win an array of prizes. What a fantastic day with a win for wildlife.

Next event is August 12th & 13th