Previous events

Since being launched in April 2006, Wild about Plymouth has got ‘up close and personal’ with a variety of animal, insect and plant life.

2006

April 2006: Spring Nature Ramble

Our first event was a spring walk at Bircham Valley Nature Reserve. Led by staff from Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery and Plymouth City Council’s Nature Conservation Team, attendees hunted out signs of spring and recorded species for the BBC’s Springwatch.

May 2006: Plym Valley Peregrines

In May, we combined a nature ramble with a chance to see the spectacular Peregrine falcons, which have been breeding on the outskirts of Plymouth for many years.

June 2006: The Great White Umbrella Bug Hunt

We celebrated National Insect Week in June 2006 with a bug hunt and some pond dipping sessions at Efford Marsh Nature Reserve.

July 2006: Making a Splash 2006

Our Spring/Summer 2006 programme ended with a chance to glimpse some of Plymouth’s marine life courtesy of a specially organised boat trip around Plymouth Sound.

October 2006: Winter Waders

Our Autumn/Winter 2006 events began with a trip to the grounds of Saltram House to witness the return of our winter birds. The event was led by National Trust Warden, John Banfield.

November 2006: Woodland Wander

Mike Broughton, Nature Reserve Manager at Budshead Wood, led us on a visit to one of the city's most ancient woodlands to discover nature's winter secrets.

2007

January 2007: Night at the Museum

Nearly 400 people turned up for this event where they got to sample a range of activities including handling live bugs and skeletons and taking torchlight tours of our natural history gallery. 125 attendees then came with us to the Vue cinema for a private screening of the Ben Stiller film, "Night at the Museum".

February 2007: Fishy Goings On

Our February event gave people a glimpse into the life and smells of a real fish market. Fish a plenty, a lock gates control tower visit, a mock auction and a traditional fisherman's cafe breakfast were enjoyed by all those who came.

April 2007: Plymouth Rocks!

Our first event of the spring was a rock-tastic day of fun for all the family. Over 220 attendees brought their own minerals, rocks and fossils in for our experts to identify and had a go at a range of activities including dinosaur mask-making and digging out their own fossils.

May 2007: Seashore Safari I

Over 20 people joined us at Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Cremyll, to explore the natural history of the Cornish seashore. Combing the beach at the entrance to the park, our attendees unearthed netted whelks, crabs, sandhoppers, blenny fish and strawberry sea anemones.

June 2007: Bug Hunt

Despite the rain, 60 people joined the Wild About Plymouth team at Efford Marsh Nature Reserve to dig in the grass, dip in the pond and get to grips with a range of different creepy crawlies including pond skaters, tadpoles, stickleback fish, water boatmen and larvae.

July 2007: Summer Splash 2007

Our boat trip proved popular once again with more than 50 people enjoying a cruise up the River Yealm to study local marine life.

September 2007: Seashore Safari II

Another well attended event! This time, 50 natural history enthusiasts came to Mount Batten with us to explore the city's seashore and see what was lurking under the seaweed and rocks.

October 2007: Halloween at the Museum

More than 350 people came into the museum to sample our spooky snacks, see live bugs, skulls and pickled creatures from our collections.

November 2007: Explore the Valley

Attendees explored nature's autumn secrets with Mike Broughton from the Groundwork Trust at Forder Valley Nature Reserve.

December 2007: The World of the Small

This event enabled attendees to spend some time in one of the University of Plymouth's labs using microscopes to look at bugs, pollen and microfossils.

2008

January 2008: Riches Beneath Our Feet

A trip to the old mines of the Tamar Valley! More than 40 people came with us to explore the geology, industrial and natural history of this unique environment.

February 2008: More Trees with Moor Trees

The team headed to Dartmoor to visit one of local charity Moor Trees’ sites and help plant new native woodland, before returning to Plymouth for a visit to one of its community tree nurseries.

March 2008: Dawn Chorus

One for the early risers! For this event, the team was joined by Dr Stephen Votier of the University of Plymouth, who guided attendees through the unique experience of listening to bird song at dawn.

April 2008: Tudors and Tussie Mussies

Attendees enjoyed a tour of our historic Elizabethan House and its revamped gardens. They were able to find out how and why the plants were chosen and step back in time with our hands-on activities.

May 2008: Moths Go Batty!

An evening adventure attracting moths and looking for bats in Central Park!

June 2008: Bug Hunt 2008

The WAP bug experts dipped, dug and delved as they celebrated National Insect Week 2008 at Efford Marsh Nature

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