Nearly two hundred people spent a sunny Saturday exploring Skelton Grange Environment Centre during its annual Open Day. The environmental education centre, based in South Leeds, laid on a range of exciting activities to get families outside and exploring nature.
A nature trail guided people around the centre's wildlife gardens, where they could take part in willow weaving, watch a bushcraft demonstration, make a herbal amulet and enjoy a musical performance in a woodland setting. Facepainting proved very popular with children, and everyone enjoyed the home made cakes and snacks in the cafe. The 'Friends of Skelton Grange' volunteer group are grateful for the support of the Leeds City Council Inner South Area Committee, who helped to fund the event.
Skelton Grange Environment Centre is an innovative environmental education project in South Leeds, which is run by BTCV in partnership with National Grid and Leeds City Council. The centre works mostly with primary schools and playschemes, running interactive, active, hands on activities to get children involved in the natural environment.
"We were delighted to have so many people coming to visit our centre and find out what we have to offer", said centre manager Caroline Crossley. "Most of our work is with schools and playschemes, so the open day gave people throughout Leeds the opportunity to enjoy a great day out at our beautiful centre".