23/03/2012 - Permalink

Get Wild and Free at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre this Easter

Related topics: Leisure, culture and heritage

Children and families from Craven Arms and surrounding areas are invited to Onny Meadows at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre to experience a host of outdoor adventure, creativity and discovery activities this Easter half-term holiday.

The Wild and Free event starts on Sunday 1 April 2012 from 3pm through to Sunday evening, and celebrates the completion of nine amazing art installations within this scenic meadow setting.  The sculptures are as diverse as a forty-foot long dragonfly made of willow, dazzlingly colourful discs suspended in the tree tops and a fossil-covered clay oven.  The structures offer new perspectives on the landscape, celebrate local wildlife, utilise local materials and invite passers-by to interact with them.

The event is free, and people do not have to pre-book: just turn up on the day.  Anyone intending to use the geocaching equipment will need to bring proof of identity with them please.

Visitors will get the opportunity to step through the new gateway of two 10ft-high mammoth tusks into an afternoon of fun activities which are completely free.  Activities include:-

  • Geocaching; 21st century treasure hunting using GPS units
  • Orienteering
  • Solve a Live’n’Deadly whodunit case with a DSI: Deadly Scene Investigation.
  • Storytelling
  • Create animals and monsters with clay workshop
  • Make a birdhouse for your garden workshop
  • Toast marshmallows on a campfire

The event will close with a free barbeque for anyone under 21 from 6pm.  The evening finale ends with a magnificent parade of magical lanterns created by local schoolpupils as dusk begins.

Mike Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for tourism and culture, said:-

“Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre offer a great range of activities for children and young people, and this Easter holiday is no exception.  Families will be absolutely amazed at the fantastic activities taking place; I encourage all to come along and experience what will be a truly memorable day.”

Shropshire Councillor for Church Stretton and Craven Arms, David Evans, said:-

“Visit the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre – 36 Acres of the Onny Meadows to explore – join the fun and get wild – come and take part – all good things in life are free.”

James Gibson, also a Shropshire Councillor for Church Stretton and Craven Arms, commented:-

“Children, young people and families alike are in for a real treat this Easter.  The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is a wonderful community resource offering excellent facilities and activities for all members of the community young and old.  I hope many people come along to the event on 1 April and join in the fun.” 

“Wild and Free” also launches a fantastic new project called “Xplore” that will be running over the summer months for young people aged 7 – 21 in the Craven Arms area.  With funding from Awards for All, the Craven Arms Area Youth Group is working with local providers to offer an exciting and challenging programme of activities, that will invite young people to experience new adventures in the out of doors for free.  Come and find out more on 1 April 2012.

For further details of Wild and Free or Xplore contact Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre on 01588 676060 or visit us at shropshire.gov.uk/shropshirehills.nsf  or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ShropshireHillsDiscoveryCentre .