What’s on
Capture Summer at Itchen Valley
📸 Capture Summer photography competition
Celebrate the beauty of the seasons and the passing of time in the natural world by entering our Capture Summer photography competition at Itchen Valley Country Park!
Whether it’s a fleeting moment of wildlife, the golden hour glow, or the slow unfolding of summer blooms, we want to see how you interpret the theme "Time in Nature."
🗓️ Entry Deadline 12 noon, Monday 25th August 2025
📍 How to Enter
Fill out this form, and attach your photo(s) via email to:
📧 itchenvalleycountrypark@eastleigh.gov.uk
🏆 Categories
Best Photo (18+)
Best Photo (Under 18)
Most Creative
Public Pick (the Itchen Valley team will select their favourites, which will then go forward to a public vote on social media to decide the final winner).
🧑⚖️ Judging
All entries reviewed by the Itchen Valley team
One winner and one runner-up per category
Winners and runners up will be notified by email
🥇Prize
Winning photos and one runner up will be exhibited outdoors on A0 boards
The exhibition trail begins on 15 September and runs for 1 month
📜 Terms & Conditions
There is no age limit to this competition; although under-18s require parental permission. Please complete our form and attach it with your images by email.
Entries must be your original work and reflect the theme Time in Nature
Multiple entries are welcome and must be taken within Itchen Valley Country Park
The winning images will be presented on A0 boards so images need to be high quality. Your photograph should be taken on a digital camera, tablet, or phone, on a high-resolution (300dpi+) setting. Photos less than 300dpi will not be considered
Entries not meeting these terms may be disqualified
Additional questions?
Get in touch
CANCELLED Hamble Peninsular Trail - Train and Walk
A linear walk from Bursledon to Hamble returning by train
SOLD OUT Cyanotype Workshop
☀️ Come and spend a relaxing few hours learning how to make Cyanotypes by harnessing the power of the sun.
What is a Cyanotype?
Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that produces a blue print. It is a simple and inexpensive process that was originally used to reproduce architectural plans and drawings. Today, cyanotype is often used as a creative printing process by artists and photographers.
What you’ll create
You’ll create a series of permanent blue prints on paper from local flora, fabrics and photographic negatives using light sensitive chemicals. Combining art and science the process is easy to learn and suitable for beginners or those with experience. Once you’ve learnt the basics it’s also easy to carry on creating at home.
📍The Hide
📅 Sunday 13 July
⏰ 10am - 12.30pm
💰 £35
What’s included?
Refreshments, all materials, aprons and gloves are provided.
Craft and Natter: Botanical Clay
🧶 Craft and Natter is a monthly session offering you the chance to be creative and meet people for a chat in our spacious new community room.
Get creating small clay tiles with found grasses, leaves and petals from around the park!
£12
Walk & Talk Itchen Valley
Join a friendly group for a 3km walk and a chat for your wellbeing
Wild Walk with Hedgerow Yogi
🌿 Sammie is a forager, folk herbalist and storyteller who will lead you through the edible, medicinal and magical plants that flourish around us at this time of year.
Sammie’s passion is to share the mythology and folklore that nature is steeped in to help people get to know these incredible edible harvests on a deeper level.
What will be covered in the workshop?
Culinary ideas
Medicinal properties
Safe identification
Toxic look a likes
£30 per person
Walk & Talk Lakeside
Join a wellbeing walk around Lakeside Country Park to meet people for a chat and spend time in nature.
Walk and Talk Hamble
Join a guided walk around Hamble Common to meet people for a chat and spend time in nature.
Summer Crafts: Clay Creatures
🎨 Summer Crafts at The Nest (Outside)
🕥 10:30am - 11:30am | £5 per child
📅 For accompanied children aged 5+
Get hands-on and creative in the great outdoors with a series of fun craft sessions at Itchen Valley Country Park! Each week features a different nature-inspired activity – perfect for crafty kids who love to make and explore.
🎟️ Spaces are limited – booking essential!
Wild Wednesdays: Meadow Minibeasts
🐛 Wild Wednesdays 🌿
10:30am | £5 per child
For children aged 4+ (must be accompanied by an adult)
Get your magnifying glasses ready – it’s time to go bug hunting! 🕵️♂️🪲
Join us for a mini nature adventure as we explore different habitats and uncover the hidden world of minibeasts! From wiggly worms to speedy beetles, you’ll discover who lives where – and why!
🔍 Learn how to identify bugs using special ID keys
🌾 Explore wild habitats like meadows, logs, and leaf piles
🎒 Perfect for curious kids and little nature detectives!
Summer Crafts: Fairy Garden
🎨 Summer Crafts at The Hide (inside)
🕥 10:30am - 11:30am | £5 per child
📅 For accompanied children aged 5+
Get hands-on and creative with a series of fun craft sessions at Itchen Valley Country Park! Each week features a different activity to get the imagination working – perfect for crafty kids who love to make and explore.
🎟️ Spaces are limited – booking essential!
Summer Crafts: Quilling
🎨 Summer Crafts at The Hide (inside)
🕥 10:30am - 11:30am | £5 per child
📅 For accompanied children aged 5+
Get hands-on and creative with a series of fun craft sessions at Itchen Valley Country Park! Each week features a different activity to get the imagination working – perfect for crafty kids who love to make and explore.
🎟️ Spaces are limited – booking essential!
Wild Wednesdays: Woodland Minibeasts
🐛 Wild Wednesdays 🌿
10:30am | £5 per child
For children aged 4+ (must be accompanied by an adult)
Get your magnifying glasses ready – it’s time to go bug hunting! 🕵️♂️🪲
Join us for a mini nature adventure as we explore different habitats and uncover the hidden world of minibeasts! From wiggly worms to speedy beetles, you’ll discover who lives where – and why!
🔍 Learn how to identify bugs using special ID keys
🌾 Explore wild habitats like meadows, logs, and leaf piles
🎒 Perfect for curious kids and little nature detectives!
Children’s Qigong, Yoga & Nature Connection with Earth School Yoga Movement
🌿 Children’s Qigong, Yoga & Nature Connection 🌿
Join us for a peaceful and nourishing morning of Qigong – a gentle, flowing movement practice similar to Tai Chi – combined with mindful yoga in the beautiful natural surroundings of Itchen Valley Country Park.
This session is designed to help you reconnect with your body and the natural world through grounding movement, breath awareness, and deep relaxation. Whether you're completely new to these practices or looking to deepen your connection to nature and self, this outdoor class offers the perfect space to unwind and recharge.
✨ What to Expect:
Gentle, accessible movements
Breath-focused mindfulness
Time in nature to reset and re-energise
A welcoming and supportive group environment
Cost: £15
Open to ages 6 - 10 years (Not a drop off activity, a responsible adult must remain nearby during the workshop)
To book or find out more:
📧 earthschoolyogamovement@hotmail.com
🌐 www.earthschoolyogamovement.com
Summer Crafts Felt Juggling Balls
🎨 Summer Crafts at The Nest (Outside)
🕥 10:30am - 11:30am | £5 per child
📅 For accompanied children aged 5+
Get hands-on and creative in the great outdoors with a series of fun craft sessions at Itchen Valley Country Park! Each week features a different nature-inspired activity – perfect for crafty kids who love to make and explore.
🎟️ Spaces are limited – booking essential!
Circus Skills with Simon Chainey
Get ready for flips, tricks, and lots of giggles! Join the Simon Chainey for a fun-packed circus skills workshop that’ll have you feeling like a big top star!
Try your hand at:
🤹 Juggling – Can you keep them all in the air?
🍽️ Plate spinning – Don’t let it drop!
🪀 Diabolo – Toss, spin, and catch like a pro
💫 Hula hooping – Twist and spin
Perfect for kids, grown-ups, and everyone in between. Whether you're a total beginner or a secret circus legend, this is your chance to have a go!
📍 Kingfisher Lawn (just behind the café)
🎟️ FREE – No need to book, just turn up!
🎉 Come for the tricks, stay for the fun – it’s all happening on the Kingfisher Lawn. See you there.
ABBA by Moonlight
🕺ABBA BY MOONLIGHT at Itchen Valley🕺
Friday 8 August 2025
🕺ABBA by Operation Moonlight delivers a high-energy live performance that perfectly captures ABBA’s iconic harmonies and unforgettable style. Get ready to sing along to all the greatest hits, Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Waterloo, and many more!
🪩 Decked out in full disco costume, ABBA by Moonlight combines stunning vocals, talented live musicians, and a uniquely beautiful outdoor setting to make one unforgettable concert.
😎 Come along with family and friends, picnic in picturesque surroundings before grabbing your dancing shoes and get ready for the party of a lifetime.
Operation Moonlight
The events company on a mission, Operation Moonlight is made up of an experienced team of artists and creative professionals, brought together by the common aim of bringing high quality entertainment to communities across the UK!
Partnering with beautiful historic venues, Operation Moonlight has a line up of thirteen incredible music events touring nationwide this summer. Set in stunning parklands and sprawling castle grounds, our shows have a unique, family festival-like atmosphere. With a selection of incredible music acts to choose from, Operation Moonlight brings people together through great music and nonstop fun!
FAQ’s
🔑 Gates open at 6.30pm and the show starts at 7.30pm
🪑Please bring your own rugs or low-backed seating. Refreshments will be available to purchase on the night.
🚗 If you are travelling by car, we encourage you to car share where possible, and parking is included in the cost of your ticket
⛅ Outdoor performances will continue in all but the worst of weather, be sure to dress accordingly. All tickets are non-refundable. In the event of cancellation due to exceptionally bad weather or other extenuating circumstances, alternative arrangements shall be made. For carer ticket enquiries, please contact us. Accessibility varies; please enquire with the venue for details.
Summer Crafts: Handmade Paper
🎨 Summer Crafts at The Hide (inside)
🕥 10:30am - 11:30am | £5 per child
📅 For accompanied children aged 5+
Get hands-on and creative with a series of fun craft sessions at Itchen Valley Country Park! Each week features a different activity to get the imagination working – perfect for crafty kids who love to make and explore.
🎟️ Spaces are limited – booking essential!
Wild Wednesdays: Meadow Minibeasts
🐛 Wild Wednesdays
10:30am | £5 per child
For children aged 4+ (must be accompanied by an adult)
Get your magnifying glasses ready – it’s time to go bug hunting! 🕵️♂️🪲
Join us for a mini nature adventure as we explore different habitats and uncover the hidden world of minibeasts! From wiggly worms to speedy beetles, you’ll discover who lives where – and why!
🔍 Learn how to identify bugs using special ID keys
🌾 Explore wild habitats like meadows, logs, and leaf piles
🎒 Perfect for curious kids and little nature detectives!
Summer Crafts: Leaf Print Flags
🎨 Summer Crafts at The Nest (Outside)
🕥 10:30am - 11:30am | £5 per child
📅 For accompanied children aged 5+
Get hands-on and creative in the great outdoors with a series of fun craft sessions at Itchen Valley Country Park! Each week features a different nature-inspired activity – perfect for crafty kids who love to make and explore.
🎟️ Spaces are limited – booking essential!
Big Bad Wolf Outdoor Theatre
🐺 Come on a musical journey of plotting and scheming with folklore’s most notorious villain - the Big Bad Wolf. Living in exile in the Deep Dark Wood, he parties and plays rock music every night with his cronies, far away from the goody-goody townspeople of Fairytaleville.
But whatever happened to Little Red Riding Hood? Did the Three Little Pigs go on to have a successful music career? And is the Wolf really as bad as he seems? Following the success of their 2024 production of ‘The Secret Garden’, The Plandits are back on the road with this brand-new musical show bursting with live music, silliness and laughs for the whole family.
🚪Doors open 4.15pm
🎭 Performance begins: 5pm
🍦Interval: 20 minutes
🎟️ Tickets:
Adults £18
Children: £12
Under 3’s: FREE
Family ticket: £55 (2x adults, 2 x children)
Mad4Animals
🕷️ Get Ready to Meet the Creepy Crawlies! 🐍
We’re buzzing to welcome back the wild and wonderful Mad 4 Animals to Itchen Valley Country Park!
Get up close and personal with amazing animals – from slithering snakes to giant snails, and even a tarantula or two! You'll have the chance to see them, learn about them, hold them, and even snap a photo with your new creepy-crawly friends.
Expect:
🐍 Snakes
🕷️ Tarantulas
🦂 Scorpions
🐌 Giant African Snails
🪳 Hissing Cockroaches
🐢 Turtles
…and loads more weird and wonderful creatures.
From toddlers to teens, and yes—even the grown-ups—everyone gets in on the fun.
No booking required for this free event!
📸 Want to get up close, hold the animals, or grab that perfect photo?
👉 It gets very busy, so arrive early!
🐾 Access to the action is first come, first served. The earlier you arrive, the better your view – and your chance to meet the stars of the show!
Summer Crafts: Plaster of Paris Pictures
🎨 Summer Crafts at The Nest (Outside)
🕥 10:30am - 11:30am | £5 per child
📅 For accompanied children aged 5+
Get hands-on and creative in the great outdoors with a series of fun craft sessions at Itchen Valley Country Park! Each week features a different nature-inspired activity – perfect for crafty kids who love to make and explore.
🎟️ Spaces are limited – booking essential!
Summer Crafts: Cotton Bag Printing
🎨 Summer Crafts at The Hide (inside)
🕥 10:30am - 11:30am | £5 per child
📅 For accompanied children aged 5+
Get hands-on and creative with a series of fun craft sessions at Itchen Valley Country Park! Each week features a different activity to get the imagination working – perfect for crafty kids who love to make and explore.
🎟️ Spaces are limited – booking essential!
Wild Wednesdays: Woodland Minibeasts
🐛 Wild Wednesdays 🌿
10:30am | £5 per child
For children aged 4+ (must be accompanied by an adult)
Get your magnifying glasses ready – it’s time to go bug hunting! 🕵️♂️🪲
Join us for a mini nature adventure as we explore different habitats and uncover the hidden world of minibeasts! From wiggly worms to speedy beetles, you’ll discover who lives where – and why!
🔍 Learn how to identify bugs using special ID keys
🌾 Explore wild habitats like meadows, logs, and leaf piles
🎒 Perfect for curious kids and little nature detectives!
Walk & Talk Lakeside
Join a wellbeing walk around Lakeside Country Park to meet people for a chat and spend time in nature.
Walk & Talk Bursledon
Join a 2km walking route around Bursledon, stopping half way for a view of the River Hamble. At the end of the walk we provide a well deserved hot drink!
Walk & Talk Itchen Valley
Join a friendly group for a 3km walk and a chat for your wellbeing
Frontier Sapiens Film Festival
A night of big screen adventure where it should be – in the great outdoors! Coming to the park this summer, Frontier Sapiens Film Festival is the UK’s largest open-air adventure film tour, bringing you inspiration and adventure to the big screen, outdoors.
Join us for an evening under the stars watching a brand new line-up of short films featuring epic adventures, cultural stories and environmental issues from some of the world’s best filmmakers.
This year you’ll have the chance to view, Two Point Four - a 2000ft big-wall climb in Norway, Alone across Gola - an audacious cycle expedition through the Gola rain-forest, Notes from the Clouds - a look into the life of a shepherd in the Pyrenees, and lots more.
View the full line-up.
Age Guidance: Recommended 12A
👇 View the epic 2025 trailer!
Follow Frontier Sapiens on socials:
Facebook
Instragram
Walk and Talk Hound
Join a community walk to meet people for a chat and a leisurely 2km walk.
Hamble Peninsular Walk
A 7km guided walk along the Rail Trail to Hamble village and back along the coast path and through Royal Victoria Country Park
Part of the walk is along the shingle beach so walking sticks may be useful.
Meet at Mount Pleasant Playing Field car park
We will be stopping at Hamble Quay for a comfort break or you may bring your own refreshments.
Summer Sundowner
Celebrate the end of summer with friends, music, great food, and drinks!
Join us for our second Summer Sundowner – the perfect way to soak up those golden evening rays. Bring your friends, relax with a refreshing drink, and enjoy delicious food while listening to live music from
The Skylarks
This talented trio brings classic hits from Bowie to The Bangles, The Beatles to Queen. With soaring harmonies, acoustic guitar, and cajon.
Band members Andy, Vicki, and Alan have been performing together for nearly a decade, creating a feel-good sound that’s guaranteed to get you singing along.
Bringing a warm, rootsy vibe to the stage, the acoustic duo of Natalie Fisk and James Carey—blend folk, blues, and Americana with stunning vocal harmonies.
Based in Southampton, they’ve been charming audiences across Hampshire for years with their upbeat, soulful sets.
🎟️ Tickets £6
🚪 Doors open 6.30pm
🎶 Music starts 6.45pm from the Skylarks then 7.30pm from The Hedgehogs
FAQ’s
Where is the event held?
The Summer Sundowner takes place outdoors in the Marketplace, just behind Highwood Barn.
Is food and drink included in the ticket price?
Food and drink are not included in the ticket price, but you can purchase refreshments throughout the evening, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, from Arty Stan Pizza, Vibrant Forest Brewery, and the Woodland Café.
Is the event suitable for young children?
We recommend this event for ages 7 yrs+
Do I need to bring my ticket?
Yes, please have your ticket confirmation ready to be checked on arrival. You can show it on your phone or bring a printed copy.
Should I bring my own seating?
Yes, we recommend bringing your own chairs or picnic blankets so you can relax and enjoy the evening in comfort.
What happens if it rains?
The event will go ahead in most weather conditions. We’re crossing our fingers for sunshine, but please dress appropriately—bring coats, blankets, and umbrellas just in case!
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted at this event
Walk & Talk Lakeside
Join a wellbeing walk around Lakeside Country Park to meet people for a chat and spend time in nature.
Walk and Talk Hamble
Join a guided walk around Hamble Common to meet people for a chat and spend time in nature.
Walk & Talk Itchen Valley
Join a friendly group for a 3km walk and a chat for your wellbeing
Walk and Talk Hound
Join a community walk to meet people for a chat and a leisurely 2km walk.
Walk & Talk Lakeside
Join a wellbeing walk around Lakeside Country Park to meet people for a chat and spend time in nature.
Walk & Talk Itchen Valley
Join a friendly group for a 3km walk and a chat for your wellbeing
Walk & Talk Bursledon
Join a 2km walking route around Bursledon, stopping half way for a view of the River Hamble. At the end of the walk we provide a well deserved hot drink!
Walk & Talk Itchen Valley
Join a friendly group for a 3km walk and a chat for your wellbeing
Walk & Talk Lakeside
Join a wellbeing walk around Lakeside Country Park to meet people for a chat and spend time in nature.
GreenFest 2025
Celebrating Big Green Week with nature, action, and community!
Sponsored by eastbrooke homes, in partnership with Wates.
🚲 Free entry for those who walk or cycle
🚗 £5 entry per car
Join us for GreenFest, a day packed with eco-friendly fun, hands-on activities, and inspiration for a greener future! Whether you're passionate about sustainability, nature, or simply looking for a fantastic day outdoors for all the family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Makers Market
⏰ 10am - 4pm
📍 Marketplace by the Woodland Café
Head to our marketplace to explore local crafters, creators and community groups.
Local makers and crafters
Stars and Some, Little Glass Robin, Paintpott, Glittering the South, ALOLA design, AnyGreenWillDo, A sign of Magic Makes, Willow and Crafts.
Local Community Groups
Southampton & District Beekeepers, The Environment Centre, So Solar Advice, Highbridge Community Farm, Eastleigh Community Fridge, Chandler’s Ford Men Shed, Fresh From the Field (homemade jams and chutneys), representatives from eastbrooke homes will be available to chat!
Wildlife Hub
⏰ Various times throughout the day
📍 The Hide, High Hill Field
What family sessions are scheduled?
Our rangers will be offering meadow sweeping bug hunts
What is a BioBlitz?
A BioBlitz is a wildlife count used to record species. Come along and join in the fun! This is your chance to assist with recording the country parks’ biodiversity and help wildlife continue to thrive.
Wildlife Charities
Support your local wildlife charity
Bird Aware Solent, Hart Wildlife Rescue, Hampshire Bat Group, RSPB, Bird Aware Solent, Woodland Trust, HIWARG (Hampshire & Isle of Wight Amphibian and Reptile Group).
Wildlife Crafts and Smoothie Bikes
Head to The Hide to join in the fun, get stuck into wildlife-themed crafts and don’t miss your chance to pedal your own smoothie!
Live music from Romsey Ukulele Group
⏰ 10.30am & 12pm
📍Marketplace by the Woodland Café
Bird of Prey flying displays with Liberty’s Raptor’s
⏰ 11.30am & 2.30pm
📍High Hill field
Sponsored by eastbrooke homes in partnership with Wates.
Free children’s Mindful Moment with Earth Toes Yoga
Breathe, stretch, connect and shine together by exploring yoga, Tai chi (Qigong) & nature connection.
⏰12.30pm
📍High Hill field
👪 Suitable for accompanied children aged 6 - 10 years
Free bike servicing and safety checks with Bike Doctor
⏰ 10.30am - 1.30pm
📍 Bike Shed, in the main car park
Food and Drink
⏰ 10am - 4pm
📍 Marketplace
What’s on the menu?
The Woodland Cafe is serving tasty green salad with feta and pesto pasta with tofu
Arty Stan Pizza is serving you the freshest, wood-fired pizzas
Vibrant Forest Brewery is serving 100% natural and vegan-friendly beers
Tuesday Day is serving fresh noodles
SOLD OUT Craft and Natter: Embellished Leaf Printing
🧶 Craft and Natter is a monthly session offering you the chance to be creative and meet people for a chat in our spacious new community room.
🍃 Print, embellish & create – leaf printing workshop!
Step into nature’s art studio and discover the beauty of embellished leaf printing! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll transform real leaves into works of art by printing their intricate patterns onto paper or fabric—then take it to the next level with hand-drawn details, stitching, and more!
£12
Family Orienteering - Southampton Orienteering Club
Family Orienteering with Southampton Orienteering Club
Southampton Orienteering Club will be hosting a family friendly orienteering event on 7 June. The event will be based near the GoApe car park between 10am and 12:30.
There will be three courses available:
➡️ Easy
➡️ Medium
➡️ Hard
There will be club coaches and volunteers on hand to help those who are new to orienteering.
The course begins at 10am and finishes 12.30pm
Price: Adults: £5.50, Juniors £2.50 - including timing chip hire
To guarantee a map, we advise you to secure your place in advance
Walk & Talk Itchen Valley
Join a friendly group for a 3km walk and a chat for your wellbeing
Walk & Talk Lakeside
Join a wellbeing walk around Lakeside Country Park to meet people for a chat and spend time in nature.
Watercolour Taster Workshop
🌺 Join Iris Hill to explore free flowing watercolour techniques inspired by seasonal flowers. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to bring vibrant flowers to life on paper.
What You’ll Learn:
Techniques for Painting Flowers: From soft petals to bold blossoms, learn how to capture the delicate details of springtime flowers using watercolour.
Colour Blending: Master the art of blending soft, pastel tones for a gentle, spring-inspired palette or make your flowers pop with rich, vibrant hues.
Brush Control: Explore brushwork techniques to create fine lines, smooth washes, and texture to mimic the beauty of nature.
Composition and Design: Learn how to arrange your flowers, balance the elements, and make your watercolor compositions stand out.
💐 Suitable for beginners and those who want to spend an hour nurturing their creativity. Brush-up on your painting skills!
10am - 11am | 11.30 - 12.30pm | 1pm - 2pm
£20
About the Artist
Lisa Gardner is a watercolour artist inspired by the natural world, the connection between breath and brushwork and the utter joy that can be found when paint meets the canvas. From her studio on the artwork under the name Iris Hill - an homage to her Nan, the woman who lit Lisa’s creative flame and helped it burn bright.
Art in the Park
Unleash your inner artist and join the Southampton Art Society for a day of hands-on, messy, marvellous creative fun – right in the heart of the park!
What’s on:
🎨 Paint your own bunting flag – show off your style!
🔢 Chill out with colourful paint-by-numbers
🖼️ Get bold with foam board printing – try something new!
💸 Just 20p per activity – pocket-money friendly and big on fun!
📍 Woodland Café Patio
No need to book – just drop in, grab a paintbrush, and let your creativity run wild.
Perfect for kids, grown-ups, and everyone in between!
Mini Enchanting Willow Creatures Trail
🌿 Mini Enchanting Willow Creatures Trail 🌿
Launching Saturday 24th May | £1.50 per trail sheet
Available from the café at Itchen Valley Country Park
Calling all young adventurers! 🧚♀️✨
Come and explore the magic of the woods on our Mini Enchanting Willow Creatures Trail!
Little ones can follow the trail around the park, discovering beautifully crafted willow creatures hiding among the trees. Along the way, there are fun mini activities to enjoy—perfect for curious minds and active imaginations.
🖍️ And the fun doesn’t stop there—there’s a special activity to do at home too, printed on the back of your trail sheet!
👣 Pick up your trail for just £1.50 from the café from Saturday 24th May and let the enchantment begin...
Perfect for younger children and families looking for a gentle, magical stroll through nature.
Walk & Talk Itchen Valley
Join a friendly group for a 3km walk and a chat for your wellbeing
Walk & Talk Lakeside
Join a wellbeing walk around Lakeside Country Park to meet people for a chat and spend time in nature.
Craft and Natter: Branch Weaving
🧶 Craft and Natter is a monthly session offering you the chance to be creative and meet people for a chat in our spacious new community room.
🌿 Weave a little magic – branch weaving workshop! 🌿
Step into the world of creative-nature-inspired branch weaving! Using a sturdy foraged branch as your loom, you’ll weave a beautiful, textured artwork with colourful yarn, and maybe even a touch of woodland magic. This relaxing and mindful craft is perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike.
£12
Bat Detectives Lakeside Country Park
🦇 A member of Hampshire Bat Group will be leading a walk to discover the bats inhabiting Lakeside Country Park.
The evening starts with an informative talk about the nocturnal mammals, followed by a short walk through our woodlands with detectors to listen out for the different species flying around.
Please wear sensible footwear and weather appropriate clothing.
This event is suitable for children aged 6yrs+
Adults: £10, Children: £7
SOLD OUT Willow Dragonfly Workshop (morning)
✨ Step into a world of nature-inspired creativity with willow artist Jacquie from Willow and Crafts as she guides you through creating a willow dragonfly.
This workshop you will craft your very own willow dragonfly to add fun to your garden or an indoor space. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a first-timer, the workshop will suit all skill levels.
The dragonfly incorporates the corn dollie weave.
What is a corn dollie?
The corn dollie was traditionally used create crafts to celebrate the harvest season and bring good luck for the coming year. They come in various shapes and designs, each holding a special meaning and folklore, sometimes dating back to ancient times.
The dragonfly can be placed on sticks or hung, they look lovely placed in plant pots or outside to welcome wildlife into the garden
⏰ Times: 10.00am - 12.30pm
🧍 Age: Suitable for ages 14 yrs+
☕ Refreshments: Provided
🪙 Cost: £35
Willow Dragonfly Workshop (afternoon)
✨ Step into a world of nature-inspired creativity with willow artist Jacquie from Willow and Crafts as she guides you through creating a willow dragonfly.
This workshop you will craft your very own willow dragonfly to add fun to your garden or an indoor space. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a first-timer, the workshop will suit all skill levels.
The dragonfly incorporates the corn dollie weave.
What is a corn dollie?
The corn dollie was traditionally used create crafts to celebrate the harvest season and bring good luck for the coming year. They come in various shapes and designs, each holding a special meaning and folklore, sometimes dating back to ancient times.
The dragonfly can be placed on sticks or hung, they look lovely placed in plant pots or outside to welcome wildlife into the garden
⏰ Times: 1.30pm - 4pm
🧍 Age: Suitable for ages 14 yrs+
☕ Refreshments: Hot drinks and water are provided.
🪙 Cost: £35
Walk & Talk Itchen Valley
Join a friendly group for a 3km walk and a chat for your wellbeing
Walk & Talk Lakeside
Join a wellbeing walk around Lakeside Country Park to meet people for a chat and spend time in nature.
SOLD OUT Bat Detectives Itchen Valley
🦇 A member of Hampshire Bat Group will be leading a walk to discover the bats inhabiting Itchen Valley.
The evening starts with an informative talk about the nocturnal mammals, followed by a short walk through our woodlands with detectors to listen out for the different species flying around.
Please wear sensible footwear and weather appropriate clothing.
This event is suitable for children aged 6yrs+
Adults: £10, Children: £7
This event is fully booked.
Walk and Talk Hamble
Join a guided walk around Hamble Common to meet people for a chat and spend time in nature.
SOLD OUT Craft and Natter: Needle Felting
🧶 Craft and Natter is a monthly session offering you the chance to be creative and meet people for a chat in our spacious new community room.
What is needle felting?
Needle felting is like magic with wool—except instead of a wand, you’ve got a special barbed needle! With every satisfying poke, fluffy fibres tangle together, transforming into your stunning artwork.
No water, no mess—just you, a handful of wool, and endless creativity. It’s stress-relieving, totally addictive, and perfect for crafters of all levels and beginners are very welcome to these sessions.
🦋 In this session, you will have the chance to create a butterfly or moth.
£12
Walk & Talk Lakeside
Join a wellbeing walk around Lakeside Country Park to meet people for a chat and spend time in nature.
Easter Animals Craft
Participants will have the opportunity to craft an adorable Easter-themed figure—a Bunny and a Chick—using wood slices as a base. You’ll use various craft materials like felt, paint, googly eyes, and more to bring their creations to life in a unique and personalised way.
⏰ We are running three sessions: 10.30am - 11.00am |11.30am - 12.00pm | 2pm - 2.30pm
💰 £5
📍 The Hide
👶 Suitable for accompanied children 5yrs+
Walk and Talk Hound
Join a community walk to meet people for a chat and a leisurely 2km walk.
Easter Wreath Craft
🐥 Participants will create a beautiful, vibrant egg-shaped wreath using bright tissue paper, craft supplies, and their imagination! This project is perfect for spring or Easter-themed crafting and allows for a lot of personal creativity.
⏰ We are running three sessions: 10.30am - 11.15 |11.30am - 12.15pm | 2pm - 2.45pm
🪙 £5
📍 The Hide
Wendy Hall Art Exhibition
A Fine-Art graduate from Southampton Solent University, Wendy describes herself as a ‘Moon-gazing artist, living and working in Hampshire’.
Wendy’s artwork is inspired by the natural world, the landscapes, seascapes, reaching to the wild far west of Cornwall and, of course, the magical moon.
Her experience in archaeology, museums, and theatre has shaped the narrative style of her artwork, allowing her to set scenes and tell compelling stories.
Please speak to a member of staff if you’re interested in purchasing Wendy’s artwork.
Location: The Woodland Café
Time: 10am - 4.30pm
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