Events
Butterflies for Beginners
10th August
Come and see the marvellous butterflies and day-flying moths of the Blackdowns Forest. Learn to recongnise common and rare species, and to understand their habitats on this guided walk through Butterfly Conservation's reserve at Mount Fancy Farm.
Parking at Forestry Commission's new Staple Hill Car Park, the walk will begin at 11.00 am - finishing at about 3.00pm. Bring a picnic and enjoy a summer's day in wonderful flowery meadows and forest. Suitable for families - all children must be accompanied. There are some steep stony paths and muddy conditions in places so please bring suitable footwear, and clothing for the outdoors. Sorry but no dogs please.
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Music & Storytelling workshops in the Woods!
13th August
Take part in a series of spellbinding storytelling and music workshops with Storyteller Jane Flood and Musician Fiona Barrow.Explore our Folklore, interpreted afresh, and help shape a new event this winter!
Bring your own Picnic or Food to Cook on the Campfire
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Neroche Visit to Thurlbear Church
17th September
A visit to Thurlbear Church led by local expert historian Tom Mayberry - learn about the fascinating and poignant history of this church and its surrounding landscape, from the foremost authority on the area. Children welcome; dogs under close control.
Meeting point - Signed parking in Thurlbear village, between Stoke St Mary and Staple Fitzpaine, grid ref: ST 265212
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Music & Storytelling workshops in the Woods!
21st September
Take part in a series of spellbinding storytelling and music workshops with Storyteller Jane Flood and Musician Fiona Barrow.Explore our Folklore, interpreted afresh, and help shape a new event this winter!
Bring your own Picnic or Food to Cook on the Campfire
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Music & Storytelling workshops in the Woods!
28th September
Take part in a series of spellbinding storytelling and music workshops with Storyteller Jane Flood and Musician Fiona Barrow.Explore our Folklore, interpreted afresh, and help shape a new event this winter!
Bring your own Picnic or Food to Cook on the Campfire
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Neroche - Touching the Seasons
19th October
Join Neroche Lead Artist Michael Fairfax and other local experts to explore the history and artistic possibilities of the autumn landscape around the abandoned farm at Britty. Children welcome; dogs under close control.
Meeting point - Parking entrance at Forestry Commission gate on Staple Fitzpaine hill, grid ref: ST 267159
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Neroche Autumn Bushcraft Day
25th October
FULLY BOOKED - ALL ENQUIRIES WILL GO ON A RESERVE LIST.
A family day in the woods, learning how to build shelters, light fires, make tools, search for wild food and other activities. Children welcome; sorry no dogs.
Meeting point - Parking at Forestry Commission entrance north of Staple Fitzpaine village, grid ref: ST 261191
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Neroche - 'Revealing the Landscape' Celebration Day
15th November
As the culmination of a year of music making, storytelling and visual art work with community groups across the Neroche area, this event will celebrate the achievements of 2008 by showcasing new works and compositions for the whole family to enjoy. Children welcome; sorry no dogs.
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Punkie Night!
15th November
Celebrate the nature and culture of the Blackdown Hills!
Punkie Night is the old Somerset name for Halloween (with curious twists and turns!). We will recreate Punkie Night this November, in the forest, with a lantern procession and a twilight celebration of the seasons with music, song and story created with local people.
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Neroche Coppicing Day
30th November
A chance to take part in the ancient practice of coppicing hazel in part of the former Portman Estate near Staple Fitzpaine. No experience necessary, and all tools provided. Not suitable for children under 10; sorry no dogs.
Meeting point - Parking at Forestry Commission entrance north of Staple Fitzpaine village, grid ref: ST 261191
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