Saturday 10th August at Carsington Water, Derbyshire
In partnership with a number of wildlife charities including Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, Protect the Wild and Wild Justice, Hen Harrier Action is holding an Action for Wildlife Day free event at Carsington Water in Derbyshire on Saturday 10th of August.
A packed schedule of compelling guest speakers will also feature spotlight performances by a leading gospel community choir, and a guest set by a legendary English folk musician.
Hear from Outstanding Guest Speakers
The full line-up and timings can be found here, and you can get all the latest information about the day by signing up to our newsletter here.
The packed afternoon of inspirational speakers includes Derbyshire Wildlife Trust CEO Jo Smith, talking about the Trust’s ambitious vision for a Wilder Derbyshire.
And we’ll be joined by Dr Rose O’Neill, Chief Executive of the Campaign for National Parks, to tell us about the Fight for Nature in our National Parks.
We’re very excited to confirm that the tireless and indefatigable wildlife campaigners from Wild Justice – Ruth Tingay, Mark Avery and Chris Packham – will all be on stage to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hen Harrier Day activism and round off proceedings.
Enjoy Uplifting Live Performances
We’re delighted to announce that visitors on the day can enjoy outstanding live performances by the Sing It Bold Community Gospel Choir.
The inspirational gospel choir are based in Nottingham and Derby, and were finalists in the BBC Gospel Choir of the Year 2024. Choir members come from all kinds of backgrounds, and perform a mix of gospel and popular songs in sold-out concerts all over the East Midlands.
The choir began with just 6 members in May 2018, and have since grown to choirs in two cities, with over 65 members. Founded by choir directors Melissa Moore and Adrian J Moore, Mel has provided backing vocals for many gospel and reggae studio projects, and Adrian has toured and performed with artists such as Sugababes, Stormzy and All Saints.
Visitors to Action for Wildlife Day will also be enthralled by a guest set from legendary English folk musician Martin Simpson.
With dozens of albums to his name, English folk musician Martin Simpson has been nominated 23 times in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, and won Artist of the Year twice.
He has performed all over the world, collaborated with many leading artists and performed on the Jools Holland show several times.
His latest album, Skydancers, recorded in his hometown of Sheffield, features the title track, commissioned by Chris Packham to highlight the plight of the endangered and persecuted Hen Harrier, and is one of the songs he will perform at Action for Wildlife Day.
With more than 20 organisations both national and local taking part in Action for Wildlife Day, there is lots to discover and something for everyone. See the full stand and stall list here.
From creating a Possibility Bird with Greenwood Growth and building bird feeders and bat boxes with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to seed bomb making with Save Danes Moss and making animal puppets with Creeping Toad, there are plenty of activities to keep younger visitors happy while you take in events on the stage.
Plus with prize draws and raffles, sustainable merchandise to buy, and excellent catering facilities, you can enjoy a great day out.
Enjoy the Facilities, Walks and Views at Carsington Water
With stunning views out over the reservoir, the Mainsail Restaurant offers a fantastic menu of freshly prepared dishes for a hearty breakfast or a leisurely lunch, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options and a tempting selection of homemade cakes.
Along with the Watermark ‘Food-to-go’ Café, Splatz Ice Cream Parlour and the Treasure Chest snack kiosk, visitors will find plenty of options to keep them going throughout Action for Wildlife Day. And of course, you are welcome to bring your own picnic and eat alfresco at one of the many picnic tables around the grounds. Barbeques are not allowed on site, though, due to the fire risk.
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