IT is nearly that time of year again when we invite you all to join us at the Lake District Wildlife Park for Cumbria Wildlife Week.

October half term (October 25-31) is when you get the opportunity to join in the fun and become a nature detective!

Cumbria Wildlife Week has been running for many years, and each year it is just a little bit different. With artefacts including animal skulls, teeth, feathers, footprints, nuts, seeds, leaves and even animal poop, visitors can learn how amazing wildlife really is!

With the help of local organisations and our education officer Lucy, people can learn how much fun it is to become a Nature Detective.

Over the past few years, the Lake District Wildlife Park has welcomed Cumbria Wildlife Trust, the RSPB, West Cumbria Rivers Trust, Keswick Museum, Plantlife and Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre to join them for a day.

This year the RSPB, Cumbria Police Wildlife Crime Prevention Unit and a local bat expert will be in attendance.

Local author Sarah J Dodd will also be attending to promote her recently published book 'Keeper of Secrets' all about the mysterious lynx. There will be displays and information about hedgehogs, otters, bats, squirrels, owls and many more different animals.

Together with these organisations, we have shared knowledge to help inspire young and old. Visitors have made bird feeders, examined pearl mussel shells, and learnt how Dave the Dung Beetle and his friends live in our very own Cumbrian fields! This year we will also have some nature-based craft sessions to keep little fingers busy and brains engaged as they learn all about wildlife!

Lucy said: “Cumbria Wildlife Week is my favourite week of the year as I get to talk all about all the amazing wildlife we have on our doorstep.

"Seeing the delight on a child’s face when they look at a barn owl pellet containing many tiny mammal bones is just brilliant!”

For more information, please contact reception on 017687 76239 or visit our website. Please also keep an eye on our website and social media feeds for a timetable of events.