Mountpark, supported by The National Forest and Nicholsons, is offering a free Guided Wildlife Walk in partnership with GroundWork to explore the flora and fauna at St. Peter's Wood in Hartshorne, near Ashby.

Residents of all ages are invited to join wildlife experts from 10am - 12pm on Friday (April 26) at the 53-acre woodland. 

The guided tour of the site will provide the opportunity to explore beyond the marked paths to learn about the butterflies, insects, birds, and wildflowers that call St. Peter's Wood home. 

Rach Clarke, development director for Mountpark, said: "This guided walk will give attendees the opportunity to draw on the knowledge of wildlife and plant experts, while enjoying a sociable walk in the fresh air.

"Supporting native plants and biodiversity is essential for the future, and this site is a great example of how land can be returned to nature and still be enjoyed by the community. 

"We are working closely with the National Forest and Nicholsons to develop St. Peter's Wood into a flourishing, biodiverse woodland."

St. Peter's Wood incorporates parkland plus walking and cycling trails, alongside allowing some areas to naturally colonise. 

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To enhance biodiversity the land also includes wet woodland and wetland scrapes, along with diverse wildflowers, pollen and seed sources, and grassland habitats. 

Attendees on the walk will be invited to explore these diverse habitats under the supervision of wildlife experts who can talk them through what they can expect to see at the woodland.

Free parking just a short walk from the entrance to St. Peter's Wood is available at Dethick Hall on Manchester Lane, Hartshorne, DE11 7BE. Walk left out of the car park and take the first left up Slack Lane. The entrance to St. Peter's Wood is along Slack Lane on the right-hand side. 

There is no need to register, but if you have any questions, please contact Hollie Davison at the National Forest on [email protected]. Further information and seasonal updates can be found at St. Peter's Wood's social channels on Facebook and Instagram.