Countrycare celebrated at Autumn Fayre

Published on 20 October 2011

"A great day out packed with activities for all the family" was just one of the many complimentary remarks made by visitors to the Autumn Fayre held on 1 October at Roding Valley Meadows local nature reserve.

"Unto the fields" was the final event to mark the 25th anniversary of Countrycare, the countryside team at Epping Forest District Council. The theme of the day was to demonstrate the importance of the countryside and show local people what is available close to home.

On an unseasonably warm day, visitors learnt about the richness of the wildlife on the reserve through bug hunting, bird watching, butterflies and participating in the CBBC’s Live’n’Deadly nature trail.

Guided walks with Essex Wildlife Trust site warden Patrick Bailly and local naturalist Tricia Moxey showed visitors how the reserve is managed with a demonstration of hedge laying by Countrycare staff and volunteers. Regular tractor rides were provided throughout the day for those less able to walk around the site.

The live animal displays were very popular, especially the ferret roulette game hosted by the Essex Ferret Society and the small chicks, ducks and geese from the Lambourne End centre.

Visitors were treated to live music by the Forest Fiddlers, creating a carnival atmosphere throughout the day and feasted on refreshments provided by Naked Sausage and Cafe2u.

The Council’s recycling team were there to offer advice on recycling and composting and the arts team encouraged visitors to draw in a fun and unusual way in the “big draw project" tent. More active visitors took part in a wellie throwing competition and “try your hand” archery was provided by Woodford Archers.

Roding Valley Meadows local nature reserve is Countrycare's largest reserve and was declared as the the council's first local nature reserve back in 1986.