If you’re stuck for something to do this summer, get along to Queenswood Country Park as, whatever the weather, lots of events are planned for the school holidays to keep you busy!
Join local textile artist Lisa Pendlebury for “make and take” craft workshops in the woods on Tuesdays July 22 and 29.
“Take a leaf,” on July 22, will use textured papers, fabric, handmade beads and fallen natural objects to create your own little book based on leaf shapes.
“Knot just for kids,” on July 29, will see the return of last year's most popular workshop - Lisa will teach basic knots, such as those used in macramé and scoubidoos, then you can create your own jewellery or key ring to take home. You could even weave in found natural objects for decoration! This is very easy and great fun.
Three workshops take place each day starting at 10am, 11am and midday and the cost is £3.50 per child. Booking in advance is essential to help manage numbers in each workshop.
Queenswood’s feathered friend Bertie Buzzard will be back again throughout the school holidays with a trail around the woods to help you discover more about nature.
And if you go down to the woods on Thursday, July 24, between 11am and 12.30pm, you'll be in for a very big surprise as you will find Herefordshire libraries will be there for a special Teddy Bears Picnic Rhyme and Storytime.
This event has been organised in partnership with Bookstart, a national charity that encourages parents to share and enjoy books with their children, and is a great way to find out more about introducing your child to books - however young they are.
You will need to book your place on this free event and you’ll need to bring a picnic for you and your toddler as well as a suitable picnic blanket to sit on. There will be lots of fun and rhyming games to play with your child and as you settle down to enjoy your picnic under the dappled shade of the trees you can listen to a story or two! (This event will be cancelled in very wet weather.)
Abby Marshall, interpretation and promotion officer, said: “Don’t miss out - book your child’s place on these events now by calling Queenswood Tourist Information Centre on 01568 797842.
“Full details of all the events taking place between now and November can be found in our special Events & Family Fun leaflet available now from Tourist Information Centres, libraries and of course the country park.
“Alternatively, you can get up to date information by checking out the Queenswood pages on Herefordshire Council’s website at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/queenswood,” she added.
Queenswood is Herefordshire’s only country park and has free car parking, toilets and a licensed café (opening hours vary please call 01568 797880 to confirm it will be open when you visit.)
There is a picnic and barbecue area situated near to the very popular adventure play area and there is also a free seaside style telescope at the view-point.
There are three way-marked trails and easy access paths so that everyone can enjoy the park and electric mobility vehicles are available to hire from the Tourist Information Centre – they can be contacted on 01568 797842.
Queenswood Country Park is on the A49 between Hereford and Leominster – follow the brown signs at the top of Dinmore Hill. Alternatively the 492 bus service departs Hereford and Leominster at regular intervals throughout the day.