YOU can get down and close to nature at half term at a series of free events around the River Tone, in Taunton.

Somerset Wildlife Trust's Routes to the River Tone is running a week-long Celebration of the River Tone to allow people to enjoy, discover and explore the town's green spaces, wild places and wildlife that lives along the river.

The Routes to The River Tone project has worked with local people and partner organisations over the past three years to provide a range of public events, school wild-play sessions, citizen science projects, interpretation for greenspaces, community gardens, trails and opportunities to get involved in practical conservation.

Nick Tomlinson, project manager said: “We really weren’t prepared for the overwhelming response we received when we started to talk to people from the communities, neighbourhoods, schools and community groups across Taunton.

"The cumulative amount of passion, enthusiasm and interest that people have shown over the past three years and the popularity of the events we have put on, really shows that people in Taunton really do value nature and understand how critical it is that we make ourselves responsible for ensuring our wild places are still there to enjoy going forwards.

"Once people are helped to discover the natural places on their own doorstep, they value their local greenspace even more and have a greater desire to look after it.

"We are very proud of what the project has achieved and I am really excited about the programme of events we have put together with partners and local community groups to celebrate the successes of the last three years.”

EVENT PROGRAMME.

*Litter Pick for Wildlife: French Weir Park slipway, Monday, February 13, 2.30pm to 4pm. Equipment and guidance provided by Inland Waterways Association. Details mike.slade@waterways.org.uk or 07977-263840.

*Build a Bird a Home: COACH outdoor classroom, French Weir Park, Tuesday, February 14, sessions starting at 10am, 11am, 2pm and 3pm. All materials provided. Book your time and a bird box kit here.

*Story Trail: Brewhouse Theatre, Thursday, February 16. Enjoy reading the story of Ollie the Otter and Vern the Water Vole as you discover the hidden waterways and green spaces of Taunton. Includes a 1.5km walk that is pram and wheelchair accessible. Craft Workshops at 10.30am, noon, and 1.30pm; story walk at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm. Lorax Film (PG) at 3pm, £4 per ticket.

*Story Time: COACH Parkroom, French Weir Park, Friday, February 17, sessions from 1.15pm to 2.45pm and from 3pm to 5.30pm. Book your place here.

*River of Light finale event, in partnership with FUSE Performance, Saturday, February 18, 3pm to 7.30pm. Willow lanterns and streamers followed by a fire performance, live music and food. Workshop at The Brewhouse 3 to 4.30pm; procession from The Brewhouse at 5.30pm; fire performance, band and food, from 6pm in Goodland Gardens.

For further details on the Celebration of the River Tone click here or contact rivertone@somersetwildlife.org or call Claire, Nick, Olivia or Rose on 01823-652400.