Wild About Nature at Itchen Valley Country Park success
Celebrating Great Big Green Week
On Sunday 14 June, 2026, families visiting the marketplace at Itchen Valley Country Park enjoyed a range of nature-themed activities provided by the park and local wildlife charities.
The event marked the final day of Great Big Green Week, a national campaign organised by the Climate Coalition. This year's theme was Coming Together for Good, and the event at Itchen Valley Country Park certainly reflected that message, bringing together local organisations, volunteers and families to celebrate and support nature.
Eight families built bird boxes with the help of event volunteers. These will provide suitable nesting sites for blue tits next spring, helping local bird populations within the park to thrive.
Children also took part in meadow minibeast hunts using sweep nets and were delighted to discover grasshoppers, ladybirds, spiders and crickets among the park's wildflower meadows. The activity offered a hands-on opportunity to learn about the rich biodiversity that makes Itchen Valley Country Park such an important habitat for wildlife.
Members of the Hampshire Amphibian and Reptile Group brought along newts, a grass snake and a slow worm, attracting considerable interest from visitors and helping people learn more about some of the county's fascinating native species.
Displays and activities were also provided by Solent Bird Aware, RSPB, Hampshire Bat Group, HART Wildlife Rescue and Woodland Trust.
As a park committed to connecting people with nature, Itchen Valley Country Park was the perfect setting for the event. The day showcased the value of local conservation work while giving families a fun and memorable opportunity to explore the wildlife on their doorstep and discover how they can help protect it.