Make your weekend a little bit wilder with a FREE family day out at Surrey Wildlife Trust’s Bay Pond nature reserve in Godstone. With wildlife experts on hand and a whole day of fun activities, families can enjoy the ponds, explore wildflower meadows and go on a wildlife hunt.

The Big Wild Weekend is part of the Wildlife Trust’s 30 Days Wild challenge, which encourages people to connect with nature every day in June. On this weekend, Surrey residents can try pond-dipping, minibeast hunting, discover how many insects live in the long grass and take a stroll around the nature reserve on a bird walk or take a break in one of the bird hides.

Highlights of the Bay Pond open day include face painting, leaf bashing and willow weaving demonstrations, as well as learning how to light fires and eating toasted marshmallows.  Families are also welcome to bring a picnic lunch and relax while enjoying the wildflower meadow.

Visitors will have the chance to meet wildlife experts from Surrey Bird Club, Reigate Bee Keepers, Surrey Wildlife Trust and Surrey Amphibian & Reptile Group and  enjoy a fresh coffee from Wild About Coffee and a delicious homemade cake from the vintage inspired cake stand.

Charlotte Magowan, Marketing and Communications Manager for Surrey Wildlife Trust, said: ‘The Big Wild Weekend is a chance to relax, press the pause button on busy lives and have some fun in beautiful wild places. Our family event at Bay Pond is the perfect way to let your children go wild in the outdoors, while getting closer to nature.  We can’t wait to share Bay Pond’s natural treasures with everyone, from budding botanists to nature enthusiasts of all ages.’

Entry is free but there will be a small charge for some activities and donations are welcome. Limited parking is available on site for blue badge holders only, but there is some public parking in Godstone village, just a two minute walk around the corner. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. There's no need to book - just come on the day and join in the fun!