Join Us at Action for Wildlife Day on Saturday 10th August, Derbyshire
In partnership with a number of wildlife charities including Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, Protect the Wild and Wild Justice, Hen Harrier Action is holding an Action for Wildlife Day free event at Carsington Water in Derbyshire on Saturday 10th of August.
A packed schedule of compelling guest speakers will also feature spotlight performances by a leading gospel community choir, and a guest set by a legendary English folk musician.
There will be more than 20 stands and stalls from organisations including The Woodland Trust, the RSPB and the Derbyshire Wildlife Crime Unit. Plus a huge range of family-friendly elements, including children’s writing activities with Writing East Midlands, environmental story-telling with Creeping Toad, and exciting family activities led by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s Junior Rangers, in partnership with Severn Trent. You can find out more about all the organisations taking part, and what they will be offering here.
The timing of the event, just before the start of the grouse-shooting season on the 12th of August – the Inglorious Twelfth, as conservation campaigners describe it – is deliberate, an opportunity to celebrate 10 years of Hen Harrier Day activism and commemorate the very first Hen Harrier Day in 2014.
And coming hot on the heels of the UK general election, campaigners are hoping to send a clear message to Westminster and the new government, echoing the aims of the Restore Nature Now march in June, that wildlife and the environment can’t wait any longer for clear, decisive government action.
We need Action for Wildlife now!
Hear from Outstanding Guest Speakers
The full line-up will be announced in the coming weeks, and you can get all the latest information about the day by signing up to our newsletter here.
But we can already confirm that Derbyshire Wildlife Trust CEO Jo Smith will talk about the Trust’s ambitious vision for a Wilder Derbyshire.
We’ll be joined by Dr Rose O’Neill, Chief Executive of the Campaign for National Parks, to tell us about the Fight for Nature in our National Parks.
And we’re very excited to confirm that the tireless and indefatigable wildlife campaigners from Wild Justice – Ruth Tingay, Mark Avery and Chris Packham – will all be on stage to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hen Harrier Day activism and round off proceedings.
It’s just been confirmed that Rob Pownall, founder of Protect the Wild, will speak at the event. He founded the campaigning organisation when he was just 16 years old, and his story, and some of the campaigning successes that he has achieved, is a fascinating insight. You can read our interview with Rob here.
And celebrated author and naturalist Mark Cocker will be responding to the question ‘Is it too late to save British nature?’ You can read our interview with Mark here.
Be Entertained by Uplifting Live Performances
We’re delighted to announce that visitors on the day can enjoy outstanding live performances by the Sing It Bold Community Gospel Choir.
About Sing It Bold
The inspirational gospel choir are based in Nottingham and Derby, and were finalists in the BBC Gospel Choir of the Year 2024. Choir members come from all kinds of backgrounds, and perform a mix of gospel and popular songs in sold-out concerts all over the East Midlands.
The choir began with just 6 members in May 2018, and have since grown to choirs in two cities, with over 65 members. Founded by choir directors Melissa Moore and Adrian J Moore, Mel has provided backing vocals for many gospel and reggae studio projects, and Adrian has toured and performed with artists such as Sugababes, Stormzy and All Saints.
Visitors to Action for Wildlife Day will also be enthralled by a guest set from legendary English folk musician Martin Simpson.
About Martin Simpson
With dozens of albums to his name, English folk musician Martin Simpson has been nominated 23 times in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, and won Artist of the Year twice.
He has performed all over the world, collaborated with many leading artists and performed on the Jools Holland show several times.
His latest album, Skydancers, recorded in his hometown of Sheffield, features the title track, commissioned by Chris Packham to highlight the plight of the endangered and persecuted Hen Harrier, and is one of the songs he will perform at Action for Wildlife Day.
His music reflects a wide variety of influences and styles, rooted in Britain, Ireland, America and beyond.
Born in Scunthorpe, he has appeared solo on 21 albums, as a session musician on 16 albums and he has multiple awards to his name.
Enjoy the Facilities, Walks and Views at Carsington Water
With stunning views out over the reservoir, the Mainsail Restaurant offers a fantastic menu of freshly prepared dishes for a hearty breakfast or a leisurely lunch, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options and a tempting selection of homemade cakes.
Along with the Watermark ‘Food-to-go’ Café, Splatz Ice Cream Parlour and the Treasure Chest snack kiosk, visitors will find plenty of options to keep them going throughout Action for Wildlife Day. And of course, you are welcome to bring your own picnic and eat alfresco at one of the many picnic tables around the grounds. Barbeques are not allowed on site, though, due to the fire risk.
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