Several hundred people braved the weather to enjoy a fun packed day at Ashford’s new Singleton Environment Centre on Saturday, August 2.

The centre’s community open day was a chance for everyone to see behind the scenes and join in fun activities for all the family whilst learning about the environment.

Organised by BTCV, which manages the centre for Ashford Borough Council, the day’s programme of events included pond-dipping and home composting demonstrations.

Visitors were given guided walks around the centre and in the nearby community woodland with a chance to join in with Ashford Community Woodland Volunteers on their monthly task their monthly practical conservation tasks.

Younger visitors took part in making bird boxes and bird feeders to take home in the centre’s workshop, whilst BTCV volunteers ran a popular ‘fun with fabrics’ workshop giving visitors the chance to print their own cotton bag.

There was information and opportunities for volunteers of all ages to take part in conservation projects in the town and its countryside or to learn more about the borough’s green spaces.

Woodland nymph ‘Flora, the Singleton Giant’ greeted visitors to the centre building and acoustic music duo ‘Carnelian’ (Nina Clark and Simon Bridgestock) entertained visitors in the afternoon.

Visitors also found out about the progress of the Ashford Veteran Tree Project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, run by BTCV. Other attractions included information on some of the sustainable features of the building and a chance to meet the team running the centre. Homemade produce and drinks from Footprints Café & Bistro, which is located within the centre was served throughout the day.

Organiser of the day BTCV Project Officer Virgina Hodge said: “The Open Day was a huge success. It was really great to see so many local people enjoying the Centre’s facilities and getting involved in a variety of activities from designing your own bag to making a bird box or bird feeders using re-cycled milk cartons. The Ashford Community Woodland Walks were very popular, despite the rain.”

The weekend’s festivities continued on Saturday night when Flamenco Guitarist Luke Park returned to the centre to a sell out performance entertaining diners in Footprints Café & Bistro. On Sunday 3 August, the centre held a family BBQ & Band afternoon with music from the “Hollywood Skunks” and fresh, local BBQ food.

For more information on the Singleton Environment Centre visit the BTCV website or call on 01233 666519 or email.

Media Release 0209/08

06/08/2008