Peak District day of discovery

Families can learn more about the science behind the Peak District National Park at a fun free event in Bakewell next month.

Science in the Park will give visitors a greater understanding of the UK’s first national park, with a focus on the lives of wild deer, water voles and ring ouzels, plus the chance to learn the traditional skill of dry stone walling.

Social science topics to be covered include the links between India and the Peak District and managing the expectations of dog-walkers.

The hands-on event, at Bakewell Town Hall on Saturday November 7, has been organised by the Peak District National Park as part of the Economic and Social Research Council’s Festival of Social Science.

Organisations taking part include

• Moors for the Future: investigating the birds and bees of the moors
• Sheffield Hallam University: wild deer of the Peak District; meeting the bog mosses
• Eastern Moors Partnership: the life of water voles and ring ouzels of the gritstone edges
• Derbyshire Wildlife Trust: getting up close with mini-beasts
• Nottingham Trent University: demonstration (weather permitting) of using aerial photography to photograph the moors
• Yorkshire Dry Stone Walling Association: build your own dry stone wall and learn the history of the craft
• Peak District National Park Ranger Service: outdoor events (weather permitting) including river dipping

Pete Feetham, learning and discovery development officer at the Peak District National Park, said: “This is a great chance for children and young people to meet real scientists and find out what they have discovered. Science is about searching for answers and solving mysteries and we want to give visitors the opportunity to do that and have fun at the same time.’’

Science in the Park will run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday November 7 at Bakewell Town Hall, DE45 1BT (close to Bakewell visitor centre) and includes free refreshments.