Have a Hoot at Betteshanger This Half Term
Eyes will be fixed firmly skyward as Birds of Prey soar and speed magnificently above Betteshanger Country Park, near Deal, this half term. Kicking off a packed week of activities, Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation, Kent’s number one Bird of Prey Centre, will be displaying a spectacular collection of birds at the Country Park.
On Saturday, February 13th and Sunday 14th the birds will take flight over Betteshanger. Visitors to the Park will see ‘Kayla’ the Bald Eagle soar grandly above their heads, chuckle at “Becks” the White-backed Vulture as he gallops across the arena and have the chance to outrun ”Basil” and ”Sybil”, a pair of Harris Hawks, as they hunt a dummy bunny lure.
Lorraine Cheesmur, Betteshanger Country Park’s General Manager, said: “We have at least seven Birds of Prey joining us for the weekend, which will include ”Honey” the Tawny Eagle, “Jeffy”, the 120 mph Falcon and a super cute Barn Owl. It’s going to be a wonderful day for all the family and will be the perfect start to the half term holiday.”
The Birds of Prey will be at the Country Park 11am to 3pm, with flying displays at 12noon and 1.30pm.
Other events taking place this half term include:
Craft Workshops (Saturday, February 13th – Sunday, February 21st)
Children can learn about Birds of Prey plus make an owl mask or kite using the natural materials available at Betteshanger Country Park. Suitable for those aged between three and 12 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult and each crafter will be charged £3.
Scavenger Hunt (Saturday, February 13th – Sunday, February 21st)
For those looking for something a little more active, a Scavenger Hunt runs from Saturday, February 12th to Sunday, February 21st and is suitable for all ages. Follow the hunt around the Country Park and compete for a prize. Trail sheets are available for £1.50 each from the bike hire stand. Welly boots advisable!
Half Price Cycle Hire (Monday, February 15th)
Those who want to fly on 2-wheels can enjoy half price cycle hire. Get out and get muddy on the mountain bike trails or take a leisurely cycle on the tarmac track. Prices start from £2.50 per hour. A fantastic way to keep the family entertained – at half the price.
Cycle Club (Wednesday, February 17th – Thursday 18th)
A great way keep older children active as half term week draws to a close. The full day cycling sessions will be exhilarating, fun and, most likely, muddy! Participants will get the chance to learn some awesome cycling skills and conquer the Mountain Bike tracks. All sessions are supervised by British Cycling Qualified instructors and are suitable for those aged between ten and sixteen year. Sessions costs £30 per day and bike hire, helmets and a hot lunch are included. Sessions will happen whatever the weather. Pre-booking is essential.
Winter Cycling Lessons (Saturday, February 20th)
For those wanting to start riding a bicycle, looking to lose the stabilisers or just grow in confidence, Winter Cycling Lessons take place on Saturday, February 20th. Qualified coaches will tailor the sessions to suit the participant’s abilities. Sessions cost from £10 and include cycle hire plus helmet. Pre booking is essential.
Fossiling Day (Saturday, February 20th)
For a hands-on practical experience of a more ancient kind, on the final weekend of half term), Geoconservation Kent is running a fascinating Fossilling day. Visitors will search for and select rocks likely to contain fossil material from the Kent Carboniferous Coal Measures and expose them for examination and collection. Tools, safety equipment and instruction will be provided. It will be rough and rocky, expect to get dirty! Children must be accompanied by an adult and adequate footwear and weather appropriate clothing is required. There is a small charge of £2 per person.
Visit www.betteshangercountrypark.co.uk for more information on all February half term or call 07824 569181 to book the Cycle Club or Winter Cycling Lessons.
