Canal charity invites families and animal lovers to free nature day at Stoke Bruerne

The Canal & River Trust is encouraging families, pet owners and wildlife enthusiasts to head to Stoke Bruerne this summer for a fun-filled ‘Paws, Hooves and Wings’ event celebrating animals and nature by the water.

Taking place on Saturday 1 August, from 11am to 4pm at the Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne, the free, family-friendly event will bring together a range of activities and attractions designed to showcase the wildlife and wellbeing benefits of the waterways.

The Trust, which cares for 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, hopes the event will inspire more people to visit their local canal and discover the positive impact enjoying nature by water can have on health and wellbeing.

As part of the event visitors will be able to meet William, the gentle giant shire horse. Horses played a crucial role in the development of the nation’s historic canals, providing the power to haul barges laden with goods and raw materials across the country.

There will also be the opportunity to help make a bug hotel, have a go at the tombola, enjoy a guided walk, enter your dog in the Best Dog photo competition, and lots more fun activities themed around local wildlife, and ways to enjoy spending time by the canal.

The event will also have stalls from local animal charities including the Wildlife Trust, MK Swan Rescue, Animals in Need, and Deanshanger Hedgehog Rescue.

Vicky Pease, Visitor Services Duty Manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “Our canals are fantastic places to spend time outdoors, whether you’re walking the dog, enjoying wildlife or simply relaxing by the water. ‘Paws and Wings’ is a great opportunity for families and animal lovers to come together, have fun and learn more about the amazing habitats right on their doorstep. We’d love to see as many people as possible join us for what promises to be a brilliant day.”

Events like ‘Paws, Hooves and Wings’ are part of the Trust’s wider work to connect communities with their local waterways, encouraging people to enjoy and care for these historic spaces.

For more information about the Canal & River Trust, including how to volunteer and donate, visit: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk.