Connecting to Nature
Immersing the local community in nature
'Connecting to Nature' (sponsored by EDF Energy) offers more opportunities for the local community to enjoy the outdoors and discover the amazing wildlife that Morecambe Bay and Heysham Nature Reserve is home to.
Whether you want to take a quiet stroll around Heysham Nature Reserve, learn about the variety of wildlife or learn a new practical skill, the range of activities being run as part of 'Connecting to Nature' offer something for everyone to enjoy.
Through a mixture of family events, specialist training days, educational visits, Wildlife Watch Group sessions and volunteering opportunities, this project intends to increase awareness and use of Heysham Nature Reserve and the surrounding area.
EDF Energy and its predecessors have been working in partnership with Lancashire Wildlife Trust to offer a high-quality schools and community-based environmental awareness service for more than 20 years. In 2013 Heysham Power Station opened a new Visitor Centre where visitors can explore and learn about electricity, and since last year the Trust has been working with Centre staff to explore ways of joining forces to promote the wildlife haven that is owned by EDF Energy and lies just a stone’s throw away from the Power Station.
Lee Schofield
Large heath butterfly by Alan Wright
What does the project hope to achieve?
We want to increase awareness of Heysham Nature Reserve and encourage first time visits from individuals and groups who might not necessarily visit a nature reserve at all. We want to show them just how accessible and fascinating the natural world really is.
Plans for the project also include the development of self-led trails and internet-based interpretation that everyone can follow. We also run Nature Tots sessions for locally based day nurseries and children's centres.
Come and Connect to Nature!
Take a look at our What's On section to find a fantastic range of events happening at Heysham Nature Reserve.
If you are interested in Early Years activities that will immerse your little ones in nature, take a look at our Nature Tots programme. Or, if your children are aged between 8 - 13 and want to get involved, check out our 2024 Heysham Hedgehogs Wildlife Watch programme.
As part of the education team, we also provide educational visits to the reserve and outreach opportunities. Please take a look at our educational leaflet and do contact us to discuss your school's hope to connect to nature in North Lancashire - email Emma on egarston@lancswt.org.uk or call 0771 736 6812.
For up to date news about what's going on at Heysham Nature Reserve, 'Like' our Facebook page.
Self-led nature trails
Take a look at our self-led nature trails for you and your family to enjoy at Heysham Nature Reserve - print off the sheets below and see what you can spot at the reserve!
Rainbow flowers tick sheet
Take a close look at the flowers around you, and when you find one to match the colour and shape on the sheet, colour or tick inside the boxes!
Minibeast tick sheets and crafts
Learn more about the wonderful world of insects and minibeasts while having lots of fun! If you need a little guidance, or want to learn more about insects before you try one of our tick sheets or crafts, watch our video about the minibeasts of Heysham Nature Reserve.
"Fantastic in every way! My granddaughter said, "l've had a fantastic day grandma!"
Contact us
Would you like to know more about the reserve, about our Connecting to Nature events or how to get to Heysham Nature Reserve? Don't hesitate to contact our Project Officer, Emma Garston, using these details:
Tel: 01524 855030
Mob: 07717 366812
Email: heyshamevents@lancswt.org.uk
