Fallow deer at Dallam Park near Milnthorpe by Paul Glading

The Landscape Trust of Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is holding a weekend long celebration of the local natural history and wildlife, at Arnside Educational Institute on 11 and 12th May.

There will be fun, free activities for young naturalists on the Sunday morning: live bat and moth trap demonstrations. A free exhibition will show stunning photographs by top wildlife photographers, and there will be stands showing the work of local wildlife and landscape organisations including Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the National Trust and the RSPB – Leighton Moss.

For those interested in learning more about the local ecology and natural history, there is also a study day and field trips on the Saturday. Lectures will cover topics including: ecology principles, woodland, soils, climate and geology; and specialist lectures on shade tolerant flora, deer, the estuary, food chains, birds and butterflies. Field trips to associated locations will take place in the afternoon for those who have attended the morning lectures. Cost £5 for lectures, £5 for field trips.

• The Institute is open on Saturday 2pm-6pm, Sunday  10am-5pm. More information (and a booking form for the study day) is available on the Landscape Trust website:  www.arnsidesilverdaleaonb.org.uk/AONB/Support/AONB-Landscape-Trust.htm or by emailing: LTeventsATarnsidesilverdaleaonb.org.uk or you can call Arnside and Silverdale AONB on 01524 761034.