Light up the long winter nights with your own lantern

If you’re struggling to find things to keep the little ones occupied in that fallow period between Christmas and New Year, we’ve got some great ideas to help make the holiday go with a swing.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Dec 2013, 10:00 BST
The Brockholes nature reserve, just off the M6 at PrestonThe Brockholes nature reserve, just off the M6 at Preston
The Brockholes nature reserve, just off the M6 at Preston

Brockholes, the nature reserve owned and managed by the Wildlife Trust for Lancashrie, Manchester and North Merseyside, has lots of activities to keep idle hands busy.

From today, Friday, December 27, to Sunday, December 29, you can try your hand at making lanterns.

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Design and create a withy lantern from willow, ideal for lighting the garden on winter evenings!

Suitable for all the family, although children must be accompanied by an adult

Between noon and 3pm, just drop in to the The Withy Lantern MakingActivity Room, and get illuminated.

Each lantern you make costs just £3, and LED tea lights are available at a small extra charge.

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This is a drop-in activity, so there’s no need to book, and as there’s no entry fee for Brockholes, you just pay for car parking.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, December 29, at 1.30pm, there’s a Guided Reserve Walk.

Join one of the trust’s reserve guides for a tour of the reserve – find out about how the trust got here, what wildlife there is to see, and the trust’s conservation aims.

The walk will last two-and-a-half hours, and adequate footwear is required.

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Meet at the Welcome Centre in the Visitor Village.No need to book, but for more information please call 01772 872000.

On Wednesday, January 1, take the whole family on a guided walk of the reserve.

This is a slightly shorter version of the usual guided walk, lasting just an hour, and will use buggy-friendly footpaths.

It’s a fantastic chance to get together with other parents, get outside and for young ones to learn about Brockholes and British wildlife.

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Then, to get everyone in tune before the return to work and school, there’s the New Year Resolution 5km Run, on Sunday, January 5.

Kick start the New Year with a blast round Brockholes, on the paths and trails around the nature reserve.

The race starts at noon, and this is definitely a family friendly event, with all children under 16 years old running free with an a paying adult.

The run costs £10 in advance, including three hours’ free car parking, or £14 on the day. To register, visit www.noegochallange.com

Related topics:Manchester