Bishops Wood Environment Centre, which is supported by National Grid and based at the company’s electricity substation near Stourport, Worcestershire, is inviting visitors to experience a walk amongst the bluebells in the grounds of the centre.

From 2pm on Sunday 10 May, the public can explore the woodland and take in the aroma of the carpet of bluebells that grows on part of the land. Visitors can also listen to tales of bluebell fairies and learn about ways to help preserve the English flower, which is threatened by global warming and the importation of Spanish bluebells.

John Rhymer, head of the environment centre, said: ‘The woodland is stunning at this time of year.  The bluebells started opening quite early this year but the current wet weather is slowing them down, so there should be a good show by the weekend of our walk.  But we offer much more than just a walk. Our guides explain something of the natural history and folk-lore of bluebells and introduce visitors to parts of the site that they never get to during other events.”

The Centre suggests an entrance donation of £3 for adults and £1 children, and £2 for adults and free entry for children for members of Friends of Bishops Wood and their immediate family.

Visitors are asked to check the date of the walk closer to the time at www.bishopswoodcentre.org.uk to make sure that a warm spell doesn’t result in early blooming.

-Ends-

For further media information only, please contact Doranna Rizzo, National Grid Media Relations, on 01926 655373 or 07816 151221

National Grid
National Grid is an international electricity and gas company and one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world. We play a vital role in delivering gas and electricity to millions of people across Great Britain and northeastern US in an efficient, reliable and safe manner. We believe the power of action can play a major role in safeguarding our global environment for future generations and tackling the effects of climate change, providing all our customers with the highest standards of service through network investment and through our talented, diverse workforce.

National Grid owns the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales and operates the system across Great Britain. It also owns and operates the high pressure gas transmission system in Britain and its distribution business delivers gas to 11 million homes and businesses.

National Grid manages the National Gas Emergency Service freephone line 0800 111 999*.

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.

www.nationalgrid.com

An RSS feed is now available for National Grid press releases
http://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/media+centre/pressreleases/rss

National Grid Environmental Education Centres
Bishops Wood is part of National Grid's network of environmental education centres based on electricity substation sites around the UK.  Our centres are run in partnership with local education authorities, environmental charities and other organisations, and provide outdoor learning opportunities for schools and a range of activities and training for adults, community groups and companies. They provide a safe and secure environment for all age groups to learn about their natural world.

Bishops Wood Centre is situated just off the A449 at Crossway Green, near Stourport.  It is run as a partnership between National Grid, Worcestershire County Council and Worcester College of Technology. Set in 70 acres of ancient woodland and meadows, the centre’s award winning building was designed as a model of good practice for ‘green’ architecture. 

Friends of Bishops Wood organise monthly events which show the variety of work at the centre.  Future events include:

Sunday 14 June 2pm - 4.30pm: Musical Picnic at Bishops Wood
Stroll around the woodlands, glades and wildflower meadows and discover music being performed by musicians from Worcestershire Schools. Bring a picnic if you wish.

Thursday 18 June 7.30pm – 10.30pm: AGM and Bat talk and walk
Following a short AGM we will hear about bats from Phil Vincent, County Ecologist, before going on a bat walk to discover which bats are around at Bishops Wood (weather permitting). No charge, but donations are invited.

Saturday 4 July 10am –3pm: Eco-Festival
Join in our celebration of sustainability. Enjoy talks, displays, games, performances, art galleries, sustainable food and much more, in an amazing festival atmosphere - the culmination of a series of Eco-Schools events.