 Bird nesting season has begun
We're now well into the annual bird nesting season, which runs from March to August for most species.
During this time, you may find birds nesting in your trees, shrubs, hedges, ivy, boxes, under your eaves or on the roof. It's important that you don't cut back any vegetation during this time in case you disturb nests, which can be well hidden.
You should trim your hedges once a year, during the winter, if needed as this gives wildlife the chance to eat any berries. All wild birds, including their nests and eggs, are protected by law.
 It's time to book for the May half-term
The half term break is fast approaching and Dinton Activity Centre has a range of activities in store to keep your children entertained.
Wild Days Holiday Club
Designed for ages eight to 13, Wild Days Holiday Club allows participants to take part in two different land or water activities in a half-day session, such as archery, fencing, zip wire, kayaking, raft building, stand-up or paddleboarding. They will be led by our experienced instructors and have fun in a safe environment.
The morning programme is different from the afternoon, so you can book a whole day for your child.
The May half-term Wild Days Holiday Club will run from 30 May (Tuesday) to 2 June (Friday) and costs £32 per person.
Check out the Dinton Activity Centre website for more details or to book a place.
Junior and Teen Sailing Week
Sailing is great fun for young people, even if they don't have any previous experience. During the coming May half-term and summer holiday, we'll be running Junior and Teen Sailing Week for ages eight or above.
Junior Sailing Week is suitable for all aged eight to 13. It covers stage one to four of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Youth Sailing Programme.
Stage one introduces the basic principles of dinghy sailing, and is suitable for those with no sailing experience. Experienced participants can progress through the RYA syllabus to more advanced modules by joining the stage two to four programmes.
Teen Sailing Week is designed for teenagers aged 13 to 17, helping them work toward the adult RYA Level 1 and 2 scheme. Level 1 covers the basics of sailing, while Level 2 gives participants the chance to get outside and advance their knowledge.
Places for both age groups are selling quickly, so book soon if interested.
 Have a great Storytime
The next Storytime session at Dinton Activity Centre will be held on 16 May (Tuesday), from 11am to 11.30am.
It is designed for young children aged two to five. Tony Knight, a platform announcer famous with local commuters for his poetry readings, will continue hosting the session with our libraries team. They will be reading stories and poetry to parents and children, and having fun activities together.
Entrance is free and no booking is needed. Just pop into The Coffee Deck at the activity centre and have a great time!
 Running and cycling events at Dinton
A number of running and cycling events are taking place at Dinton Pastures Country Park. Check them out if you are interested!
SummerCX
A cycle-cross event for young and adult riders, SummerCX will host its race one, three and five at Dinton Pastures on 11 May, 25 May and 8 June (all Thursday). It is open to racers from under 10. Enter online on the event webpage.
Dinton Summer Series
The Dinton Summer Series by Barnes Fitness is a friendly series of 5km or 10km runs held on an off-road, traffic-free route around the country park.
Races will be held on 11 May, 8 June, 13 July and 10 August (all Thursday) and welcome runners of all abilities. Find out more and sign up online.
Dinton Pastures parkrun
Dinton Pastures parkrun is a free community event for everyone. It starts at 9am every Saturday, following a course around White Swan Lake.
It is not a race against other runners! You can walk, jog or run at your own pace and enjoy coffee afterwards at The Coffee House. Registration is needed, but it's free and only needs to be done once.
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