This engaging butterfly identification workshop with Nick Patel offers an immersive way to connect with the vibrant world of butterflies, set in the beautiful rewilding setting of Heal Somerset.

Nick will introduce attendees to the rich diversity of butterfly species that we can expect to see at this time of the year, many of which we hope to see increase in numbers on site thanks to ongoing rewilding efforts which helps provide the perfect habitat for them.

This workshop will be a great opportunity for beginners, or those looking refresh their knowledge, to learn how to identify butterflies and to also hear more about improving habitats and the role butterflies play in the ecosystem. Nick will also discuss how we can make our own green spaces more butterfly friendly.

By the end of the workshop, you'll not only have a greater appreciation for butterflies but a renewed understanding of how essential they are in ongoing nature restoration. The two-hour session will be followed by an hour walk around the site where you will be able to put everything you have learned into practice.

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About your workshop leader, Nick Patel:

Nick is a tour guide, conservationist, naturalist and birder and is passionate about helping to protect, create and maintain British wildlife. A lifelong Birdwatcher, and former Nature reserve Warden, Nick has devoted his life to shouting about how amazing our native biodiversity is and just why we should care for it.

Nick says "Having led tours here at Heal Somerset for two years now, I've witnessed first-hand the speed at which nature has already made a comeback. I'm super passionate about showing everyone who visits the site the wealth of wildlife bouncing back, including some really beautiful species and fabulous rewilding habitats."

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LOCATION

Heal Somerset is in a very rural location, a few miles from Bruton, Frome, the A303 and the Wiltshire border, at Lower West Barn Farm, Bindon Lane, Witham Friary, BA11 5HH. Directions will be sent in a confirmation email.

TIMINGS

10am Workshop begins at Heal Somerset farmhouse

12pm Walk around site to put learning into practice

1pm Refreshments at farmhouse

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CLOTHING AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

We recommend you bring binoculars if you have them for the walking part of the workshop.

We recommend that you wear sturdy boots as thanks to our wild-living beavers, it may be wet underfoot. Bring sunscreen, antihistamines if you need them and ticks will be about so we suggest long trousers.

ACCESSIBILITY

The site is not yet wheelchair-accessible, but we do have one all-terrain mobility scooter available. If you would like to use this, please let us know ahead of the event.

If you use an assistance dog, your dog will be welcome.

If you have any additional questions about accessibility please email [email protected].

OTHER THINGS

Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel this workshop and either refund you or book you into an alternative date. This would be due to a very poor weather forecast or illness and will be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

Please note, tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.

Children and babies

Children over 14 are welcome at this workshop as are babies in slings (the site is not pushchair-friendly in a lot of areas). Please contact [email protected] for more information about bringing children.

Dogs

We welcome assistance dogs but you can't bring a pet dog or any other pets to the site.

Supporting Heal

Please note, up to 50% of your ticket price will go towards supporting the work of Heal.

You'll also have the chance to become a Friend of Heal and to donate to support our work.

Special ticketing

If you are unwaged, a student or living on a very low income and the cost of attending is prohibitive, please email [email protected] as we may be able to support your attendance. Please note this may not always be possible.

Local accommodation

Camping is available at Heal Somerset and you can book that here. There are lots of places to stay in and around Frome and Bruton, you can find information for some of them here

Transport

The remote rural location means that travelling here by car is the most practical option and there will be car parking available for all tour participants.