Two members of the cultural attractions cluster, Cumbria’s Living Heritage, are staging events in support of World Animal Day 2019, to help increase awareness of the importance of animals in our lives, raise their status and improve welfare standards around the world.
At Brantwood, near Coniston (www.brantwood.org.uk), an event is taking place on World Animal Day itself – Friday October 4. The former home of writer, artist and social reformer, John Ruskin, has created a programme of fabulous animal and bird-linked activities, which will engage both children and adults alike.
A children’s trail around the gardens that Ruskin created along with his cousin, with an accompanying treasure hunt map, will invite children to find places where information about local animals and birds has been placed.
In the ‘Loft’ area at Brantwood, there will also be various activities and information displays on offer and a video featuring local birds and animals, including footage from a nuthatch nest, which was filmed during a period in which chicks were in the nest and developing into young fledglings.
Additionally, there will be photographs of local animals and an interactive activity that invites visitors to record the animals and birds that they spot on the day. Information relating to local organisations that are engaged in wildlife protection and promotion will also be part of the event, communicating the rich wildlife offer to be found around the Southern Lakes.
The activity is included with entrance to Brantwood, which costs £8.70 for entrance to house and gardens for adults and which is free for children.
In the Northern part of the county, another Cumbria’s Living Heritage member – Hutton-in-the-Forest (www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk) – will be staging an event on Sunday October 6, which celebrates The Day of the Dog – Kukur Tihar – a Nepalese festival.
The dog-friendly heritage venue is staging this event, to not only help celebrate World Animal Day, but also assist three Nepalese charities, including the Jon Salters Kathmandu Animal Treatment Centre. Visitors, in return for a suggested donation of £12 online, or £15 on the day for one dog bringing two people. Whilst the dog receives a flower garland and biscuit, the people it bring along will be able to enjoy a glass of wine and a gift of a Buddhist prayer scarf, Children can also go along for free, with the activity taking place between 2pm and 4pm.
Jane Hunt, the PR consultant for Cumbria’s Living Heritage, who is also assisting World Animal Day this year, says: “These venues are showing how they innovatively put the living into heritage and absorb other facets of local and global life. It’s fabulous to see them celebrating World Animal Day and incorporating it into their event programmes.”
More details about Cumbria’s Living Heritage can be found at www.cumbriaslivingheritage.co.uk whilst details of World Animal Day can be found at www.worldanimalday.org.uk
- Check out our visit to Brantwood on cumbria24
