Three free events for Easter are set to be held at the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s (SWT) local Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre to help kids have a wild time during their school break this April.

 

Located in Grangemouth, on a former industrial site which has now been transformed into a wildlife haven, the Easter events on offer include ‘Egg-cellent Easter’ on Saturday 3 April, ‘Water World on Friday 9 April, and 'The Big Jupiter Wildflower Plant' on Saturday 17 April. 

 

SWT’s Jupiter Ranger Stephen Owen said:  “For me, spring is one of the most exciting times of year at Jupiter.  After a long hard winter, life is now bursting back. Spring flowers such as primroses and bluebells start blooming, the woods are alive with bird song, and there are plenty of frogs and toads hopping about again. It’s the perfect time of year to come along to some fun events and to find out more about the natural world.

 

“Kicking off the fun on Saturday 3 April, ‘Egg-cellent Easter’ sees us invite anyone interested in wildlife, including young families, to enjoy a guided walk around Jupiter to look for signs of spring.  Running between 2-4 pm, visitors should be able to see plenty wonders of the natural world, from buds opening to spring flowers and birds building nests. You can then join us in our indoor classroom to paint an egg, before taking part in an exciting egg rolling contest! Extra spring crafts will also be on offer, but please bring along your own hard boiled egg.

 

“On Friday 9 April between 2-4pm, we will meet to look at some of the amazing creatures that live in the ponds at Jupiter as they get active again after a long cold winter.  Many animals living in Jupiter’s wetlands have fascinating lifecycles, from tadpoles turning into frogs and toads, to young dragonflies and damselflies prowling in the watery depths. We will be hunting for some of these amazing animals, and finding out more about their lives.  Games and crafts about the world of water will also be part of our ‘Water World’ fun day.

  

“Finally on Saturday 17 April, you can lend a helping hand with ‘The Big Jupiter Wildflower Plant.’  We have over 500 wildflower plants to be planted in the gardens and meadows around the reserve, and we need as much help as possible to get the work done. From primroses to foxgloves, these species will really brighten up Jupiter, as well as attracting insects such as bees and butterflies.  Work gloves and tools will be provided, along with the all important hot drinks and biscuits for hungry planters. Green fingered planters will have the chance to take some wildflower seeds home to plant in your own garden as well.”

 

To get as much as possible out of the afternoons, the SWT advises that participants should arrive promptly at 2 pm and remember to dress for the weather. For more information, please contact the Jupiter Ranger, Stephen Owen on 01324 486475 (mobile 07739 428203), or email jupiterranger@swt.org.uk.  Those wishing to help with the planting should contact the Jupiter Ranger directly.

 

Situated in the heart of Grangemouth, Jupiter is sandwiched between industrial operations and local housing. Previously a railway marshalling yard, Jupiter is home to a surprisingly wide variety of wildlife.

***ENDS***

NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. SWT’s Egg-cellent is on 3 April 2-4pm. Participants are asked to bring along one hard boiled egg each. Water Babes is on 9 April 2-4pm. The Big Jupiter Wildflower Plant is on 17 April 2-4pm. Those interested in helping with the wildflower planting should contact the Jupiter Ranger. To make the most of the sessions, participants should arrive at 2 pm. All our events at Jupiter are free. As a registered charity, SWT welcomes donations. A donation of £2.00 per person is encouraged. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 
2. From April – September this year, Jupiter will be open Monday – Saturday 10.00 am – 5.00 pm. Admission is free.

3. Jupiter is located north of the M9 between junctions 5 and 6. From Beancross Road turn north onto Newlands Road, then left onto Newhouse Road, left onto Wood Street, and Jupiter is on your right. Parking is available in front of the centre. There is no charge for visiting the reserve.

4. The reserve re-opened to the public in September 2006 after it was temporarily closed to allow site owners (KemFine Ltd) to redevelop existing buildings. A new education facility was put in place to enable local schools to use the site as a resource for educational visits.

5. SWT’s work at Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre is generously supported by KemFine and Syngenta.

6. SWT is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 35,000 members who care for wildlife and the environment. SWT seeks to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manages over 120 reserves Scotland-wide.

7. SWT receives financial assistance and support from Scottish Natural Heritage and the People’s Postcode Lottery.

8. The People’s Postcode Lottery is the lottery for charities in Scotland.  Launched in November 2007, PPL represents a unique fundraising concept where players play with their postcode to win cash prizes whilst supporting local charities in Scotland. 40p from each ticket sold goes direct to charities in Scotland. To date SWT have received over £772,023 from PPL which helps maintain the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s network of over 120 reserves across Scotland.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Nicola McGovern, PR Officer
Tel:  0131 312 4742

Stephen Owen, Jupiter Ranger, SWT
Tel: 01324 486475 (07739 428203)