Isle of Wight Council’s Countryside Section is busy organising the annual Free: Fun For All the Family Fort Victoria Foray to be held on Thursday 30th July.  The Foray – a free event – is aimed at encouraging families and children of all ages to explore the Island’s fantastic coast and countryside.

Several organisations will be attending including the Footprint Trust, the West Wight Landscape Partnership, Island 2000 and Gift to Nature. The Foray is jointly funded by the Countryside Section and the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Estuaries Projects.

There will be organised events throughout the day with rock pool rambles, storytelling and fossil hunting together with displays and activities such as the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s ‘Plaice Race’ making a splash.

A new activity for this year will be provided by the council’s play development team with play ranger, Carly Kennen, leading environmental games sessions. Carly, who works within the Council Sports Unit, is keen to promote play opportunities across the Island, encouraging the use of free open space and structured play sessions in parks and open spaces.

All other attractions at the Fort will be open, including the aquarium, model railway, planetarium and underwater archaeology centre. If after all this you are in need of refreshments, Café Verdi will be serving from their extensive menu throughout the day.

The Foray is open from 10.30 to 16.30 and entry is free. Car parking on the site will be limited, so an overflow field car park is available. From the car park the Fort is a ten minute walk along the coastal footpath, alternatively there will be a free return mini-bus service to the Fort.

Cllr Edward Giles, cabinet member for environment and transport, said:

“The Foray event is all about demonstrating how wonderful the Island’s natural environment is and – just as importantly – showing families how they are able to make the most of enjoying our unique countryside”

For more information contact the Isle of Wight Council’s Parks and Countryside section on (01983) 823893.