‘Coast and Countryside’ is the theme of a free, fun-filled family day out when the Fort Victoria Foray returns to Fort Victoria Country Park in Yarmouth on Thursday 17 August. This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever with a host of activities to take part in and learn from.

The Foray this year is supported by the Isle of Wight Council’s parks and countryside section, Leading Wildlife project, Estuaries project and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership.

Highlights of the day – which will run between 10.30am and 3:0.0pm – include the chance to climb a very tall Corsican Pine tree (with appropriate training and guidance), a Whale and Dolphin road show with life-size inflatable sea creatures, a story- telling tent, guided nature walks, rock pooling and the opportunity to study tiny sea creatures under the microscope with the Medina Valley Centre Eco Challenger bus. Entry, parking and all events are free.

There will also be two marquees – a ‘noisy’ one with activities such as bird and bat box building, badge making and nature art, and a ‘quiet’ one with informative and interactive displays from Dinosaur Isle, Wight Squirrel Project and Red Squirrel Trust, AONB Partnership, Island 2000, National Trust, Isle of Wight College and council’s parks and countryside section. Fort Victoria attractions such as the Marine Aquarium, Planetarium, Maritime Archaeology Museum and Model Railway will offer discounted entry throughout the day.

Parking is limited at Fort Victoria but a free car park will be available on the day on the Freshwater side of Yarmouth Bridge, in a field next to Gasworks Lane. People who use this facility will be able to either use a free park and ride service, or take a fifteen minute stroll along the coastal footpath to the fort. Each vehicle parking at the overflow car park will receive a voucher entitling one person to a free cup of tea or coffee at Verdi’s Café.

Information supplied via IOW Council Press Release.