Go Wild in the Stour Valley
The Dedham Vale and Stour Valley on the Suffolk Essex border is a beautiful place to explore and discover the natural world and wonders of our past.
There are so many incredible places to visit and activities that you can do when you get there. So why not Go Wild in the Stour Valley!
Check out our Family Activity leaflet for more information or the Stour Valley Education Network (SVEN) discovery Factsheets, which are full of interesting facts, places to go and activities to do.
Calendar of 2026 Events
Some outdoor learning providers from the Stour Valley Education Network (SVEN) have created self-guided family trails at their sites which you can visit and do for free. You can also take part in a selection off fun nature based events for families and young people!
April 2026
What's that Bat?
Use ultrasonic bat detectors in this evening's who's who of the bat world.
Where: Daws Hall Nature Reserve, Henny Road, Lamarsh. CO8 5EX
When: Friday 17th April 2026 - Timed for sunset & dusk
Cost: Adults £10, Children £5
More details: dawshallnature.co.uk or phone 01787269766
May 2026
Dawn Chorus Walk
Improve your bird identification skills with Sarah and reward yourself with coffee and a croissant. Will we beat last year’s total of 33 species?
Where: Foxearth Meadows Nature Reserve Liston CO10 7HY
When: Sunday 10th May, 6.00am - 8.00am
Cost: Places limited to 15 for each walk. Booking on Eventbrite is essential. Suggested donation: £5.
More details: Find out more and book at www.arocha.org.uk
Flatford Nature Day
There are lots of fun, nature-based outdoor activities and crafts suitable for children of all ages such as pond-dipping, bug hunting, tree trails, making nature’s colour palette and using a solar telescope – and it’s free!
Where: National Trust Flatford, site, CO7 6UL
When: Tuesday 26th May, 11.00am - 4.00pm
Cost: Free. Parking at Flatford National Trust car park is £6.00.
More details: For more information, you can call the Field Studies Council at Flatford Mill on 01206 297110.
June 2026
Dragonfly and Damselfly Identification Walk
With experts David Chandler and Andrea Harrison. Ever popular, learn from the experts and see dragons up close. Choose the morning or afternoon session.
Where: Foxearth Meadows Nature Reserve Liston CO10 7HY
When: Saturday 17th June 2026 - 10.30am - 12.15pm and 1.15pm - 3pm
Cost: Places limited to 15 for each walk. Booking on Eventbrite is essential. Suggested donation: £5.
More details: Find out more and book at www.arocha.org.uk
July 2026
Dragonfly and Damselfly Identification Walk
With experts David Chandler and Andrea Harrison. Ever popular, learn from the experts and see dragons up close. Choose the morning or afternoon session.
Where: Foxearth Meadows Nature Reserve Liston CO10 7HY
When: Saturday 25th July 2026 - 10.30am - 12.15pm and 1.15pm - 3pm
Cost: Places limited to 15 for each walk. Booking on Eventbrite is essential. Suggested donation: £5.
More details: Find out more and book at www.arocha.org.uk
August 2026
Flatford Nature Day
There are lots of fun, nature-based outdoor activities and crafts suitable for children of all ages such as pond-dipping, bug hunting, tree trails, making nature’s colour palette and using a solar telescope – and it’s free!
Where: National Trust Flatford, site, CO7 6UL
When: Tuesday 11th August, 11.00am - 4.00pm
Cost: Free. Parking at Flatford National Trust car park is £6.00.
More details: For more information, you can call the Field Studies Council at Flatford Mill on 01206 297110.
Flatford Nature Day
There are lots of fun, nature-based outdoor activities and crafts suitable for children of all ages such as pond-dipping, bug hunting, tree trails, making nature’s colour palette and using a solar telescope – and it’s free!
Where: National Trust Flatford, site, CO7 6UL
When: Tuesday 25th August, 11.00am - 4.00pm
Cost: Free. Parking at Flatford National Trust car park is £6.00.
More details: For more information, you can call the Field Studies Council at Flatford Mill on 01206 297110.
September 2026
What's that Bat?
Use ultrasonic bat detectors in this evening's who's who of the bat world.
Where: Daws Hall Nature Reserve, Henny Road, Lamarsh. CO8 5EX
When: 18th September April 2026 - Timed for sunset & dusk
Cost: Adults £10, Children £5
More details: dawshallnature.co.uk or phone 01787269766
October 2026
Flatford Nature Day
There are lots of fun, nature-based outdoor activities and crafts suitable for children of all ages such as pond-dipping, bug hunting, tree trails, making nature’s colour palette and using a solar telescope – and it’s free!
Where: National Trust Flatford, site, CO7 6UL
When: Tuesday 27th October, 11.00am - 3.00pm
Cost: Free. Parking at Flatford National Trust car park is £6.00.
More details: For more information, you can call the Field Studies Council at Flatford Mill on 01206 297110.