THE Meeth Quarry nature reserve is to host a special 'Week of Wildlife' activities and art events later this month.

Devon Wildlife Trust's Northern Devon Nature Improvement Area (NIA) is staging a series of events, starting with a weekend of free events for families on Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23.

The theme for these events is 'Artists and Scientists', with visitors being encouraged to discover how artists draw inspiration and scientists find fascination in the natural world. 

Tamasine Addie, community outreach officer for the Northern Devon NIA, said: 'During the weekend we want to give people the chance to help us map Meeth Quarry nature reserve, building up a picture of the landscape from different points of view.

'By 'mapping Meeth' in this way we get a chance to see all the benefits it has to offer for wildlife and local people alike.

'We hope to see lots of wildlife on site – and lots of people enjoying it too.'

Visitors will also be encouraged to explore their own artistic and scientific interests in a packed two days of activity.

Visitors can drop in when they like, and stay all day if they choose to. Both days run from 11am to 3pm.

On Saturday, March 22 there will be the opportunity to join a painter, a poet and a soil scientist in a series of hands on activities which will draw on Meeth Quarry's unique landscape.

The following day, the focus will be the search for mammals, amphibians and reptiles in the company of experts, along with a music workshop with drumming and animal songs inspired by the nature reserve.

The weekend is being followed by a further event aimed at local school teachers.

Tuesday, March 25 sees Meeth Quarry open its doors for teachers to find out ways in which they might use the nature reserve as an 'outdoor classroom' with their pupils.

The evening will also include a short walk to explore areas of the site suitable for school visits. 

This session will run from 4pm to 6.30pm. Booking is essential.

For more information or to book a place contact Tamasine Addie on 07968 850803.

The final event of the week is on Friday, March 28 with a 'Dark Dark Night' event from 4pm to 7pm.

Back by popular demand, this event is a drop-in session giving people the chance to find out more about moths, owls and bats as they emerge into the night sky after a winter of hibernation.

This is a great opportunity to see bats up close, learn about owl habitats and marvel at moths as they flit through the air at twilight.

All events are free. To find out more about the events on the Northern Devon Nature Improvement Area visit http://www.northerndevonnia.org">www.northerndevonnia.org