A bird in the hand...

We wanted to share some video footage from our recent Hawk Walk so that you can see some of the fantastic experiences we had!  The first clip shows us flying and handling some Harris Hawks, the second shows the hawks flying alongside us as we walked through woodland.  In the final clip, we are given an insight in to owl behaviour by an experienced falconer...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhGJ6YIzzjI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcrvygUP9Js

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZWcPBggPRs

The Network Nature Express exhibition continues!

If the opening night was anything to go by, the exhibition is already proving a huge success! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zim2gF_5xk0

...and the exhibition continues at Leicester's Independent Arts Centre

Fabrika
68 Humberstone Gate
Leicester
LE1 3PL

Friday 15th July - Thursday 28th July 2011.

There will be an Open Evening on Friday, 15th July from 5.30pm - 7.30pm and entry is FREE!

You can still see the exhibition at Pedestrian, 34-38 Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1 1RD until this Thursday, 14th July and entry is also FREE!  We hope to see as many of you there as possible.

Ospreys

Rutland water is home to the first Ospreys to breed in Europe for 150 years.  We visited the Lyndon Visitor Centre there to see the birds for ourselves.  The centre features a live Osprey camera and, a short walk away, there are shallow water hides offering great views of the Osprey nest.  The staff there helped to make sure we got the best possible view of the Ospreys through telescopes that were set up within the hides.  We were lucky enough to see the Ospreys and were amazed at their size!



Ospreys...you may have to take our word for it!



Hawk Walk

We went on a memorable 'hawk walk', getting up close to falcons, hawks and owls.  We had the opportunity to handle the birds and experience them coming out of the sky and flying to the glove, all in spectacular countryside!

Firestarters and Candlestick makers

We were lucky enough to attend a two day residential visit to the ‘Shining Cliff’ hostel in Derbyshire.  The hostel was tucked away in a peaceful woodland setting and was a welcome break from city life.  We recorded two of the activities to share with the blog.  The first clip shows us being taught to light fires, safely, in woodland.  In the second clip we are making outdoor candle holders from natural materials including stinging nettles which were used to make our own string!  We hope you enjoy watching the clips as much as we enjoyed the trip!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA2SeaireHg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzpS1Z1AqpU

Tree Hugging!

For those who missed the bird talk...

...or those who'd like to see it again!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggCdOnhspog

A big 'thank you' to Viv for this fascinating presentation.

Brocks Hill, by Mary

At a women's group that I attend once a month with Network Resource Centre, we had a trip to Brocks Hill Visitor Centre in Oadby.  This place was very eco-friendly, plenty to do for all members of a family.  There was a lovely sundial right in the centre.  What stood out for me most of all was the way animals were carved out of wood at different places.  As I love owls, I couldn't resist having my picture taken!  A most enjoyable afternoon.