Explore the Black Country Geopark this October half term

With more than 40 Geosites dotted across the Black Country, many of them great outdoor spaces, there are plenty of places to visit to keep active, while following coronavirus rules.

Whether it’s hunting for fossils at the Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve, climbing to the top of Barr Beacon, taking a walk along one of the wonderful canals that stretch across the Black Country or walking through the woods at Sandwell Valley Country Park, there’s plenty to enjoy.

A number of Black Country attractions are also offering outdoor activities including The Red House Glass Cone in Wordsley, which will have a free super sleuth outdoor trail for children to take part in.

The trail is available Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm and every child who completes the trail will receive a small prize.

Bumble Hole nature reserve will be also be offering a free trail. Children and families can take part hunting for letters around the reserve and unscrambling them to spell out words.

There’s a copy of the map and instructions on the visitors centre noticeboard. People can photograph this on their smartphones or print off the trail and map from the Bumble Hole Visitors Centre Facebook page.

For rainy days, Wolverhampton Art Gallery has published a tool of online resources to keep children entertained at home. These can be found at https://www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk/family-friendly/family-friendly-free-online-resources/

People choosing to explore any of their local Geosites must always follow the latest coronavirus guidance which includes the rule of six and social distancing.

Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said:

This half term it’s a great time to wrap up warm and discover the wonderful array of places to visit within the UNESCO Global Geopark.

This year, more than ever before, many of us have come to really appreciate the open spaces near where we live and many of them are most likely to be sites within the geopark.

With many of the sites providing big, open spaces they are a safe haven during these difficult times, but people must always remember to follow the rule of six and social distancing.

People can share pictures from their visits on social media, whether it’s a craggy rock face, a duck swimming along the canal or a beautiful autumn landscape by tagging in Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark on Facebook or @bcgeopark on twitter.

For a full list of Geosites waiting to be explored go to https://blackcountrygeopark.dudley.gov.uk/