The Pensthorpe Conservation Trust, a charity based at the reserve famous for being the base for BBC Springwatch, is hosting the fifth annual action-packed ‘Wild About the Wensum’ day on Saturday May 21st from 10am to 5pm which sees the return of CBeebies’s green-fingered star, Jelly!

The event coincides with the 2011 International Day of Biodiversity which sees events around the world highlighting the importance of our habitat and wildlife.

Jelly from CBeebies says: “Looking after nature and the world around us is the most important thing and it doesn’t have to be hard. Even little things make a big difference. That’s why I am so excited to be coming back to the Wild About Wensum Event because there is always so much to see and do. This year is all about Butterflies, so join me in finding out how we can help to protect butterflies and see many more in our gardens!”

Visitors will find local craft demonstrations, butterfly mask making, face painting, hands-on archery classes, bird identification sessions with local experts and many more games and adventures. Music will be provided by Rig a Jig Jig. There will also be a hog roast and barbecue.

Kirsty Willingham, the event’s organiser at Pensthorpe says: “This one day event goes from strength to strength and provides the perfect opportunity for people of all ages to understand and appreciate the rich wildlife and fauna that is found in the Wensum River Valley. It is a day full of fun, education and enjoyment and is completely free to everyone. You just can’t beat it.”

Commenting on the wild day out Tim Nevard, Trustee of the Pensthorpe Conservation Trust said: “’Wild About the Wensum’ is an event for all the family and is a great opportunity to celebrate the natural history and heritage of the Wensum Valley. You can expect numerous activities including mini beast explorations, guided walks, nature quizzes, treasure hunts and so much more.

“The River Wensum is designated as a Special Area for Conservation (SAC) by the European Union and Natural England and we are delighted that Morrisons, Fakenham Town Council and Fakenham Learning Partnership are supporting this year’s event to help us conserve this fabulous, internationally-recognised landscape.”

Bill Jordan, Pensthorpe’s co-owner said: “This is our fifth annual Wild About the Wensum celebration. Last year over 4,000 people attended the event and we hope that many more local people will take the opportunity to come on May 21st to discover this amazing natural world on their doorstep.”

Admission to Pensthorpe and the event is free on the day, with a nominal £4 parking charge per vehicle to help make it financially sustainable and to encourage car sharing.