February half-term fun at Lydford Gorge

Using a fire steel to make sparks at Lydford Gorge

Read on if you fancy a walk, a cuppa in the tea-room, an activity for all the family or to learn a new skill. There’s lots of choice at Lydford Gorge this February half term, 2020.

'50 things' stick trail

Branch out with a range of stick-based activities for all the family. Play pooh sticks on the suspension bridge, create a story stick of your day and look out for stick creatures on route to the Whitelady Waterfall. There will be some extra stick activity stations in the orchard as well. The trail will be running 10am-3pm every day, Saturday 15 February to Sunday 1 March.

Chilly looking water flowing under the suspension bridge at the Whitelady Waterfall

Build your own bird box

Materials and guidance will be provided by the ranger team along with info on the best place to put it up in your garden. Make a box individually or make one as a family, the box can be tailored to suit a variety of different garden birds. Saturday 15 February, 12-3pm. Below is a video that explains how to make one for yourself.

Fun with fire

Drop in between 12 noon and 2pm on Tuesday 18 February to have a go at lighting a fire without matches. Then mix up some tasty dough to cook on a stick over the campfire.

Bug home making

Or stop by on Friday 21 February between 11.30am and 1.30pm to make a bug home out of natural materials and attract a range of different beneficial insects to your garden or window box.

Apple pruning workshop

On Saturday 22 February join a hands-on morning in the orchard to learn the art of pruning apple trees with the ranger team. The session will cover some of the theory of different apple pruning techniques and then let you get hands on with the trees in the orchard to practice using different tools. Booking is essential as the session is usually well attended.

A group learning about how to prune apple trees — Learn how to prune apple trees

Winter walks

For those wanting to stretch their legs the walks to Whitelady Waterfall and the bird hide will be open every day. There are some lovely views out over the gorge at this time of year which are hidden in summer by the leaves of the oak trees.

Food and drink

Both tea-rooms and the shop will be open 10am-3.30pm, Saturday 15 to Sunday 23 February. Get a take away hot drink to enjoy on your walk or grab a table in the warm to enjoy a tasty treat.