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Summer of Play: Woodland Science Lab with the Animal and Plant Health Agency

Head to Tinkley Gate for this free activity, presented by real wildlife professionals. Throughout the day the Animal and Plant Health Agency will present a series of interactive exhibits to encourage you to get hands-on with their work

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event

Whether you're visiting as part of our Summer of Play offer or want to come along just for this drop in event.

Designed to inspire budding scientists, veterinarians or wildlife fans. This event is a fun and unique opportunity for children to see models and equipment they may have seen in television documentaries, like wildlife-tracking technology and giant DNA models.

Activities include using microscopes, having a go at vaccinating thier own (soft toy) wildlife patients and watching badgers on wildlife cameras. This lab is designed for young people to understand the similiarities and connections between their own health, and that of wildlife, farming and the environment.

As part of the trail, get involved with a "Wildlife Whodunnit!" - help the scientists crack the case. From just a few hairs left behind as evidence, scientists use DNA forensics to identify wildlife. From a line-up of suspects, become a wildlife detective, learn how the science works and identify the mystery animal.

Times

The basics

Accessibility

This space is accessible via a patio which runs from the front of the cafe all the way to the Barn. Disabled parking spaces are available in the main car park and there is a drop off bay near to the cafe. View our article on the Woodchester Park website for more information on Accessibility at Woodchester Park

Meeting point

This event will be held in the Tinkley Gate barn area, which is located around the side of the cafe area. Park up in the Tinkley Gate car park (GL10 3UH) and head for the cafe.

Suitability for children

This event is aimed at children, families, young people, and curious minds

What to bring and wear

Bring clothing and footwear suitable for outdoor activities and games. This event is under cover, but you will need to move through the outdoors to access it or enjoy other activities on the day.

Upcoming events

Summer of Play at Tinkley Gate 

Summer of Play is back at Tinkley Gate! From 18 July - 31 August there'll be free, family-friendly activities on every day.

Event summary

on
23 Jul to 31 Aug 2026
at 10:00 to 16:30+ 39 other dates or times

Summer Evenings at Tinkley Gate 

Join us on Fridays and Saturdays throughout July for evening openings. Play board and lawn games, enjoy walks, have pizza and new sundaes with our "dessert club" offer in a relaxing environment with views over the Stroud valleys. Gates close at 8pm.

Event summary

on
24 Jul to 25 Jul 2026
at 16:00 to 20:00+ 1 other date or time

Summer Evenings - Live Folk Music with Ordinary Folk 

Draw up a deck chair, grab a picnic blanket or get up and move along to the sounds of British, Irish and Appalachian folk music with Ordinary Folk at Tinkley Gate. This free event is part of Tinkley Gate's summer evening openings.

Event summary

on
24 Jul 2026
at 17:30 to 19:30

Moth Morning 

Would you like to learn more about moths and see some of these amazing creatures in the light of day? Take part in a free moth morning at Tinkley Gate as we uncover the traps from the night before.

Event summary

on
25 Jul to 19 Sep 2026
at 09:30 to 11:00+ 2 other dates or times