River & Wildlife day – 22nd September……’World Rivers Day’! – Come and join us for this FREE event.

• By Matt Bishop
• September 8, 2019
• No Comments

Sunday 22nd September 2019 – C.A.T.C.H. River and Wildlife Day from 10am until 2pm at Wincanton Recreation Ground. Please see below:

As part of the celebration of ‘World Rivers Day’, at the end of September, Wincanton voluntary river group C.A.T.C.H. are excited to announce that they will be hosting a River and Wildlife Day at Wincanton Recreation Ground on Sunday 22nd September 2019 from 10am until 2pm. The aim of the day is fundamentally to bring people together to learn more about what lives and grows in and around the River Cale and the work of C.A.T.C.H. On hand will be a host of experienced bodies who have kindly donated their time to support the work of the group. This fun and free event offers something for everyone and includes talks, demonstrations, information points and the opportunity to ask the experts questions relating to the river and the areas around it. C.A.T.C.H. are delighted to announce that amongst a host of those attending and supporting the day are Jeremy Wade, TV presenter and author, Jeremy is well known for his TV series ‘River Monsters’, but also has a wealth of knowledge through his travels, a degree in Zoology and a post graduate teaching certificate in Biological Sciences. Also supporting the day will be Chris Sperring MBE, Conservation Officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust. Chris has spent time with C.A.T.C.H. previously and has passed on a wealth of knowledge which has been invaluable, his passion and ability to engage is a real must for anyone with an interest with nature and conservation. Joining the group for the day will be urban fly-fisher, river restorationist and author Theo Pike from the Wild Trout Trust. Theo too has been a great inspiration to the work of C.A.T.C.H. for some time, offering advice and guidance and again brings a wealth of knowledge to the day particularly in the field of fly fishing in urban rivers and river conservation. Alan Wells founder of Pitcombe Rock Falconry near Bruton will be another invaluable attendee to the event, Alan will be bringing along some of his birds of prey relevant to the Cale habitat. The Falconry rescue and rehabilitate wild and captive bred birds of prey as well as offer educational information on their work. Wincanton resident and qualified arborist Jonathan Astel will also be on hand to lead a ‘walk and talk’, on the trees found along the stretch of the River Cale which runs through Wincanton Recreation Ground. C.A.T.C.H. are also delighted to confirm that also present will be representatives from the Environment Agency and Somerset Wildlife Trust, both on hand to support the day and offer expert information. ‘Partridge of Redditch’, are a Wincanton based company who are innovator’s and technology leaders in the manufacture of fishing hooks, they also will be supporting the day and will be offering demonstrations of their work. Fly casting practice on dry land will hopefully give a real appreciation of this time honoured skill. Also attending and also from Wincanton will be the team from the Bootmakers offering their usual fun activities for children. There will be a host of free activities and talks for all ages, all free and all designed to give us all a better insight into our local river and the life that lives in and around it. Wincanton Recreation Ground has limited car park but is only a short walk from the Town Centre which offers plenty of car parking spaces. For those unfamiliar with the area the Recreation Ground can be located using postcode BA9 9ED, there is a café located within the Ground and a very short walk from the main event area. Firm tarmacked paths lead to the majority of activity spaces and for more information contact C.A.T.C.H. on 07597 127187 or visit www.rivercale.org Members of C.A.T.C.H. will also be on-hand with their stand to talk about their work. As always, the group are grateful for the support and assistance of Wincanton Town Council.