What’s that? Is it a bird, is it a plane… no it’s a bear!!!
Who doesn’t love a good bear hunt? The chance to get out in the fresh air and search for something different, the thrill of the chase, and the excitement of showing off your prize to your friends.
Obviously we don’t mean hunting for real bears (we’re not that cruel) – Bear Hunting and Other Ways to Walk are events and activities designed to get us all out and walking on some of the 700 miles of footpaths across Kirklees.
In addition to an actual bear hunt (with golden bears) there are also art, music and other walking inspired events that use the footpaths in Kirklees in ways you would never think possible.
Bear Hunting and Other Ways to Walk is happening across Kirklees until November 2015.
Golden Bear Hunt
Your all invited on a Golden Bear hunt, This fun for all the family activity is being run by artist Bess Martin.
Bess has hidden hundreds of handmade clay bears across Kirklees. You can find clues to where the bears are hidden on her blog www.bessinabout.com. There’s also an interactive map on the bear hunting website so you can find out which bears have been found, and which are are still up for grabs! Get out and find yourself an original handmade artwork to keep.
Gathering Tree Seeds – Saturday 10 October, 10-12.30pm, Mirfield
Want to grow your own tree? Take a stroll to beautiful Ladywood with Kirklees Countryside Officer Simon Pedley, once there you’ll learn how to find and collect acorns and tree seeds for planting.
You can then either take your seed home – or leave it with us to be nurtured for a couple of years and then planted into the woodland at Dewsbury Country Park. There’ll be a chance to warm up afterwards with free drinks and warm snacks at The Ship Inn.
Book your place on Gathering Tree Seeds (free event)
Herbal Hedgerows – Thursday 15 October, 10-12.30pm, Mirfield
Ever wondered about the medicinal properties of wild plants? Like the idea of finding free medicines growing near you?
Expert Sue Salmon will be pointing out medicinal plants growing in the wild and showing us just what we can do with them on this guided walk.
After this session you may well change your mind about how to treat your winter coughs and colds this year.
Find out more about Herbal Hedgerows (costs £6)
Colne Rising – Saturday 24 October at 3.30pm, Sunday 25 October at 2.30pm, Marsden
The year is 2067. Climate change has become climate chaos, and even 75 miles inland is not safe from the sea. A series of short spoken-word performances will submerge you in this new world. Meet at the Bandstand in Marsden Park, for a moderate terrain walk of around 3 miles ending at the New Inn for a warming drink.
Learn more about Colne Rising (costs £2.50)
Bear hunting events coming up…
Walking events in November include a Secret Fire Garden in Meltham. For all other events pick up a leaflet from your local library or follow @bearhuntfest on Twitter and like bear hunting Kirklees on Facebook.
Bear Hunting and Other Ways to Walk is devised and managed by ‘We Do’ and supported by Kirklees Council and Arts Council England.
New Nordic walking sessions started on Thursday 8th January 2015 at Castle Hill, with more dates planned throughout the year.