Wildside Activity Centre

Great to show Aspiring Futures around the centre yesterday, and we're looking forward to hosting their Stay & Play sessions over the coming weeks #stayandplay

Great to show Aspiring Futures around the centre yesterday, and we're looking forward to hosting their Stay & Play sessions over the coming weeks #stayandplay

At this time of year social media is full of resolutions and ideas for self-improvement as another new year begins. We’re not sure how much you read and take on board from all these tips, but The Guardian ‘100 ways to slightly improve your life without really trying’ did catch our eye here at Wildside Activity Centre as it seemed to offer a more realistic approach to self-improvement. We’re not necessarily advocating everything on the list and are certainly not offering ourselves up as lifestyle gurus! but here are some of the easy tips from their list we definitely believe can help to improve your life (slightly):
7. Plant spring bulbs, even if they’re just in a pot.
9. Keep a bird feeder by a window, ideally the kitchen. It’ll pass the time when you’re washing up (check out the photographs from outside our window)
18. Reuse all plastic bags – even bread bags. Much of the packaging you can’t reuse can be taken to larger branches of supermarkets for recycling.
32. Connect with nature
34. Go for a walk without your phone (but always keep safe!)
37. If you’re going less than a mile, walk or cycle. About half of car journeys are under two miles, yet these create more pollution than longer journeys as the engine isn’t warmed up yet.
55. Learn the names of 10 trees (often taken for granted being all around us, but things of beauty and wonder none the less)
63. Volunteer. Go to gov.uk/government/get-involved for ideas (or give Wildside a call!)
83. Join a local litter-picking group (Wildside offers several opportunities throughout the year!)
88. Buy a bike and use it. Learn how to fix it, too. (Wildside can help there too!)
Thanks for your tips The Guardian. To see the full list go to: https://bit.ly/3refmU8

In one way or another it has been a remarkable year for Wildside . Here are just some of the incredible memories which you have helped us create... and here's to making many, many more in 2022. Happy New Year everyone 🎉🎇 #happynewyear2022

In one way or another it has been a remarkable year for Wildside . Here are just some of the incredible memories which you have helped us create... and here's to making many, many more in 2022. Happy New Year everyone 🎉🎇 #happynewyear2022

The centre will be closed for the festive period from Friday 24th December 2021 until Tuesday 4th January 2022. We hope you all have a wonderful time over the holidays, and if you do have a little free time, why not get out and engage with the amazing nature on your doorstep!

The centre will be closed for the festive period from Friday 24th December 2021 until Tuesday 4th January 2022. We hope you all have a wonderful time over the holidays, and if you do have a little free time, why not get out and engage with the amazing nature on your doorstep!

Male robins sing their hearts out at this time of year as they're claiming their territories for next year. That means baby robins in the Spring. A sign of renewal and hope for the coming year, a happy thought given the uncertain times we find ourselves in #NatureOnYourDoorstep #newyearnewhope

Male robins sing their hearts out at this time of year as they're claiming their territories for next year. That means baby robins in the Spring. A sign of renewal and hope for the coming year, a happy thought given the uncertain times we find ourselves in #NatureOnYourDoorstep #newyearnewhope

The art of nature: next time you’re out and about, take some time to look at the incredible shapes and patterns that nature gives out. And if you have your camera handy, why not take some photographs and create your own natural works of art.

Despite being busy preparing for the big day, Santa has still found time to drop into Wildside. Today he is with our friends from The Crafty Gardener , whilst last week he started the festive season off with our first Santa boat trip. Look out for more appearances this weekend! #santa #narrowboat

Despite being busy preparing for the big day, Santa has still found time to drop into Wildside. Today he is with our friends from The Crafty Gardener , whilst last week he started the festive season off with our first Santa boat trip. Look out for more appearances this weekend! #santa #narrowboat

Little Explorers is a great way for young children to access the nature on their doorstep and engage in activities based around the principles of Forest School. From January we will have spaces available on some of our sessions. To find our more call 01902 754612 or email [email protected].

Out of darkness cometh light; it's rather a miserable grey day, but there is a little ray of sunshine around at the centre today as the Mahonia has come into flower. These winter shrubs cheer the grey days. Many of them are highly scented too. But why do they flower when there are so few insects around to pollinate them? The answer is that they came from places like China, Japan or the Himalayas, brought by the great plant hunters of the past. In their homelands, their flowering is perfectly timed for spring insects.

If you're still stuck for present ideas for your family, how about giving them a true sense of freedom and the means to explore the nature on their doorstep... with a bike! All the cycles we offer for sale have been fully refurbished by our experts which means they are safe and affordable. To see what bikes we currently have for sale go to https://www.wildsideac.co.uk/dr-bike/... and remember, the benefit of a bike is for life - not just for Christmas!

If you're still stuck for present ideas for your family, how about giving them a true sense of freedom and the means to explore the nature on their doorstep... with a bike! All the cycles we offer for sale have been fully refurbished by our experts which means they are safe and affordable. To see what bikes we currently have for sale go to https://www.wildsideac.co.uk/dr-bike/... and remember, the benefit of a bike is for life - not just for Christmas!

It's certainly turned more wintry over the past week or so, but den building and camp fire lighting helped to keep the cold out for the youngsters from St Teresa's School during their recent visit. Marshmallow toasting also helped to keep spirits up as the temperatures went down

In order to ensure the safety of Wildside users and staff at this uncertain time, we are requesting that those visiting the centre wear a mask at all times whilst inside the building. Thank you for your cooperation.

Cycling at Wildside: would you like to increase your confidence and feel safer cycling on the roads in and around Wolverhampton? Wildside's cycling experts will be holding a Road Safety Session between 10.30-12.30 on Saturday 4th December. This a free session but booking is essential. For further details go to: https://bit.ly/3qLGmZt

Cycling at Wildside: would you like to increase your confidence and feel safer cycling on the roads in and around Wolverhampton? Wildside's cycling experts will be holding a Road Safety Session between 10.30-12.30 on Saturday 4th December. This a free session but booking is essential. For further details go to: https://bit.ly/3qLGmZt

It was "all hands on deck" yesterday helping Urban Moorings CIC spruce up their space. After getting serious with a strimmer to clear a new seating area we turned our attention to a very weedy area of the carpark. Thanks to our wonderful volunteers who made such a difference.

Do you want to help transform Wolverhampton? Join Wildside as we support Urban Moorings CIC as they turn a derelict canal-side lime kiln site into a resource and garden for the people and communities of Wolverhampton.

Meet us at 10am on Wednesday 10th November, at Commercial Wharf, Lower Horseley Fields, WV1 3DZ. Booking is essential so we know numbers to expect on the day: call 01902 754612 or e-mail: [email protected] if you'd like to be part of this fantastic initiative. https://www.wildsideac.co.uk/urbanmoorings/

Do you want to help transform Wolverhampton? Join Wildside as we support Urban Moorings CIC as they turn a derelict canal-side lime kiln site into a resource and garden for the people and communities of Wolverhampton.

Meet us at 10am on Wednesday 10th November, at Commercial Wharf, Lower Horseley Fields, WV1 3DZ. Booking is essential so we know numbers to expect on the day: call 01902 754612 or e-mail: [email protected] if you'd like to be part of this fantastic initiative. https://www.wildsideac.co.uk/urbanmoorings/

Happy Diwali from everyone at Wildside!

There were some amazing mini dens created in yesterday's session!

Help Simon Help Wildside: Some of you may be aware of the fantastic efforts of one of our supporters, Simon Coates who has been undertaking a 2000 mile trek on behalf of a number of charities including Wildside.

On 23 October Simon completed his trek – an incredible eight days ahead of schedule. His endeavours have raised over £4,500 for charities including more than £330 for Wildside, and although his walk may have come to an end there is still TIME TO DONATE if you would like to help push his fundraising total even higher and help Wildside in the process. Go to https://bit.ly/3macXsi to find out more

There are still places available on some of our half term sessions. So as we approach Halloween take a look at our holiday programme and see if any of our activities will raise your spirits 👻 https://bit.ly/2Y66l5i

There are still places available on some of our half term sessions. So as we approach Halloween take a look at our holiday programme and see if any of our activities will raise your spirits 👻 https://bit.ly/2Y66l5i

October half term holiday programme – Wildside Activity Centre

If you're looking for some drama this October half term then look no further than Wildside.. literally! Our drama session on Tuesday 26th October is a fun, interactive taster session intended for anyone who wants to try their hand at something new. To find out more about this and all our October half term holiday activities, go to: https://bit.ly/2Y66l5i

October half term holiday programme – Wildside Activity Centre If you’re looking for things to do this October half term why not come along to Wildside and have fun finding out about the environment and engaging with the nature on your doorstep. There may even be a Halloween treat along the way! To find out what exciting activities we have on offer this Octob...

Annual Chamber Awards Finalists Announced

We're excited to see the line up of finalists in the Black Country Chamber of Commerce awards. This year Wildside is thrilled to be sponsoring the Exceptional Employee or Team award and we are looking forward to meeting the finalists; Beacon Centre , Warrens Hall Riding School , Jaspreet Kaur at Penny Post Credit Union , Steps to Work and Jay White from ASSA ABLOY https://bit.ly/3n8Pp6l #BC2P0

Annual Chamber Awards Finalists Announced Finalists Announced as Region Reboots, Rebuilds and Rebounds

When it comes to planning October half-term activities for your family, we say, don't think big - think SMALL! Come to Wildside and create a tiny home and garden fit for a magical woodland creature. You'll be using the natural materials we find in the woods, the only other thing you will need to bring is your imagination! Den building but on a tiny scale! It's suitable for children of all ages. To find out about all of Wildside October half-term activities go to https://bit.ly/2Y66l5i

Health and safety is a vital aspect of what we do here at Wildside and yesterday's training session for our narrowboat crew certainly caused a splash! #narrowboat #wildsideactivitycentre

Our first Pirate boat trip was a 'm-AAAAAARGH-vellous' success. Look out for news of our Santa 'BO-HO-HO-AT' trips coming soon!

Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay and we want to encourage everyone to add their voice and join in the fight for mental health equality. As employers, as colleagues, as people, we understand the importance of being in nature when it comes to our emotional health and wellbeing, so why not #reconnectwithnature as part of #worldmentalhealthday2021 #DoOneThing

Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay and we want to encourage everyone to add their voice and join in the fight for mental health equality. As employers, as colleagues, as people, we understand the importance of being in nature when it comes to our emotional health and wellbeing, so why not #reconnectwithnature as part of #worldmentalhealthday2021 #DoOneThing

This #blackhistorymonth2021 we will be shining the spotlight on those who have made, or continue to make an impact in the environmental movement. Our first ‘environment hero’ is Dr. Warren Washington who, in the 1960s was one of the first people to develop atmospheric computer models that have subsequently done so much to help our understanding of weather patterns and climate change. In 2010, Dr Washington, who served as a scientific advisor to four US Presidents was awarded his country’s top scientific honour, the National Medal of Science by Barack Obama.

Are you starting to get in to the Halloween holiday 'spirit' yet? Then why not try one of our half-term holiday activities - you can choose from canoeing, drama workshops, den building and camp fire lighting, there's something for all ages! You'll even be able to carve your own pumpkin ready for Halloween night itself. Go to https://bit.ly/2Y66l5i for details and booking.

If you’re looking for things to do this October half term why not come along to Wildside and have fun finding out about the environment and engaging with the nature on your doorstep. There may even be a Halloween treat along the way! https://bit.ly/2Y66l5i
#octoberhalfterm #holidayactivitiesforkids

If you’re looking for things to do this October half term why not come along to Wildside and have fun finding out about the environment and engaging with the nature on your doorstep. There may even be a Halloween treat along the way! https://bit.ly/2Y66l5i
#octoberhalfterm #holidayactivitiesforkids

Would you like search for treasure, find out your very own pirate name and then set sail on your pirate galleon (cunningly disguised as a narrowboat)? Join our Pirate Cap'n as he sets sail on the good ship Trebalisa’s very first pirate boat trip on SUNDAY 10th OCTOBER. The adventure begins at 10.30am and you’ll be back on dry land by 2.30pm. https://bit.ly/3u6FFN8

Would you like search for treasure, find out your very own pirate name and then set sail on your pirate galleon (cunningly disguised as a narrowboat)? Join our Pirate Cap'n as he sets sail on the good ship Trebalisa’s very first pirate boat trip on SUNDAY 10th OCTOBER. The adventure begins at 10.30am and you’ll be back on dry land by 2.30pm. https://bit.ly/3u6FFN8

We had a special guest today on our narrowboat. Police dog Night 5243 came as part of her training. As a youngster of just 7 months, she still has to learn about different surroundings and how to be comfortable with new people, other animals, strange movements etc. Today's lessons included not jumping in the water, not chasing the ducks, and negotiating gang planks (should we be offering this training to all our passengers!?!). Her behaviour was impeccable, well apart from wanting to join the ducks splashing around at Oxley! Call us on 01902 754612 if you'd like to find out more about our narrowboat trips

We look forward to seeing you at our Open Day later today. It starts at 11am but don't forget to get there early if you want to book your place on our free taster sessions. Today's narrowboat and canoe sessions are being offered on a first come first served basis.... so what are you waiting for...