OVER the past couple of months, myself and the rest of the ranger team have been thinking really carefully about the coming spring and summer.

We haven’t just been daydreaming about beach holidays and barbeques, though. No, no, no... Instead we have been working to create a calendar of public events designed to entertain, educate and invigorate the senses of you fantastic lot.

So what have we got in store? Well, as ever we have tried to offer something for everyone.

There’ll be the usual children’s events on weekends and during the school holidays, including bug hunting and pond dipping, charcoal making, treasure trails, and of course the ever popular Gruffalo story walk.

And for anyone who wants to get out of the hustle and bustle of the rat race for a few hours, we have a guided walks that take in not only the town’s favourite parks, but the wide open countryside, and range in length from a short stroll to a 7 mile ramble.

Experts will be on hand to offer the inside track on a range of flora and fauna too. Join a guided dragonfly walk, explore Coate’s exotic tree collection, or perhaps take part in celebrating National Moth Night with us on a late summer night.

In truth, there’s really too much to mention; picnics, junior rangers, art galleries, spoon carving, pirate days, brass bands, and much, much more.

It’s a little known fact that the Rangers have been running events in Swindon’s Parks and Green Spaces for over 20 years now, but despite all this there are still lots of people who just don’t know about them. So if you are indeed one of these people, please consider today’s article your introduction, invitation and early warning to get yourself booked onto an event, bring your family, and get to know one of Swindon’s parks a bit better. Oh, and one last thing to mention... almost all of our events are completely free. We just want you to get involved and enjoy what your parks and ranger team have to offer.

There are a number of ways to find out all that you need to know about this year’s calendar.

Visit us on the web at Swindon.gov.uk and search ‘events’, email us at swindonrangers@swindon.gov.uk to request a list of events, give us a ring on 01793 490150 to speak to a Ranger, or look out for the leaflets soon at libraries, museums and parks across Swindon.

Book early to avoid disappointment, and I look forward to seeing you there!