POND dipping, bird- watching and butterfly hunting are just some of the activities on offer at Lydiard Park during May half term.

The Swindon Council-owned park is hosting daily activities and workshops between tomorrow and Sunday, June 6.

Families can discover the secret wildlife in Lydiard Park’s lake such as snails, pond skaters and beetles by taking part in pond dipping sessions throughout the week. Children must be accompanied by an adult and all equipment is provided.

Pond dipping sessions at Lydiard Park run daily from June 1 to 5 between 10.30am and 12.30pm. The cost is £3 per child.

Families interested in birds can enjoy a day of practical birdwatching on June 1 from 10am to 3.30pm.

The family introduction to birdwatching covers advice on equipment, birdwatching sites and includes a free bird identification sheet. The cost for this one day workshop is £12 for a family ticket (one adult and two children) or £6 for adults and £4 per child. Booking is essential.

Inside Lydiard House children can follow a new quiz trail to find “Vernon’s Butterflies”.

Vernon, the last Viscount Bolingbroke to live at Lydiard Park, was a butterfly enthusiast and his passion was inspired by the butterflies he saw in the parkland.

Families can seek out the beautiful butterflies on a tour around the State Rooms and the Walled Garden, where there will also be a trail of animal figures to find among the stunning flowers and bulbs.

The quiz trails are free but normal admission cost of entry to Lydiard House and Walled Garden applies.

Coun Keith Williams, Cabinet Member for Streetscene, said: “These fun hands-on activities are part of a programme of events at Lydiard Park for all the family to enjoy.

“Practical sessions like pond dipping and birdwatching are always popular and offer children the chance to discover more about the wildlife around them.

“With the fantastic children’s play area and lovely picnic spots on the lawns and under the trees, Lydiard Park is the perfect place for families this half term holiday.”

Lydiard House and Walled Garden is open Tuesdays to Sundays, 11am to 5pm and is also open on Bank Holiday Monday. Admission charges apply.

The grounds of Lydiard Park are open every day until dusk – parking and entry is free.

More information on events at Lydiard Park can be found on the website www.lydiardpark.org.uk To book a place on any of the activities call 01793 770401 or email lydiard park@swindon. gov.uk.