Check out some of the FREE & LOW COST FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES in Chippenham this autumn.
Bicycles, Trees, and Teas – a family friendly cycle ride and repair event
When: Saturday 27th September and Sunday 19th October at 9.30am
What: Explore nature in Chippenham, with a majority traffic free route with several stopping points to allow people cycling of different abilities to catch up and is particularly suitable for adults who are beginners, improving, or returning to cycling. With FREE refreshments in Monkton Park’s Tenth Hole Tea Room.
The ride is guided by Cycle Chippenham volunteers and has been risk assessed. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. More information & sign up
Pewsham Locks Heritage Open Day – guided tours of the restoration projects and wildlife habitats
When: Saturday 13th September 10am – 3pm
What: Organised by the WBCT’s Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch, Visitors will see the new bridge being built across the locks, and the impressive carpenters workshop where the exterior is almost finished and work is continuing inside. Dry dock nearing completion, which includes more than 200 slate roof tiles along the lower edge which have been sponsored not only by local residents but also supporters from around the world.
At the other end of the canal we’ll be showing how we’ve created new wildflower meadows, wildlife habitats and woodland, often with the help of corporate work parties from local companies.
Afterwards, people can sit down and relax outside the pop-up café.
More information & sign up: Pre-booking is not required. There is no parking on-site but the locks are a short walk along a footpath from the edge of Pewsham.
A free minibus to Pewsham Locks and back, departing from Chippenham Market Place on the hour at 10, & 11am, 12.30, 13.30, 14.30 and 15.30, returning from Pewsham Wharf on the half hours.
Visit www.wbct.org.uk/mcc-events or email dave.maloney@wbct.org.uk
Rooted Chippenham Community Garden and guided bat walks (booked, but waiting list available)
When: first Saturday of the month
What: Rooted Chippenham is a community garden for everyone based at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre. We have our Big Monthly Meet Ups on the first Saturday of every month, starting from 10am. We grow lots of healthy food in our beds and poly tunnel and look after Chippenham’s first community tree nursery, providing free trees for the town.
No equipment or gardening experience is required, all are welcome and we have a lovely, chatty break for food and hot drinks.
More information & sign up: No sign up required for Rooted Chippenham, but follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more information on what we are up to and how to join in.
Sunset Bat Walks: This month Rooted are collaborating with Wiltshire Bat Group to celebrate our nocturnal superheroes with fascinating, volunteer run, sunset bat walks, starting at 6.45pm with a short talk, followed by a guided walk at dusk with handheld bat detectors (Tickets are £5 per person and all proceeds go to Wiltshire Bat Group – NOW FULLY BOOKED). To join the waiting list for the September sunset bat walks Rowden Park walk on 26 September and Pewsham Locks walk on 27 September
We hope you have lots of fun at these volunteer run events around Chippenham!