Free summer activities offered at towns' parks

Butterfly counting is among the free activities being offered at parks this summer

Parks across North East Lincolnshire are to host free family activities, including pond dipping, wildlife walks, bug hunting and butterfly counting, officials have said.

Sessions will be held from 25 July to 31 August as part of Love Parks Week - a national initiative organised by Keep Britain Tidy to celebrate the importance of green spaces.

North East Lincolnshire Council's ecology team will lead the activities.

Councillor Henry Hudson, portfolio holder for the environment, said: "If you don't go along to your local park very often, or you fancy seeing one of the other parks in the town that you haven't visited before, then please go along to these events."

Hudson added: "We have some beautiful and historical parks that truly feed the soul, and our new coastal ranger will be on hand to give you an insight into the importance of the environmental impact these green spaces bring to our region.

"The summer holidays can be difficult for parents to find ways of entertaining their children, but these free events will be great fun and a little bit educational too."

The following activities are planned:

• 25 July, 10:00 - 12:00 BST, at West Marsh Country Park, Grimsby: wildflower walk, bug hunt and butterfly count

• 25 July, 13:00 - 14:00 BST, at Grimsby in Bloom, Duke of York Gardens: pond dipping and butterfly count

• 28 July, 10:00 - 12:00 BST, at Pilgrim Park, Immingham: tree aging, bug hunt and butterfly count

• 29 July, 10:00 - 12:00 BST, at Cleethorpes Boating Lake: pond dipping and butterfly count

• 30 July, 10:00 - 12:00 BST, at Cleethorpes Country Park: pond dipping and butterfly count

• 31 July, 10:00 - 12:00 BST, at Ainslie Street Park, Grimsby: bug hunt and butterfly count

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