Parks and open spaces events

8th - 21st April

Bluebell Walk - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road

A gentle stroll in the bluebell wood at Cobtree Park.  Learn some bluebell facts and see what else nature is doing at this time of year.  For all the family.

Free event - Booking not required

A gentle stroll in the bluebell wood at Cobtree Park.  Learn some bluebell facts and see what else nature is doing at this time of year.  For all the family.

Free event - Booking not required

Introduction to Birdwatching, Wildlife Study Day - Mote Park

Mote Park is a great spot for resident and migrant birds in spring.  This course is designed to help you learn the basics of birdwatching and how to observe and identify our common garden and woodland birds.  The day will begin with a short classroom session before spending the day visiting the varied habitats of Mote Park.  The open parkland, the wetland areas, the woodlands and the meadows have attracted over 120 different species during the past 7 years.  On this course we will look at the basics of bird ID and ecology as well as covering equipment and fieldcraft.

£28 pp (max of 16 participants)

Call The Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 to book tickets

29th April - 6th May

Spring Wildlife Watch - Mote Park

A guided seasonal wildlife watching walk around Mote Park

Free event

To book places on the walk please contact moteparkevents@maidstone.gov.uk

Dawn Chorus Walk - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road

An early morning walk around the park with a local bird enthusiast.  Listen to the dawn chorus, identify the singers and learn interesting facts about them.  For older children 14+ and adults.  No dogs.

Free event

To book your place please contact the Park Ranger on 07870 988 128, or send your details to parksandleisure@maidstone.gov.uk

Bird Song, Wildlife Study Day - Mote Park

This one day course gives you  the basics of how to identify bird songs and calls.  Birdsong lifts everyone's spirits and if you ever wondered which birds are creating the particular songs, then this is your chance to find out.  Suitable for beginners and less experienced birders, this course combines classroom with being out in the field. You'll cover everything from how birds produce such wonderful sounds to what they mean, how we interpret them and what sound belongs to which bird.

£28 pp (max of 16 participants)

Call The Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 to book tickets

Wild Foods Walk

A great opportunity to spend a morning foraging for wild foods with Carol, our local bushcraft expert.

£2.50 pp (max of 20 participants)

Call The Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 to book tickets

Bat Walk Leaders Training.  Delivered by the Bat Conservation Trust - Mote Park

An introduction to bats (ecology and biology), a closer look at our local bats (and how Kent Bat group and BCT are helping with their conservation), guidelines on planning and running a bat walk, and use of bat detectors as a survey tool.  Followed by a bat walk in the evening.

Adults only.  £40 pp (max of 20 participants)

Call The Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 to book tickets

Plant Sale - Penenden Heath

Organised by Boxley Church.

Gert and Daisy, the story of Maidstone Zoo - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road

A guided walk with a local historian.  Find the traces of Sir Garrard's Zoo Park, look at old photographs, listen to the fascinating strories and anecdotes about the zoo.  For older children 14+ and adults.  No Dogs.

Free Event

To book your place please contact the Park Ranger on 07870 988 128, or send your details to parksandleisure@maidstone.gov.uk

Introduction to the Cobtree Arboretum - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road

A guided walk with the Ranger.  Come and learn how and when the Arboretum was set up at Cobtree Park, look at the most interesting specimen trees, learn about their origins and their uses.  For older children 14+ and adults.  No dogs.

Free event - No booking required

Saturday 25th May

Proms in the Park - Whatman Park

Bring your picnic and enjoy an evening of music in the park.

Organised by the Hazlitt Theatre

NSPCC Plant Sale - Penenden Heath

Sunday 26th May

River Len Safari - Mote Park

The River Len and the Lake form one of the key habitats and features in Mote Park.  Enjoy a guided walk along the riverbanks looking at the habitats and wildlife.  This will be followed by a guided row around the lake courtesy of the Mote Park Water Sports Centre.

£6pp (max of 18 participants)

Call The Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 to book tickets

Minibeast Safari - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road

Searching wild habitats for insects, butterflies, beetles and caterpillars.  Butterfly nets and magnifying glasses will be provided so that you can take a closer look at these amazing creatures.  Suitable for the whole family especially younger children.

Free event

To book your place please contact 01622 683695

The Ecology of Mote Park

Spend an evening exploring Mote Park's mosaic of habitats. Discover how every plant, tree and animal is connected and plays its part in the day to day life of Mote Park

Free event

To book places on the walk please contact moteparkevents@maidstone.gov.uk

Nature Detectives, High Tech Trail - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road

A treasure hunt with a difference.  Find clues hidden around the park using global positioning system (GPS).  For all the family.

Free event

To book your place please contact 01622 683695

Saturday 8th June

Sunday 9th June

Sunday 9th June

Love Maidstone Bungee Jump - Lakeside at Mote Park

For more details please contact Celebrate Maidstone

The Teddy Bears Picnic - Mote Park

Back for its third year!  Bring your youngster, their cherished cuddly toy and their friends to the Teddy Bears Picnic for this popular fun day out.

Free event (no booking required)

A guided walk with a local historian.  Find the traces of Sir Garrard's Zoo Park, look at old photographs, listen to the fascinating strories and anecdotes about the zoo.  For older children 14+ and adults.  No Dogs.

Free Event

To book your place please contact the Park Ranger on 07870 988 128, or send your details to parksandleisure@maidstone.gov.uk

The History of Mote Park

Records of Mote Park date back to 1267.  Why not join this guided walk and spend an evening exploring the hidden history of the park.

Free event

To book places on the walk please contact moteparkevents@maidstone.gov.uk

Introduction to the Cobtree Arboretum - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road

A guided walk with the Ranger.  Come and learn how and when the Arboretum was set up at Cobtree Park, look at the most interesting specimen trees, learn about their origins and their uses.  For older children 14+ and adults.  No dogs.

Free event - No booking required

Sunday 23rd June

Sunday 23rd June

Heart of Kent Hospice and Pushy Mothers - Parents and Prams Charity Walk

If interested please contact Heart of Kent Hospice for more details

A guided walk with the Ranger.  Come and learn how and when the Arboretum was set up at Cobtree Park, look at the most interesting specimen trees, learn about their origins and their uses.  For older children 14+ and adults.  No dogs.

Free event - No booking required

Sunday 7th July

Cancer Research - Race For Life - Mote Park

10k race starts at 9am, 5k race starts at 11.30am

See the Race For Life website for full details.

http://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/index.html

Shakespeare in the Park - Lakeside at Mote Park

Richard III 

An evening of entertainment and wonder as Shakespeare's tale is brought to life.

£9.50 per adult, £6.50 per concession

Call The Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 to book tickets

Traces of the Past in the Landscape - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road

On this walk with the Park Ranger learn to identify clues about the past hidden in the landscape of Cobtree Park.  Look at the most interesting specimen trees, learn about their origins and their uses.  For oldern children 14+ and adults.

Free Event

To book your place please contact the Park Ranger on 07870 988 128, or send your details to parksandleisure@maidstone.gov.uk

Saturday 13th July

Olympic Picnic - Mallards Way Recreation Ground, next to the Orchard Spot Pub in Mallards Way, Downswood.

Bring your picnic and join in the fun and games.

Contact Downswood Parish Council for more details.

http://www.downswoodpc.org/

Festival of Anglo Saxon Archaeology - Brenchley Gardens

Come and discover artefacts from Anglo Saxon times

Staged by Maidstone Museum.

KM Dragon Boat Race and Family Fun Day - Mote Park

Further details to enter the boat race are to be issued at later date.

On this walk with the Park Ranger learn to identify clues about the past hidden in the landscape of Cobtree Park.  Look at the most interesting specimen trees, learn about their origins and their uses.  For oldern children 14+ and adults.

Free Event

To book your place please contact the Park Ranger on 07870 988 128, or send your details to parksandleisure@maidstone.gov.uk

21st July - 1st September

A guided walk with a local historian.  Find the traces of Sir Garrard's Zoo Park, look at old photographs, listen to the fascinating strories and anecdotes about the zoo.  For older children 14+ and adults.  No Dogs.

Free Event

To book your place please contact the Park Ranger on 07870 988 128, or send your details to parksandleisure@maidstone.gov.uk

A guided walk with the Ranger.  Come and learn how and when the Arboretum was set up at Cobtree Park, look at the most interesting specimen trees, learn about their origins and their uses.  For older children 14+ and adults.  No dogs.

Free event - No booking required

Saturday 27th July

Get To Know Mote Park Walk (Love Parks Week)

To celebrate 'Love Parks Week' join this guided walk and get to know Mote Park.  You will be lead through the parks many habitats, being shown how the park is managed for people and wildlife, how volunteers have been helping the park survive for centuries and discover the fascinating history behind the 13th century deer park.

Free event

To book places on the walk please contact moteparkevents@maidstone.gov.uk

Sunday 28th July

Bat evening - Mote Park (Love Parks Week)

Mote Park is one of the best places to see bats in Kent. Join us on an after-dark guided walk and take a stroll in search of the bats that live and feed in Mote Park.

All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult

£2.50pp (max of 20 participants)

Call The Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 to book tickets

Bats at Cobtree - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road (Love Parks Week)

A guided evening stroll around the park to see what comes out flying in the dark.  Listen out for bats using a special bat detector.  Bring a torch.  No Dogs.  For all the family.

Free Event

To book your place please contact the Park Ranger on 07870 988 128, or send your details to parksandleisure@maidstone.gov.uk

Searching wild habitats for insects, butterflies, beetles and caterpillars.  Butterfly nets and magnifying glasses will be provided so that you can take a closer look at these amazing creatures.  Suitable for the whole family especially younger children.

Free event

To book your place please contact 01622 683695

Bumblebee Talk and Walk - Mote Park (Love Parks Week)

Join us for an amazing insight into the life of these vitally important creatures.  Find out about the work that they do and why their decline is of such concern.  Dr Nikki Gammans will be delivering a presentation at the Maidstone Leisure Centre followed by a walk around the park, catching and taking a close look at the bumblebees and looking at how the management of the park affects them.

Free event

To book places on the walk please contact moteparkevents@maidstone.gov.uk

Go Wild at Cobtree - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road (Love Parks Week)

Join Medway Valley Countryside Partnership for a morning of wildlife-related fun: minibeast hunts, guided walks and crafts.  No dogs.  For all the family.

Free event

To book your place please contact 01622 683695

Mote Park Nature Detectives - Mote Park Woodland

Become a nature detective and explore the woodlands of Mote Park.  Look at the woodland food webs and join in themed activities including bug hunting, bark rubbing and shelter building.

Activities dependent on weather conditions - wear appropriate clothing.

Free event

To book places please contact moteparkevents@maidstone.gov.uk

Bat Evening - Mote Park

Mote Park is one of the best places to see bats in Kent. Join us on an after-dark guided walk and take a stroll in search of the bats that live and feed in Mote Park.

All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult

£2.50pp (max of 20 participants)

Call The Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 to book tickets

Wild Creatures of the Night (National Moth Night) - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road

A guided stroll around the park to see what comes out flying at night.  Listen out for bats using a special bat detector and find out what got caught in the moth trap.  Bring a torch.  No dogs.  For all the family.

Free event

To book your place please contact 01622 683695

Orienteering for Children - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road

A basic introduction to map reading and navigation.  No dogs.  For all the family

Free Event

To book your place please contact the Park Ranger on 07870 988 128, or send your details to parksandleisure@maidstone.gov.uk

Orienteering and Map Reading Skills - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road

A basic introduction to map reading and finding your way around the park.  No dogs.  For all the family.

Free Event

To book your place please contact the Park Ranger on 07870 988 128, or send your details to parksandleisure@maidstone.gov.uk

Theatre in the Park, Mote Park - Treasure Island

Theatre Workshop for Treasure Island - Mote Hall, Maidstone Leisure Centre

A unique opportunity for young people interested in Drama to join in with a theatre workshop during the day before going on to be part of the main theatre performance of Treasure Island later in the evening.

Spaces on the workshop will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

Workshop (Starts at 3.30pm):  £5pp

Performance (Starts at 5pm): £9.50 per adult, £6.50 per concession

Call The Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 to book tickets

Mote Park Nature Detectives, Meadows - Mote Park

Become a nature detective and explore the meadows of Mote Park.  Discover the animals that live in our meadows with themed activities including reptile and butterfly walks and bug hunts.

Activities dependent on weather conditions wear appropriate clothing.

Free event

To book places please contact moteparkevents@maidstone.gov.uk

Minibeast Safari - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road

Searching wild habitats for insects, butterflies, beetles and caterpillars.  Butterfly nets and magnifying glasses will be provided so that you can take a closer look at these amazing creatures.  Suitable for younger children and the whole family.  No dogs.

Free event

To book your place please contact 01622 683695

Introduction to the Cobtree Arboretum - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Park

A guided walk with the Ranger.  Come and learn how and when the Arboretum was set up at Cobtree Park, look at the most interesting specimen trees, learn about their origins and their uses.  For older children 14+ and adults.  No dogs.

Free event - No booking required

Spend the day in the woods learning about what makes this habitat so special and bushcraft skills that can be used.  Activities will vary depending on the weather but should include tree ID, wildlife tracking, mallet making, fire building, wildfood foraging and preparation, cooking over an open fire and much more.

All ages welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

£35pp (max of 18 participants)

Call The Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 to book tickets

26th August - 1st September

Bats at Cobtree - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road

A guided evening stroll around the park to see what comes out flying in the dark.  Listen out for bats using a special bat detector.  Bring a torch.  No dogs.  Suitable for the whole family.

Free Event

To book your place please contact the Park Ranger on 07870 988 128, or send your details to parksandleisure@maidstone.gov.uk

Bat Evening - Mote Park

Mote Park is one of the best places to see bats in Kent. Join us on an after-dark guided walk and take a stroll in search of the bats that live and feed in Mote Park.

All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult

£2.50pp (max of 20 participants)

Call The Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 to book tickets

Theatre in the Park - Lakeside at Mote Park

Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny

Come and enjoy the wonderful, colourful story of Peter Rabit and Friends.  A great evening out for all the family.

£9.50 per adult, £6.50 per concession

Call The Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 to book tickets

Shakespeare in the Park - Mote Park

Twelfth Night

An evening of entertainment and wonder as Shakespeare's tale is brought to life.

£9.50 per adult, £6.50 per concession

Call The Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 to book tickets

Bat Evening - Mote Park

Join us on an after-dark guided walk and take a stroll in search of the bats that live and feed in Mote Park.  As bats hibernate for winter this month may be your last chance to find them.

All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.

£2.50pp (max of 20 participants)

Call The Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 to book tickets

Sunday 8th September

Maidstone Mela - Mote Park

Further details to follow soon

9th - 16th September

'The Big Fun Run' GSI 5k Fun Run - Mote Park

For full details on how to enter please go the Big Fun Run website

http://www.bigfunrun.com/

Gert and Daisy, the Story of Maidstone Zoo - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road

A guided walk with a local historian.  Find the traces of Sir Garrard's Zoo Park, look at old photographs, listen to the fascinating stories and anecdotes about the zoo.  No dogs.  For older children 14+ and adults.

Free Event

To book your place please contact the Park Ranger on 07870 988 128, or send your details to parksandleisure@maidstone.gov.uk

Introduction to the Cobtree Arboretum - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road

A guided walk with the Ranger.  Come and learn how and when the Arboretum was set up at Cobtree Park, look at the most interesting specimen trees, learn about their origins and their uses.  For older children 14+ and adults.

Free Event - no booking required

Join us on an after-dark guided walk and take a stroll in search of the bats that live and feed in Mote Park.  As bats hibernate for winter this month may be your last chance to find them.

All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.

£2.50pp (max of 20 participants)

Call The Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 to book tickets

A great opportunity to spend a morning foraging for wild foods with Carol, our local bushcraft expert.

£2.50 pp (max of 20 participants)

Call The Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 to book tickets

Berried Treasures of Late Summer - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road

A walk with a foraging expert, finding edible wild fruits and learning what to do with them in the kitchen.  Tasting optional.  For older children 14+ and adults.

Free Event

To book your place please contact the Park Ranger on 07870 988 128, or send your details to parksandleisure@maidstone.gov.uk

Fungi Foray - Cobtree Manor Park, Forstal Road

Come out searching for wild fungi and learn from your guide about their amazing world, what their names are and whether they are edible.  For older children 14+ and adults.

Free Event

To book your place please contact the Park Ranger on 07870 988 128, or send your details to parksandleisure@maidstone.gov.uk

Woodland Bushcraft Workshop - Mote Park

Spend the autumn half term in the woods learning about what makes this habitat so special and bushcraft skills that can be used.  Activities will vary depending on the weather but should include tree ID, wildlife tracking, mallet making, fire building, wildfood foraging and preparation, cooking over an open fire and much more.

All ages welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

£35pp (max of 18 participants)

Call The Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 to book tickets

Autumn Wildlife Watch - Mote Park

A seasonal wildlife walk around Mote Park

Free event

To book places on the walk please contact moteparkevents@maidstone.gov.uk

Small Mammal Surveying Course

Delivered by the Kent Mammal Group.  Learn how to survey our smallest mammals using live traps.  This includes handling and identification.

£30pp (max of 20 participants)

Call The Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 to book tickets

The History of Mote Park Talk

Mote Park dates back to 13th century and there is evidence that the area was used before then.  This talk will explain about how the landscape of Mote Park has changed over the centuries.  Looking at the changes in ownership, how the park has always been a meeting place and how the park has royal connections.

Free event

To book places please contact moteparkevents@maidstone.gov.uk

The History of Mote Park

Records of Mote Park date back to 1267.  Why not join this guided walk and spend an evening exploring the hidden history of the park.

Free event

To book places on the walk please contact moteparkevents@maidstone.gov.uk

Waterbirds Study Day - Mote Park

With a 30 acre lake and adjoining river systems and wetlands Mote Park is a great spot to see different waterbirds.  This course is designed to help you learn about the waterbirds that call Mote Park home, looking at ducks, rails, grebes, geese and more.  The day will begin with a short classroom session before spending the day at the waters edge

£28pp (max of 16 participants)

Call The Hazlitt Theatre on 01622 758611 to book tickets

Fieldcraft: Nature's Tracks and Signs - Mote Park

Learn the art of fieldcraft and enjoy a guided walk discovering the tracks and trails behind by the animals that live in Mote Park.

Free event

To book places on the walk please contact moteparkevents@maidstone.gov.uk