Easter Egg Fun at Conningbrook Lakes

Youngsters gathered for an Easter egg hunt with a difference at Conningbrook Lakes Country Park on Monday April 15^th.  Led by Kent Wildlife expert, Cristina Juan and organised by Latimer and Westerhill Homes, the intrepid egg hunters went on a nature walk around the lakes and country parks, spotting local wildlife. 

The free guided walks offered an insight into the different birds and animals that can be found around the lakes and country park in Spring time, with the youngsters given a basket containing pictures of different animal eggs, which they swopped for chocolate eggs each time they spotted the animal that came from the egg. 

The walks were followed by a craft session decorating hard-boiled eggs with leaves and petals collected during the walk, using a variety of craft techniques such as colour bathing, sticking and drawing. 

Conningbrook Lakes and Country Park is a haven for wildlife, with recent sightings on and around the lakes including Tufted Duck flock, Grebes, Grey Herons, Little Egrets, Kingfishers, Common Buzzards, Kestrels, Sparrowhawk, Water Rail, Tufted Mallard and Cormorants.

Cristina Juan, leader from the Kent Wildlife Trust said:  “The children had great fun exploring around the lakes and finding out about the habitats and some of the animals and birds to be found around the park.  We were lucky enough to see a swan on the banks of the river nesting on her eggs, as well a peacock butterfly, some tufted ducks, a grass snake and lots of garden birds including Blackbirds, Chiff Chaffs and Great Tits.”

Sam Truman, Private Sales Manager at Latimer said:  “It was wonderful to see families out in the sunshine, exploring the countryside at Conningbrook Lakes and learning about its wildlife.  In partnership with Kent Wildlife Trust, we want to continue to raise awareness of this spectacular nature reserve on Ashford’s doorstep, which has seen improvements and investment, enabled by the Conningbrook Lakes housing development.”