Countryside Day at Ilam

CPRE’s Countryside Day is a celebration of the countryside and all it has to offer.

To mark the occasion, join us in the beautiful surroundings of Ilam Park in the Staffordshire Moorlands. 

Everyone is welcome, both members and non-members. Whether you're a regular visitor to the countryside or are less familiar with it and would like to explore "Staffordshire's Alps" in a small friendly group, we'd love to see you there.

The provisional format for the day is as follows:

11am: Tea, coffee and biscuits at YHA Ilam Hall
11:30am: Optional AGM and review of the year 
12:30pm: Lunch: jacket potatoes (served with a filling of cheese, beans or tuna mayo), soup, salad, biscuits and fruit
1:30pm: Choice of plant identification walk or countryside walk
From 4pm: Finish (tea, coffee and biscuits available at YHA Ilam Hall)

Elli Moody, director of policy and advocacy at national CPRE, will be joining the AGM to give a presentation on national CPRE's work and plans for the future, and we'll look back at what Staffordshire has achieved over the past year.

Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Assistance dogs only.

Option 1: Plant Identification and Uses Walk

Led by Suzanne Hill and another expert guide, we'll walk for about 3 miles at a leisurely pace, stopping along the way to take a look at some of the edible plants that can be found on riverside paths, woodland and hedgerows. Ilam Park does not encourage foraging, so we won't be picking plants on site, but you'll be learning all about the do's and dont's of foraging and what to consider. Suzanne will also bring samples along for a nibble and to help with identification. 

There may be a couple of uphill sections but nothing too strenuous. The walk is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. 

This walk will last for about 2 hours.

Option 2: Easy countryside walk

This will be a leisurely walk of around 3 miles (1.5 hours) led by Steve Sankey, one of our trustees. This walk is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Parking 

There is a large National Trust car park at Ilam.

Cancellation policy

Tickets will be fully refunded (minus admin costs) if cancelled up to 10 days before the event. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after this time. 

**Please book as soon as possible, as we will need to confirm numbers with YHA Ilam by the end of July.**