Action for the River Kennet (ARK) is running Eel Fest on Saturday 29th August from 10am – 1pm at Stonebridge Wild River Reserve, accessible on foot from Stonebridge Lane Footpath. The event aims to raise the profile of the Critically Endangered European eel, share what ARK are doing to help these unusual fish and to connect people of all ages with their local river.
Eel Fest will have lots of free activities and games for all the family, from the popular ARK River School (a chance for all ages to explore the River Kennet and learn about the wildlife that lives in it) to free eel themed face painting, a children’s eel obstacle course, an eel wanging competition (no real eels will be wanged) and two nature walks in the water meadow (one for dogs on leads with their owners and one no dogs).
There is also the chance to win an Annual ZSL Gold Zoo Membership worth up to £336.00. Come for the fun, leave loving your local river and in awe of the amazing European eel.
Anna Forbes, ARK Education and Outreach Manager, said, “Eels are fascinating but once common they are now a rarity on the Kennet. Eels are a keystone species, which means their presence and activities have a major influence on the composition and health of an ecosystem.
We are looking forward to welcoming the community to Eel Fest, wear your wellies to be able to paddle and discover the wonders of a chalk stream, bring a picnic to enjoy in the meadow. All our activities are free so this is a great opportunity to get outdoors.”
ARK is a partner in the Thames Catchment Community Eels Project – Development Phase, a multi-partner project, led by Thames Rivers Trust working to improve the future for the eel and our rivers. The project is made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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