Parks Activities and Events

Our Parks service offers a varied programme of activities and events throughout the year in our parks and open spaces. These activities and events are usually free of / minimal charge and aim to encourage residents and visitors to spend time in our borough, making the most of nature and its benefits for our health and wellbeing.

From educational walks and talks to opportunities for play, there is something for everyone.

Some of these events are ticketed via Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks Events | Eventbrite

If you have any queries about these events, please contact andparks@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Activities and events: May 2025

International Dawn Chorus Day | Sunday 4 May | 4.45am Stricklands Glen

Calling on early risers to join us on International Dawn Chorus Day

Taking place on the first Sunday of May, International Dawn Chorus Day is the worldwide celebration of nature's greatest festival!

If you want to bathe in the incredible sounds of the dawn chorus set your alarm and join us at 4.45AM SUNDAY 4TH MAY, at STRICKLANDS GLEN CARPARK, with our expert guide David Thompson.

As the sun rises David will walk slowly around the woodland identifying individual bird songs as they join the chorus.

This is a free event, to book your place please e-mail ANDBIODIVERSITY@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk or alternatively contact Noeleen Farry, Biodiversity Officer on 0300 013 3333

Please bring a small torch if you can, however torches will be made available on the morning. Parking is restricted within Stricklands Glen carpark, please consider parking within proximity of the site and walking to the carpark.

This event will be one of hundreds held across the world and is perfect for those who just want to enjoy the experience as well as for those would like to learn a few identification tips! Binoculars are not essential. Be sure to dress in appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. 

National Walking Month: AND Walking Week | 13-17 May 2025 | Along the County Down coastline

#WalkThisMay and enjoy free, guided walks. For details check We're going on a trail hunt by Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks | Eventbrite

People are welcome to join for part of the long walks along the coastline, transport to start or meeting points along the coast will be available 

Bioblitz: Free Nature Workshops |Skipperstone Beach, Bangor | Friday 30 May, 10am to 5pm 

Interested in exploring nature and learning more about our beautiful coastline? These workshops are free of charge and open to anyone with a curiosity for the natural world.

Attend as many sessions as you like! Please dress appropriately for the weather, and if you plan to stay for the day, bring a packed lunch.

• 10am-12pm Coastal Bird Identification with Wildlife Guide and Expert David Thompson
• 12.15-1.15pm Biodiversity Walk and Talk on Coastal Recording with Ulster Wildlife Trust
• 1.20-2.30pm Tree Identification with Field Studies Ireland
• 2.30-3.30pm Marine Mammal Surveying with Ulster Wildlife Trust
• 3.45-5pm Coastal Vegetation Identification with Wildlife Guide and Expert David Thompson

We look forward to welcoming you!

what3words location: birthdays.ticking.brochure

Orchard Clean Up | Linear Park | Saturday 31 May 2025, 10am

Join Us for an Orchard Clean Up at Linear Park, Bangor ! ��

We're inviting the community to come together and help tidy and refresh the orchard at Linear Park. Whether you're a regular walker, nature lover, or just want to get involved locally - we'd love to see you there! This is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and make a difference in your community.

Saturday 31^st May 2025 at 10am,  Linear Park, Bangor, meet at Ashbury Stores.

Please wear suitable clothing for outdoors and sturdy boots. Gloves will be provided.
Refreshments provided |  All ages and abilities welcome

Come along, get stuck in, and learn more about how you can support your local park.

✨ Save the date - Interested in doing more at Linear Park?

Join us at our Friends Group Information Night is on Wednesday 4^th June at 7.30pm in Marquis Hall!
Friends of Groups are community-led initiatives where local people come together to care for and improve their local green spaces. Ards and North Down Borough Council Parks and Cemeteries Development Team will discuss how you can get involved and support available. We'll also hear from some local residents who'll discuss the benefits of a Friends of Linear Park group.

For more details or to register interest, please contact andparks@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk or phone 0300 013 3333.

Find out more about Friends Groups here: Friends Groups - Ards and North Down Borough Council

Activities and events: June 2025

Swift Walk and Talk |Castle Park, Bangor | Friday 13  June, 7pm to 9pm | Free event

Join the North Down Swift Conservation Group to discover the fascinating life of our local Swift population in Bangor. 

The event will start with a one hour talk, followed by a walk to watch the evening display of Swifts and see them dropping in to their nests as darkness falls.

Pick up top tips on how you can identify these incredible birds, learn about their life and how you can help reduce the decline of this wonderful bird.

Following the walk we'll return to the start point at Marquis Hall by 9.30pm.

Not suitable for dogs. Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing and shoes. This is a free family friendly event but to manage numbers registration is required in advance: Swift walk and talk around Castle Park, Bangor Tickets, Fri, Jun 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite

The workshop is interactive and suitable for everyone. Please advise if you have any mobility/access requirements by emailing outdoor@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

**Now Sold Out** |Outdoor Mindfulness Sessions | Bangor Castle Walled Garden | Various dates June and July 

Join us for *free* outdoor mindfulness sessions throughout June and July in Bangor Castle Walled Garden.

Follow the breath, body, and the beat of the music to uncover new layers of self-understanding, in this guided musical, meditative journey all held in the borough's beautiful outdoor spaces.

Each free 1-hour session includes live music played on a melodic RAV drum, plus carefully curated playlists of pre-recorded music supported by hand-made drums, shakers, and other musical instruments.

Meditation is guided with a focus on mind-body connection, to support emotional regulation. Perfect for both newcomers and the experienced alike, offering either a first feel for this kind of practice, or an opportunity to let go and immerse deeply in a guided outdoor session.

Register for free on www.TimeSpaceAttention.com/bangor 

Activities and events - July 2025

Love Parks Week | 25 July - 3 August | Various locations

Love Parks Week is an annual campaign that celebrates parks, green spaces, and the dedicated volunteers and workers that look after them all year round.  

These vibrant, living spaces bring communities together and provide an opportunity to connect with nature in the heart of our cities, towns, and neighbourhoods.

We will be running some family friendly events to celebrate the week: details still to be confirmed, please check back.

Love Parks Week - Ards and North Down Borough Council

Activities and events: August 2025

Wild Days Out | Fridays in August  8^th, 15^th and 22nd | Various locations 

Family friendly events giving you the opportunity to interact with the natural world through a variety of activities: last year there was foraging,  bird identification, mini-beast hunts and more.

What's in store for this year? We're still working on the details but sure to be a great opportunity to get out into the fresh air and away from those screens!