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 - April 2025
Workshop events with Field Studies Ireland | 17 April - 2 May 2025 | Cairn Wood | **Note event date change**
Ards and North Down Borough Council is joined by Field Studies Ireland who are delivering FREE hands-on workshops across various dates:
**DATE CHANGE** | 09:30 - 15:00 | An Introduction to Nature Skills for Teachers and Educators | 18 Years+ | Max 20 |
17th April 2025 | 09:30-12:00 | Tree & Plant Identification for Beginners | 14 Years+ | Max 20 |
17th April 2025 | 13:00 - 15:30 | Tree & Plant Identification for Beginners | 14 Years+ | Max 20 |
18th April 2025 | 09:30-12:00 | An Introduction to Navigation Skills | 14 Years+ | Max 20 |
18th April 2025 | 13:00- 15:30 | An Introduction to Navigation Skills | 14 Years+ | Max 20 |
22nd April 2025 | 09:30-12:00 | Family Biodiversity Walk | 8 Years+ | Max 30 |
22nd April 2025 | 13:00- 15:30 | Family Biodiversity Walk | 8 Years+ | Max 30 |
To book please click on the link: Ards and North Down Borough Council - Parks Events - 12 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite
Tickets are limited; please book only if you can attend.
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
When: | What's happening: | Where to meet with ///whatthreewords as required |
Tuesday 13 May 10-12noon | History & Heritage walk and talk on the Coastal Path | Holywood Seapark; 11-17 Ballymenoch Park, Holywood BT18 0LL ///magazines.autumn.vitamins |
Tuesday 13 May 2.30pm or/and 4pm | Our Siren Song guided Storywalk - Strangford-Portaferry journey, stories, discussions and pennants. | Strangford Quay meet at ///vanilla.advantage.coverage. Group on 3.30pm ferry to Portaferry. 4pm regroup at Exploris Aquarium |
Wednesday 14 May 3.30-5.30pm | Our Siren Song guided Storywalk - Cloughey to Portavogie journey, stories, discussions and pennants. | Cloughey Pavillion at Bowling Club |
Thursday 15 May 1-4pm | Our Siren Song guided Storywalk - Ballyhalbert to Ballywalter journey, stories, discussions and pennants. | Burr Point, 1-11 Sandylands, Ballyhalbert, BT22 1BT |
Saturday 17 May 4-5pm | Our Siren Song guided Storywalk - Millisle beach journey, stories, discussions, rowing boats and pennants. | South Beach Millisle BT22 2FE ///browsers.dwell.grips |
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
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