Training Day: Harvest Mice

Join Dr Helen O’Brien, the County Mammal Recorder for Leicestershire & Rutland to learn about the ecology of Harvest mice (Micromys minutes), an under-recorded and potentially endangered UK mammal recently introduced onto the Cotesbach Estate to help their conservation and re-establishment in south Leicestershire. Learn new skills – how to set up equipment to record these secretive creatures and search for their nests to see if they are settled in their new home.

Our afternoon session will extend to other small mammals and their ecology before a visit to the Estate and Garden to check traps and see small mammals up close. We will be joined by Dave Nicholls from NatureSpot who will show us how to record the wildlife we find. All participants will have an opportunity to check and handle small mammals if possible and to use the NatureSpot phone app - see instructions https://www.naturespot.org/app

Please bring sturdy footwear for outdoor walking and dress for the weather.

The walk from the Schoolhouse to the Estate and return will be approximately 2 miles over uneven terrain, typical of a working farm.

Date: Sunday 12th October

Time: 9am-4.30pm

Price: FREE

Witchcraft Trials in Leicestershire in the 17th Century - SOLD OUT!

The talk explores two notorious witch trials took place in Leicestershire in the early 17th century. One involving nine women accused of witchcraft from Husbands Bosworth in 1616, and the other involving six women from Bottesford who had worked for the Earl of Rutland at Belvoir Castle in 1618.

Both cases were tragic and indicated the widespread ignorance and erroneous beliefs of the time. The story of these women and the outcome of their trials will be related and set in the historical context of the time.

The Cotesbach Educational Trust bar will be open from 6.30pm where you will be able to purchase refreshments before the talk.

Date: Thursday 30th October

Time: 7-8.30pm

Price: £9 + booking fee

This event has SOLD OUT. If you would like to join the waiting list, just in case there are any cancellations, please email hello@cotesbacheducationaltrust.org.uk

Were there dinosaurs in Lutterworth? Children’s workshop.

Join Darryl the Geologist for a fun, hands-on workshop to discover whether dinosaurs once roamed Cotesbach! Designed for children 7-12 years

Explore the fascinating geology beneath your feet, uncover prehistoric secrets hidden in the village buildings, and piece together clues to answer the big question: Were there dinosaurs at Cotesbach? During the session, you will:

• Hunt for fossils of your own

• Take part in a geology walk around the yard

• Learn amazing facts about Earth’s history

• Share your own rock collection (if you bring specimens from home, Darryl will reveal their stories!)

Designed for children aged 7–12 years ago, these workshops bring geology to life, connecting what’s learned in school with real-world science in an exciting and interactive way.

Please let us know if there are any access requirements that we need to be aware of.

Date: Wednesday 22nd October

Time: 11am-1pm

Price: £10 +booking fee.

Natural Wreath Making

Learn how to make your own festive door wreath from locally foraged materials. Unlike many other wreath classes, you will start from scratch by first making the hoop, and then decorating it with your choice of foliage and natural decorative elements. Much of the foliage is foraged from around the Cotesbach Estate.  The wreaths are biodegradable, with the exception of the wire and ribbon, which can be re-used. No experience is necessary, you will be guided through every step of the process, in a small, friendly and informal group setting. Ticket includes mulled wine or hot drink on arrival.

Dates: Monday 1st December, Tuesday 2nd December, Monday 8th December

Time: 6.30-8.30pm

Price: £38 + booking fee.