ESSEX Council has launched a host of free events at Essex Country Parks this summer as part of Essex Year of Numbers.

Essex Year of Numbers is a countywide campaign that aims to inspire a love of learning, with a focus on numeracy.

It is a year of exciting learning opportunities, fun events and initiatives for all.

The events kick off this summer with Read, Count and Explore in Essex Country Parks.

With support from Essex Libraries and the council’s TLC campaign, these free events aim to encourage a love of learning, reading and maths.

They also encourage families to spend time together outside in the great outdoors.

Children will be able to enjoy story times and drop-in craft activities. The sessions are free* and open to all children but are aimed at those Primary School aged.

Adults can also also talk to Adult Community Learning about how they can improve their maths skills and find out more about what courses are available.

Read Count and Explore in Parks take place between 10am and 2pm on:
3 August at Thorndon Country Park
7 August at Cudmore Grove Country Park
11 August at Great Notley Country Park
The Animal Mysteries Summer Trail is also launching at seven of our country parks this summer.

Children will be able to use their number skills to help rangers find the animals hiding in the parks.

Children who complete the trails will also be able to enter a prize draw to win an Animal Experience at Colchester Zoo.

Taking part in the trails is free (parking charges apply) and a special booklet can be collected at the parks while stocks last or downloaded to a phone.

The trails take place from 22 July to 3 September each day between 10am and 4pm at:

Belhus Woods Country Park
Cudmore Grove Country Park
Danbury Country Park
Great Notley Country Park
Hadleigh Country Park
Thorndon Country Park
Weald Country Park
Keep up to date with Essex Year of Numbers’ events.

Discover events at Essex Country Parks.

Find out what’s happening in Essex Libraries this summer.

Find maths Adult Community Learning courses.

*Parking charges apply.