Longleat Safari Park

GREAT EGGS-PECTATIONS

Dad emu Biscuit is keenly awaiting some new arrivals in time for the re-opening of Longleat on Monday 12 April...

Biscuit the emu is hoping for a bumper Easter surprise as he sits on a clutch of giant emerald green eggs, which are due to hatch out any day at Longleat

Safari Park.

If the eggs do hatch successfully, it will be a first for the Wiltshire wildlife attraction and keepers are remaining cautiously optimistic.

Emus are unusual in the fact it is the father who sits on the nest and looks after the chicks when they hatch. As well as the eggs in Biscuit’s nest, they are also monitoring two additional eggs in an incubator and have reported one of the eggs is beginning to rock – a sure sign it is close to hatching.

“The fact Biscuit is taking his parental responsibilities so seriously and is refusing to leave the nest is a good sign,” said Keeper Gemma Short. “We’re very much leaving him alone and letting him get on with things as naturally as possible so all we can do is to wait, watch and hope.”

Emus are among the largest birds in the world, growing in excess of two metres tall. They're found primarily in Australia, but also in New Guinea, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, and the Philippines and are part of the ratite family, along with rheas and ostriches.

Mating pairs stay together for up to five months, after which females lay large, emerald-green eggs in expansive ground nests. The males incubate the eggs for about seven weeks without drinking, feeding or leaving the nest. tough to survive in their native Australia. The emu chick will start by pecking a hole in the egg before expanding his body to break the hard, brittle shell.

When the chicks are fully grown they can reach land speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour making them one of the fastest land birds alongside their ostrich cousins. Chicks stay with dad for about four months, until they are able to eat on their own.

Due to the ongoing restrictions with regard to avian flu, the emus are currently being kept inside.

Longleat is due to re-open to visitors on Monday 12 April. More information and pre-booking is available via the website.

Emu parents Biscuit and Bounty with their eggs

"Emus are unusual in the fact it is the father who sits on the nest and looks after the chicks when they hatch."

Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary

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CORSHAM WALKING FESTIVAL

This year’s 7th Corsham Walking Festival will run from 11-13 June and will have 26 walks to choose from. Organisers very much hope all walkers will find something to enjoy. To cater for a wide range of walking enthusiasts and abilities the walks vary in distance and go from easy through moderate to challenging.

There will be some new walks on offer as well as some of the more favourite ones and there will be a number of experts to talk about specialist subjects en route, as well as experienced walk leaders and back markers to guide you.

The guided walks will cover: Ancient Parishes and Manor Houses, Industrial and Rural Heritage, Wildflowers and of course our beautiful countryside with hidden valleys, meandering brooks and far-reaching views.

This free programme includes the ever-popular Children’s Treasure Hunt, Nordic Walking, a Dog Walk and one to look at Lichens and Mosses. Whilst families and groups can join in a Cryptic Mystery Walk – ‘Corsham Needs a Super-Hero’, to test their powers of observation around the local area.

To find out more information please visit the website, booking for all walks is open now.

• corshamwalkingfestival.org.uk

The Festival will offer 26 different walks catering for all abilities and interests

TROWBRIDGE MUSEUM RE-OPENS!

Trowbridge Museum has been closed for redevelopment since July 2018, making way for the ‘Onwards and Upwards’ project, a fantastic renovation and expansion supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Trowbridge Town Council, The Friends of Trowbridge museum and others.

The new museum, which will open its doors on Saturday 22 May, will tell the story of Trowbridge through new displays featuring never before seen objects and interactive activities for all ages. At the heart of the redevelopment is the newly built Learning Hub, which will enable the Learning and Outreach team to develop their schools, lifelong learning, workshops and talks programmes. The museum is also now the home of a brand new Research Library, hosting over 1700 books. The library focuses on the social history of Trowbridge and the development of the woollen cloth industry in the area, ensuring that Trowbridge’s and Wiltshire’s heritage is available to everyone.

From 22 May, visitors will be able to return and explore the brand new space including the shop featuring Trowbridge Museum products, history and craft books, and a fantastic range of gifts. Be sure to check the museum website and social media channels for updates on how to book your timed slot for the reopening. Discover your heritage, in your museum!