Nature and fun away with fairies

Children are to take part in three unique workshops teaching nature and plants' herbal properties as part of the popular Fairy Fair at Narborough Hall.

Children are to take part in three unique workshops teaching nature and plants' herbal properties as part of the popular Fairy Fair at Narborough Hall.

Witches Pets will familiarise youngsters with some of Britain's threatened bat species, explaining where they live and what they feed on, through a tale of two friendly house-proud witches who set out to improve their home and garden with the help of local children.

In Fairy Books, also new for 2008, participants create a miniature guide to wildflowers and trees including real leaves, hand-drawn wildflower pictures and folklore about flowers.

Also launched at Narborough is an updated version of the Magic Potions Workshop, in which all the potions will be created with native wild plants - under the guidance of a qualified herbalist.

Other workshops include Fairy Gardens, Fairy Clothes, Fairy Jewels, Magic Lanterns and Wizard Shields.

Sarah Wise coordinator of the Fairyland Trust said: “Places are selling fast from our website www.fairyland.org - so book now if you want to take part in workshops. It's a bad idea to wait until the day before as we'll all be in a field putting up tents and sorting out magic wands so dealing with last minute enquiries will be difficult!”

Visitors to the fair on 26 and 27 July can turn up on the day and pay at the gate, and still enjoy the craft stalls, refreshments, take a walk in the grounds, buy a float in the Fairy Float race, listen to the music, watch Pirates Against Pollution, see the Walkabout Performers and help in Cooking For Trolls, and buy any remaining unsold workshop places.