The day includes beekeeping, leather-working and archery.
Croydon youngsters will be able to explore their wild side this weekend at an event celebrating all things outdoors.
The Great Outdoors event will take place in Lloyd Park, near Coombe Road, on Saturday 13 July offering a full day of fun and educational activities.
The event is being organised by the Croydon Youth Forest Project, a group run by the local authorities offering unique woodland-based activities for children.
Suzy Strudwick, Croydon Youth Forest Project manager, said: “This is going to be a great event for young people, children and adults alike.
“We’re hoping to see lots of people taking the opportunity to find out how much fun you can have outdoors, maybe learn a bit about our natural environment and, of course, get involved in some of the exciting, free activities we have planned for the day.”
Hundreds of people are expected at the event where they can learn essential bushcraft skills for living in the wilderness as well as beekeeping, leather-working and countryside crafts.
Other fun activities include face painting, storytelling and nature walks. While Scout leaders from across Croydon will be available to help members of the public try their hand at archery.
Steve French, from the District Commission of Croydon Scouting, said: “We want to be involved in the Great Outdoors event to show the great things the Scouts do.”
He added: “Kids love the outdoors. Activities like the Scouts lets children develop discipline, responsibility and working in a team.”
People of all ages will also be able to try their hand at disc golf, a form of golf played with a Frisbee, on London’s first ever disc golf course.
The day-event is inspired by the publication of the children’s book 50 things to do before you’re 11¾. Published by conservation charity, the National Trust, it is aimed at getting children back outdoors climbing trees and building dens just like previous generations.
Local folk band Homebrood will also be performing for the assembled crowds.
Other organisations making an appearance on the day include the Croydon branch of the RSPB wildlife charity, the Croydon Forest School and the Heathfield Ecology Centre.
Croydon Councillor Vidhi Mohan, cabinet member for communities and economic development, said it is fantastic to get outdoors in the summer months with family and friends to enjoy Croydon’s beautiful natural spaces.
“This event showcases many of the traditional crafts that are still being practiced in the borough and it’s a great opportunity to learn some new skills or just have a good day out,” he added.
The Great Outdoors event will start at 10am and run until 4pm.
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