FAMILIES are being invited to visit Brent Island to discover more about its wealth of wildlife and the beauty of its natural environment.

The Island’s first ever Family Activity Day runs from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday, September 17, with a range of interesting and fun activities on offer for all ages.

These include dipping for water in the Avon to investigate the creatures that live in the river with the Westcounty River Trust, a display of birds of prey, and children’s orienteering.

Dartmoor National Park and the South Brent Community Energy Society will also be mounting displays and organising activities for children, while Brent Island Trust will have a display stand, and be running a children’s game and art activities.

Admission is free, with free drinks for the children. There is no access for vehicles, but to reach the Island just walk down Millswood Lane, behind St Petroc Church.

Brent Island Trust chairman Guy Pannell said: ’For two years now we have organised a very successful Easter egg trail in the spring, which has attracted a good number of families to take part. People have told us how much they appreciate having something for the whole family on the Island, so we thought we would expand on that with an afternoon of activities for everyone to enjoy, but especially children.

’We hope it will help instil in them a love of this wonderful asset for the village.’

Brent Island was bought in 1994, with money raised through a public appeal and with the help of grants. The Trust looks after the area, running it as ’a place for the protection of wildlife and for people to enjoy’.