PEOPLE in Basingstoke and Deane are being encouraged to get outside and enjoy the borough’s parks and open spaces.

A week of free events will mark Love Parks week from Friday 13 July to Sunday 22 July, this includes pond dipping, bug hunts, craft sessions and a parkrun with a twist in some of Basingstoke’s well-known parks.

The parks and open spaces which will be hosting the events include the War Memorial Park, Eastrop Park, Stratton Park and Down Grange.

Stratton Park in Kempshott will come alive on Sunday, 15 July with a special wildlife-themed junior parkrun and budding explorers will get the chance to take part in a bug hunt and butterfly walk on Saturday, 21 July.

The week of activities coincides with the Keep Britain Tidy initiative, run by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in partnership with a number of organisations and community groups, gives people of all ages a number of ways to explore the borough’s fantastic green spaces free of charge.

Throughout the week children will be able to get creative during a number of craft sessions and those wanting to be active while enjoying the outdoors will have a chance to take part in health walks, parkruns and a cycle ride on Monday, 16 July.

Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure councillor Mark Ruffell said: “We take great pride in having such lovely open spaces in our borough. They are important for our own wellbeing and leisure activities. Love Parks Week is a fantastic way for children, families and people of all ages to enjoy the borough's parks and open space which is why we are so supportive of it.”

For more information and a full schedule of the activities on offer during this year’s Love Parks Week please visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/loveparks