AN AUTUMN celebration in Ryde saw hundreds of people take to the green at Appley Park.
On October 8, residents took part in activities such as tree climbing, ink making using oak galls with Ryde Arts, story-telling and nature crafts.
The first activity of the day was a fungus foray around the park, led by Colin Pope of the Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society.
Natural history experts Bird Aware Solent and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust were on hand throughout the day.
Also at the event was a baby hedgehog, brought to the park by Save our Hedgehogs Isle of Wight.
On the seafront, Appley Tower Players performed Where There’s A Will There’s A Way.
An Appley Park Sculpture Trail was created on the day, with event-goers using clay and natural materials to create faces on tree trunks.
The event was organised by Friends of Appley.
Abi Fox for the organisation said: "The support from our local community has – as always – been brilliant.
"2nd Ryde Sea Scouts helped out and we were thrilled to have Oakfield CE Primary School with us.
"Appley Day is all about enjoying our beautiful green space — to see people exploring parts of the park that were new to them and enjoying the activities on a sunny autumn day was very special.
"We’d like to say thanks to Ryde Town Council and Ryde Business Association for their support.”
Friends of Appley are looking for new members to join the group.
If you have a love of the natural environment, and would like to volunteer to support the park and local community, you should contact the group's Facebook page.
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