Join us at Yarra Bend Park in Kew for our Bush kids program where we will be learning all about the Grey-headed flying fox colonies that inhabit the area and getting up close to see and learn about their remarkable features! We’ll go on a bush walk and then on return, children will make their very own Grey-headed flying fox puppet to take home.

“These native megabats have their camp in Yarra Bend Park with colony numbers rising to around 35,000 in summer and down to as low as 1,000 in winter. Like their human counterpart “grey nomads” the bats trend northwards when it gets cold and come back again when it warms up – they also camp in the best places and love to chat. Find out about these fascinating creatures, their habitats and how you can help protect the environment.

Grey-headed flying foxes have inhabited Australia’s east and south for around two million years and are revered by the local Wurundjeri people in the form of Balayang brother to totemic ancestor Bunjil the Eaglehawk. They can be seen roosting in the park during the day.” (Source: https://www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/)

This Bush Kids workshop is run by Emma, a bush kindy facilitator who is currently completing her Master of Environment at Melbourne University, specialising in ‘conservation and restoration’.

Our program is based on the leading research from world-renowned and leading Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Angela Hanscom, author of Balanced and Barefoot to give your child optimum opportunity to build their gross motor and physical skills through climbing, balancing, walking and fine motor skills during our craft activities. Research clearly shows that the more time your child spends in nature, the better they are prepared for learning and life skills, both physically and emotionally. As Angela illustrates, “too many of today’s children miss out on the full sensory richness offered beyond the walls of the classroom or home.”

Ages: 4- 10 years

*Parents must stay and supervise their children at all times.