Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is delighted to announce that its popular Country Comes to Town event will return for its 13th year on Saturday May 17, 2025 at Monkton Park in Chippenham. This free, family-friendly event is a highlight of the Trust’s calendar, designed to engage local residents with the vital work of the Trust while providing a fun and educational day out. Between 10am and 4pm, Monkton Park will become a hive of activity as Wiltshire Wildlife Trust hosts its annual family-friendly event all about protecting wildlife and connecting people with nature.
Each year, Country Comes to Town moves to a different location within Wiltshire, bringing the countryside experience to urban settings. Monkton Park, a well-loved and frequently used community space in Chippenham, provides the perfect backdrop for this year’s event. It is guaranteed to be an educational, fun day out for all the family, where visitors can enjoy a host of interactive wildlife experiences and activities. Come along and discover how Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is helping nature recover and flourish across Wiltshire and Swindon. Learn about their important work restoring a variety of habitats, from chalk streams and downlands to woodlands, and find out how they’re protecting local wildlife. Get inspired by the experts and pick up tips on wildlife-friendly gardening and sustainable living.
Visitors can look forward to a wide range of activities and attractions, including:
- Wellness activities led by the Trust’s wellbeing team
- Engaging crafts for children
- Opportunities to learn about local conservation efforts, such as the work at Vincients Wood and the Trust’s support for the River Avon through invasive species removal
- Informative stands from our partner organisations
- The smoothie bike – pedal your way to a delicious smoothie
- Meet some of our farm animals.
Becki Mckinlay, Director of Engagement and Fundraising said:
“We’re incredibly excited to bring ‘Country Comes to Town’ to Chippenham in 2025. It has not been held in Chippenham before, and we’ve had so much engagement from the community in the last year we wanted to bring the Trust to the town. This event is a chance for families to enjoy a fun-filled day out and discover the wonders of nature right on their doorstep and learn more about the amazing work of the Trust. We believe Monkton Park is an ideal location, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to what promises to be a memorable event.”
Country Comes to Town is free to attend and open to all. Further details about the event program and timings will be released closer to the date. Keep an eye on the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust website and social media channels for updates.
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust will be joined by experts from organisations the Trust works closely with, such as Butterfly Conservation, Wiltshire Beekeepers Association,
Wiltshire Ornithological Society and have invited various Chippenham environmental groups.
Event information:
Date: Saturday 17 May 2025, 10am – 4pm
Location: Monkton Park, Chippenham, SN15 1ER
Price: Free
Directions and parking:
Parking
The main car park for Monkton Park is located off Monkton Hill. Please note that parking charges may apply.
Directions
From the A4 (East or West)
Exit the A4 at the Bumpers Farm roundabout and follow signs for Chippenham town centre. Continue on the A4 towards the town centre and turn left at the traffic lights onto Monkton Hill. The car park entrance is on the left-hand side.
Exit the A4 at the Bumpers Farm roundabout and follow signs for Chippenham town centre. Continue on the A4 towards the town centre and turn left at the traffic lights onto Monkton Hill. The car park entrance is on the left-hand side.
From Chippenham Town Centre
From the High Street, follow signs for Monkton Park. This will lead you onto Monkton Hill. The car park entrance is on the left-hand side.
By Public Transport
Chippenham railway station is within walking distance of Monkton Park (approximately a 10-15 minute walk). Regular bus services also operate in the area. Check local timetables for the most up-to-date information.
From the High Street, follow signs for Monkton Park. This will lead you onto Monkton Hill. The car park entrance is on the left-hand side.
By Public Transport
Chippenham railway station is within walking distance of Monkton Park (approximately a 10-15 minute walk). Regular bus services also operate in the area. Check local timetables for the most up-to-date information.
Sat Nav: Use postcode SN15 1ER for the most accurate location.