Blackley’s very own Crocodile Dundee, Joe McQuade, will be in Blackley Forest this Saturday (30th May) as part of a day of activities to celebrate Manchester’s first community forest.
Wildlife conservationist Joe, known as 'Crocodile Joe' will be bringing along some of his lizards and snakes as part of Blackley Forest Open Day.
He will be talking about his work with animals, including of course crocodiles, and the more adventurous visitors can even hold the reptiles!
The free event will run from 12noon to 4pm and will take place in the top meadow of the forest which is accessed from Ellbourne Road, just off Blackley New Road.
It will be officially opened by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Alison Firth.
As well as Crocodile Joe, there will be plenty of activities to suit all ages including nest box and hanging basket building, face painting, kite making and head massages.
There will be falconry exhibitions as well as displays of wood carving and willow weaving. Local community groups, including the Hedgehog Society, will also be on hand to talk about their work.
And for younger visitors, Smilie the clown will be on hand for some fun and games as well as a bouncy castle.
Dot Keller, Chair of the Friends of Blackley Forest, says: "This is the third year we have held this event and each year it just gets better and better. We are very proud of our forest and all it has to offer the community. We look forward to seeing as many people as possible at our open day."
Richard Cowell, Manchester City Council Executive Member for the Environment, says: "This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone to come down to the forest and have a taste of what makes it such a special place. The forest has been designated as a local nature reserve and is home to a terrific assortment of wildlife including bats, hedgehogs, dragonflies, foxes and kingfishers. We are very lucky to have such a haven on our doorsteps."