2nd Akrotiri Spring Festival - Sunday, 12 May, 2024
BirdLife Cyprus, Terra Cypria, the Environment Department of the British Bases, the Akrotiri Environmental Education Center – Unit of Education for the Environment and the Sustainable Development are delighted to invite the public to the 2nd Akrotiri Spring Festival, a unique event dedicated to the environmental and cultural importance of Akrotiri Peninsula.
The festival will take place on Sunday, 12 May, 2024 at the Akrotiri Environmental Education Centre. During the day, people of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as bird ringing and birdwatching, fun educational games and crafts for the whole family, guided hiking, basketry and cyanotype workshops, etc. All activities are open to the public and free of charge. Due to limited spaces, some of the activities require pre-registration.
View the full programme below or click here.
Programme
8:45 Bird Ringing
Join us to learn about the fascinating world of bird migration and conservation
through an interactive bird ringing event.
9:30 - 11:30 Birdwatching Tour
Age 12+, children need to be accompanied by an adult.
Come with us to discover the rich avifauna of Cyprus and connect with nature in a peaceful and serene environment. We will explore the diverse landscape of wetlands, salt lakes and coastline of the area. Hop on the bus and let the birdwatching tour begin!
Come with us to discover the rich avifauna of Cyprus and connect with nature in a peaceful and serene environment. We will explore the diverse landscape of wetlands, salt lakes and coastline of the area. Hop on the bus and let the birdwatching tour begin!
10:00 - 12:00 The Adventure in the Forest Begins: A Unique Journey of Exploration and Creativity on Akrotiri!
Age 5-10, children will board on a bus accompanied by teachers and without parents to be transferred to the location of the activity (3 minutes from AEEC).
Αn adventure dedicated to our little friends. In this adventure we will discover the gifts of nature, the possibilities it offers for learning, exploration, creativity and above all for play and fun! Together we will discover the flora and fauna, shelters, animal tracks, our relationship with nature and each other, make crafts, discover natural ways of survival and share stories and experiences! Join the team of fearless explorers who will embark on magical adventures in the unique way of our special, beloved Forest School!
Αn adventure dedicated to our little friends. In this adventure we will discover the gifts of nature, the possibilities it offers for learning, exploration, creativity and above all for play and fun! Together we will discover the flora and fauna, shelters, animal tracks, our relationship with nature and each other, make crafts, discover natural ways of survival and share stories and experiences! Join the team of fearless explorers who will embark on magical adventures in the unique way of our special, beloved Forest School!
12:00 - 14:00 Photographing with sunlight: Cyanotype as a tool for environmental awareness
Age 12+
Cyanotype is one of the oldest methods of photography where the image, as a photogram is formed by a deep blue (cyan) colour from the combination of two chemicals when exposed to the sun. In this workshop, we will learn the technique step by step. Using plastics collected from clean-ups in the area, which we will integrate into an artistic context with elements from nature, we will create visual narratives about the human footprint on the environment. Together we will create a collective work and also postcards for everyone to take away as a souvenir of this creative morning.
Cyanotype is one of the oldest methods of photography where the image, as a photogram is formed by a deep blue (cyan) colour from the combination of two chemicals when exposed to the sun. In this workshop, we will learn the technique step by step. Using plastics collected from clean-ups in the area, which we will integrate into an artistic context with elements from nature, we will create visual narratives about the human footprint on the environment. Together we will create a collective work and also postcards for everyone to take away as a souvenir of this creative morning.
9:30 - 13:00 Crafts Station
Together we will be making environmentally friendly crafts related to Akrotiri Peninsula’s biodiversity.
Stop by the craft station to explore a fun and creative way to learn more about the protection
of our planet.
10:30 - 14:00 Learn about the Vultures
Educational and interactive activities (floor game and crafts)
for children and adults, to learn more about these endangered creatures.
14:15 - 15:30 We build and learn about bird nests
Children younger than 7 years old need to be accompanied by an adult.
Join us to learn about the uniquely beautiful and different nests that each bird makes. Some birds need cavities or holes to nest and raise their families. Such spaces are far from plentiful; placing a nest box can be a great way to provide shelter for these birds. You will build your own bird nest for your garden visitors.
Join us to learn about the uniquely beautiful and different nests that each bird makes. Some birds need cavities or holes to nest and raise their families. Such spaces are far from plentiful; placing a nest box can be a great way to provide shelter for these birds. You will build your own bird nest for your garden visitors.
15:00 - 16:30 Basketry Workshop
Age 10+
Through the basketry workshop, we will have the opportunity to learn about this traditional art, its history and its value for the culture and the environment of Akrotiri. With the guidance and assistance of experienced local basket weavers, we will watch and participate in the basket weaving process from start to finish.
Through the basketry workshop, we will have the opportunity to learn about this traditional art, its history and its value for the culture and the environment of Akrotiri. With the guidance and assistance of experienced local basket weavers, we will watch and participate in the basket weaving process from start to finish.
14:00 - 15:00 The “hidden world” around us
Age 8+
Follow us in the Botanical Garden of the Akrotiri Environmental Education Centre to explore and observe the invertebrates, using specialised equipment and guides.
Follow us in the Botanical Garden of the Akrotiri Environmental Education Centre to explore and observe the invertebrates, using specialised equipment and guides.
15:00 - 16:30 A fascinating journey into the world of dragonflies!
Flying in our skies for over 300 million years, dragonflies have amazing adaptations, a remarkable
life cycle and fascinating life facts! Immense yourself into the secret world of dragonflies through
the guidance of a dragonfly expert and learn more about this magical creature through fun games
for all ages and in the end, we will create our own dragonfly to accompany us home!
10:00 - 14:00 Documentary Screenings
Documentaries that highlight the unique beauty of the Akrotiri Peninsula and the need for its
protection will be screened on the loop. Watch them to discover the hidden gems of the Peninsula!
16:30 - 17:30 Hiking at Kourteli Trail
Together we will follow the path that was traditionally used by the inhabitants
of Akrotiri to carry their products to Limassol. We will explore the plants and insects
we will encounter. The hike ends at a beautiful viewpoint of Akrotiri Salt Lake.
Watch the video below for a glimpse of the first Akrotiri Spring Festival, that took place on 13-14 May 2023.
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