Charity offers peaceful alternative to Christmas shopping

Devon Wildlife Trust is staging a festive family event at its historic Cricklepit Mill, in the heart of Exeter. Christmas at Cricklepit takes place between 10.30am and 3.30pm on Saturday 1st December and is free. The day promises families a change of scene and pace from the hurly-burly of Christmas shopping. Visitors will be treated to seasonal storytelling, children's Christmas craft making, a chance to make winter bird food treats, and even the opportunity of meeting Father Christmas himself! Mince pies and hot drinks will be available, while visitors can also buy from the charity's wonderful range of Christmas cards, calendars and other wildlife-related gifts. Devon Wildlife Trust's Jo Pullin, who is organising the day, said: 'This is always a popular and inexpensive event for local families. It's a chance to have some fun, to explore our historic mill building and make a difference to wildlife. At a time when shopping and spending money seem to dominate, Christmas at Cricklepit shows people that there is a different side to the festive season, and certainly a more tranquil one!' Devon Wildlife Trust's Cricklepit Mill can be found in Commercial Road, Exeter, EX2 4AB and two minutes walk from Exeter's historic quayside. There is no parking at the Mill, but on street parking and car parks can be found close by. For more information about this event and the work of Devon Wildlife Trust visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org. 

Cricklepit Mill's visitor area and gardens are open to the public 9am-5pm weekdays, throughout the year (except Bank Holidays). Entrance is free. Children coming to this event must be accompanied by an adult at all times.