A bank holiday walk through beautiful West Lancashire countryside starts May off on the right foot as the first of a programme of free local parks events.
All these events start at 10am, apart from the Medieval Weekend which takes place between 11am and 4pm, and are organised by West Lancashire Borough Council's Parks and Countryside Service.

Stretch your legs on Monday 1 May on a 5-6mile guided loop walk between Beacon Country Park and Ashurst Beacon with the Rangers. The walk is aimed at less experienced walkers who want to enjoy a countryside stroll at a relaxed pace. Advance booking is not required. Meeting point is the Visitor Centre at Beacon Country Park.

You can find out what Coronation Park in Ormskirk may have looked like 1,000 years ago at the Ormskirk Medieval Weekend at the park on Saturday 13 May and Sunday 14 May. Come and experience the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of the past as Historia Normannis take us on a journey through time. The park will be filled with displays including medieval crafts and exciting combat demonstrations.
Join the Rangers for a lovely spring walk around Fairy Glen on Sunday May 21. The walk passes through some of West Lancashire's most beautiful countryside and there are stunning views on this loop over Hunters Hill and Harrock Hill. People taking part should bring a packed lunch. No booking is required. Meeting point is the layby opposite Fairy Glen (A5209).
Rangers and a local expert will be telling people how to identify the plants and wild flowers growing in Beacon Country Park on a fascinating guided tour on Saturday 27 May. The three-mile walk is free, but places must be booked in advance by ringing 01695 622794 or emailing beacon.park@westlancs.gov.uk<mailto:...stlancs.gov.uk>. Meeting point is the Visitor Centre at Beacon Country Park.
Children aged between five and 12 can discover new skills on two wheels at the free Bike Ability Level 1 course at Coronation Park in Ormskirk on Sunday 28 May. Whether you are learning to ride on two wheels for the first time or improving your balance and ability, then this session will suit you. Learn to control your bike, signal, improve observation and learn techniques to prepare you for road cycling in the future. Places must be booked in advance by ringing 01695 570258 or emailing anne.faulkner@westlancs.gov.uk<mailt...stlancs.gov.uk>.
Volunteers can help the rangers prevent Himalayan Balsam from spreading through Fairy Glen and choking native plants at the Balsam Bashing event on Wednesday 31 May. To join the bashing team you must ring 01695 622794 or email beacon.park@westlancs.gov.uk<mailto:...stlancs.gov.uk>. Meeting point is the layby opposite Fairy Glen (A5209).

Under 16s require adult supervision at all these activities, apart from the Medieval weekend.
Please ensure that appropriate clothing and footwear is worn when attending these events. Gardening gloves are recommended for the Balsam Bashing event.
Fancy volunteering with the Ranger Service? Call 01695 622794 for more information. Find out more about parks and countryside events by following the Rangers on Twitter @WLBC_Rangers or visiting their Facebook page www.facebook.com/wlbc.rangers.
For more information in West Lancashire Borough Council events visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/events