With a Green Flag park right on our doorsteps, we residents of Watford hardly need reminding of the importance of parks and green spaces. This week was Love Parks Week and we at the Watford Observer thought, as the weather has been so rubbish, that we’d continue the celebration with these upcoming events. Not to jinx it but don’t forget to pack your wellies and macs – just in case!

Cassiobury Farm open day 1, 15 and 31 August

This new venue is holding public open days on Saturdays 1 and 15 August, and on bank holiday Monday, August 31 from 10am to 5pm. Located at the southern end of the Local Nature Reserve, between Gade Avenue and Gade Bank. Tickets are free for children aged five and under, and £5 for children aged six and older. Featuring an unusual collection of exotic animals, including alpacas, Arctic foxes, meerkats, reindeer, squirrel monkeys and pelicans. Also features a rare breeds farm, including miniature horses, red deer and miniature pigs.

Details: cassioburyfarm.co.uk/open-days-events/

Woodland Skills at Cassiobury Park 5, 12, 19 and 26 August

Every Wednesday in August, from 11am to 1pm. Children’s activities learning natural skills in the woods. Free of charge, but booking essential. For youngsters aged ten and older.

Contact Debbie Brady on 01923278972 or email deborah.brady@watford.gov.uk

Picnic in the park, Cassiobury Park, Saturday, August 8

Bring your teddy and come on a bear hunt, make some bear food and stay for a picnic after the event. Families of all ages are welcome but it will be especially fun for younger bears. Follow the bear prints from the Gade Avenue car park and drop in between 11am and 12 noon – no need to book.

Reveley Lodge Open Day Sunday, August 9

Enjoy a hot and lazy afternoon in the wonderful Reveley Lodge gardens, open from 2pm till 6pm, with tea and cake, honey from bees kept on the estate, local crafts and plants for sale. Admission is £4 and children are free.

Dogs Trust Day, Cassiobury Park, Saturday, August 15

Come along to the Dogs Trust stand near the paddling pools between 11am and 3pm on Saturday, August 15. Free dog training, obedience tips and microchipping.

Storytelling at Bushey Rose Garden 6, 13, 20, 27 August

Join in storytelling every Thursday in August in the beautiful, peaceful surroundings of the Bushey Rose Garden.

Hatfield Park Farm open from 14 March 2015

Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. Tickets are £5 for adults, £2 children and under threes go free. Farm tickets entitles you to a free tractor and trailer ride. There is also a miniature train ride for which there is an additional charge.

Insect handling sessions at Butterfly World 25 August, 11am 1.30pm and 3pm. Free. Come and see Butterfly World’s collection of live creepy crawly insects in the Insect Study Centre and even get the chance to hold stick insects, cockroaches and snails.