The European Day of Parks is now just hours away! However, the celebration of #OurNationalTreasures has already begun and will continue even after the 24th of May.

We are bringing you 10 events you can plan on attending all over Europe! Portugal, Finland, Ireland, Montenegro, Estonia, UK, Belgium, The Netherlands, Spain, and Italy have prepared the most versatile ways for you to reconnect with nature and celebrate #OurNationalTreasures! Join them!

United in celebration of European Day of Parks

Show that you are a part of the celebration on your social media!

Now you can show you are part of the #EuropeanDayofParks on your Facebook profile as well.

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Portugal – 24 May 2019 – Teatro Musical “O Bosque Encantado”

On Friday, May 24, Casa das Viras will host the Pandora Theater, a company of actors and puppets, which will present the play “The Enchanted Forest”.

In this play, the animals that live in the woods come to life… and explain in their own voice the importance of protecting nature.

More about the event here!

Finland – 24 May 2019 – Nature’s moods and moments by Konsta Punkka

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Attend a special photo exhibition in the three Visitor centers of the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.  The images of Konsta Punkka, one of Finland’s most world-renowned nature photographers, will take you on a journey into Finnish nature, from the awakening of spring to the abundance of autumn and from one visitor center to another.

The photographs selected for each visitor center form a whole. In order to see the entire exhibition, you must go through the national park from Ylläs to Pallas, or vice versa. The photographic exhibition of tunnel-like landscapes and photographer’s masterpieces gives you free access throughout the summer. The exhibition finale falls on Finnish Nature Day (31 August), when Punkka himself will visit all three Nature Centres to talk about his photographs and work.

More information can be found here!

Ireland – 24 May 2019 – Biophilia – Our Connection with Nature

We all have an innate affinity for nature and landscape; biophilia is one word for this love of our living surroundings. As part of Biodiversity Week and celebrating European Day of Parks, get out into beautiful Burren National Park and activate your senses! Explore how and why we perceive the natural world the way we do, nature’s myriad gifts of physical health and mental wellbeing, and how we can share these benefits in our homes, gardens, and communities to help us connect with natural rhythms and landscapes.

More information can be found here!

Montenegro – 24 May 2019 – Natural treasures of National parks

This year’s celebration of the European Day of Parks will be held in the national parks of Montenegro in order to promote the natural treasures of national parks. During this celebration, several promotional and educational events will be organised in national parks of Lovćen and Dormitor. Educational workshops will be held on thematic and educational trails, as well as in the visitors’ centers of these parks.

To reduce the impact of visitors and raise awareness of the necessity of preserving natural treasures, but also to strengthen the brand of National Parks as a destination that supports the development of sustainable tourism, National Parks of Montenegro have provided two tourist trains for organized transport of tourists. The first ride of the new train will be organized on Friday, May 24th, 2019. During this event, a walking tour along the educational trail around Biogradsko Lake is planned, as well as the taste of traditional gastronomic specialties from the local area of Bjelasica. More information can be found here!

Estonia – 24 May 2019 – Day of Parks 2019

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Republic of Estonia Environmental Board organises the hiking event for families in which they will be able to enjoy the birds singing and learn about spring flowers.

More information can be found here!

United Kingdom – 25 May 2019 – Devil’s Point

National Trust for Scotland – Mar Lodge Estate challenges you to climb this iconic mountain once visited by Queen Victoria, in the company of their ranger team. Good level of fitness is essential as there are some steep uphill sections and uneven terrain on this walk.

More information can be found here!

Belgium – 25 May 2019 – 1000-soortendag

With its large surface area and diversity of natural biotopes, Het Zwin is a real hotspot for biodiversity. On the 1000s species day, we will put this in the spotlight.

Experts are looking for as many species as possible.
On the 1000-species day, specialists from many groups of species come to the Zwin, with the aim of observing as many different species of animals and plants as possible. As a visitor, follow the observations of the experts live!

You will be able to follow the species counter from 24 May on via waarnemingen.be.

Netherlands – 26 May 2019 – Dag van het Nationaal Park Drentsche Aa

On Sunday, May 26, Drentsche Aa National Park will host the European National Parks day 2019 in the Gasterse dunes parking lot. How far can you throw a boulder? Do you know which paw print belongs to which animal? Do you taste the difference between the tap water from the Drentsche Aa and bottled water? Are you going fishing in the Oudemolensche Diep, exploring nature or would you rather make a nature painting?

It will be a pleasant do-and-information market where you can experience and do everything, with a walk in  the Oudemolensche forest. Drentsche Aa National Park staff will talk about the nature and cultural history of the Drentsche Aa area.

They are also inviting you to become National Park Junior Ranger… In September they will start the first National Park Drentsche Aa aspiring  Junior Rangers group. Junior Rangers from the Drents-Friese Wold National Park and Dwingelderveld talk about their nature experiences and nature experiences in recent years. You are very welcome to hear from these experts what it means to become a National Park Junior Ranger.

More information can be found here!

Spain – 26 May 2019 – Geo Rally Fotográfico del Geoparque

Get to known the geology, the landscape, the ethnography, the flora and fauna biodiversity of Geopark and Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park, and use photography as a tool for the enhancement of heritage, allowing you to know and observe it by combining an entertaining and interpretative day trip in contact with nature with the art of photography.

More information can be found here!

Italy – 26 May 2019 – Scientist for one day in Val Canzoi

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Become a scientist for one day in Val Canzoi! Join the guided excursion and playful learning workshop at the Park’s Environmental Education Centre “La Santina”.

More information can be found here!

The European Day of Parks is a commemorative day for Protected Areas across Europe that was launched in 1999 by the EUROPARC Federation to celebrate Protected Areas throughout Europe. It celebrates the creation of the 1st National Parks in Europe – a set of nine parks created in Sweden in 1909.

The European Natura 2000 Award aims to raise awareness about the benefits of Natura 2000 and the importance of biodiversity at EU, Member State and local level. It provides an excellent opportunity to promote your work, network and exchange experiences with EU policy makers and other applicants.

Anyone directly involved in Natura 2000 – businesses, authorities, NGOs, volunteers, land owners, educational institutions or individuals – can apply for an Award. By doing so, your efforts to help protect Europe’s most valuable species and habitats will be presented to a wide audience and will help raise the visibility of your activities across the EU. Showcasing your success will also provide inspiration for others who manage and promote Natura 2000 sites.

The Natura 2000 Award recognises good practice in Natura 2000 sites in six different categories:

• Communication;
• Socio-Economic Benefits;
• Conservation;
• Reconciling Interests / Perceptions;
• Cross-Border Cooperation and Networking.

As well as a European Citizens’ Award, which  provides  the public with an opportunity to vote for its favourite achievement. The application receiving the highest number of public votes will win the prestigious European Citizens’ Award.

How to apply

It’s simple! Go to the award website and fill in your application form before the 30 September 2019. The website provides detailed information on the application process and offers guidance, tips and examples of how to present your achievements. A summary of each application will be published on the Award website for all to see.

The application form is not complicated and can be completed in all EU languages but it is important that all applicants, including those who have applied previously, read the application form and Guidance for applicants carefully in order to give the application its best chance. Small improvements have been made to the application form and Guidance since the last edition of the Award.

Read the Guidance for application.

Key dates for your diary are as follows:

• 30 September 2019 – Deadline for submissions
• March 2020 – Announcement of finalists and public vote
• May 2020 – Award Ceremony in Brussels

As with the previous editions of the Award, the Award Secretariat provides a help desk for all applicants and potential applicants. Applicants are encouraged to use the on the website or e-mail with any inquiries or concerns about the application process. The e-mail address is: n2000awards@adelphi.de.

Why to apply

Winning an Award has helped previous applicants, opening new horizons, allowing them to promote their activities on a much wider scale. Winners have particularly highlighted the benefits in terms of raising their profile with the governmental bodies and other stakeholders. For example, the Environmental Organization for Wildlife and Nature Callisto, Greece, winner of the 2018 Reconciling Interests Award said:

“Winning the Natura 2000 Award has had a great impact on the image and status of Callisto. Winning the Award is a great recognition for all the time, work and actions in Kastoria and has had a significant impact both on the external image of Callisto and for all of our experts. This recognition is also a helpful supporting argument for fundraising and asking for further support from Callisto’s friends.”

And the Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society – MME (BirdLife Hungary), Winner of the 2018 Conservation Award added:

“Both the press release about winning the Award and the press conference at the local event resulted in a very high level of press coverage (100+ media reports), making it one of the most significant topics in the field of nature conservation in Hungary that year.”

Given the key role of member Protected Areas in the management of Natura 2000 network, we encourage all EUROPARC members to have their work acknowledged by applying for the Natura 2000 Award!

The European day of Parks is now just a couple of days away. However, the celebration is beginning before the 24th of May and it lasts much longer than that too, as it should. We are all proud of #OurNaturalTreasures and it is only fair to celebrate them as much as we can. Therefore, the celebration can start! Slovenia, Italy, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Denmark, Czech Republic, and Israel have prepared amazing events and are waiting for you to join them!

Organise your event!

In case you haven’t yet organised and registered your event – it is still not too late! We invite all protected areas to organise events in and around the 24th of May!

You might set up a guided tour through your Park, a special wildlife watching programme or a night tour to observe the amazing night creatures! Get your Junior Rangers and Youth on board and make them lead the activities in your Park: they can tell your visitors all about a special species, monument or habitat.

Involve your local schools in handcraft activities, such as creating nests or feeding stations, creating sculptures of your main species or maquettes of the existing habitats. Preferably, you would take them out, plant trees, teach them how to identify mammals footprints and drops, or how to identify birds by their singing. There is a whole set of activities you can organise in your Park to invite your Community!

Once you have defined your events, don’t forget to register them here.

Download the official poster and web banners to promote your event in your languages.

Show that you are a part of the celebration on your social media!

Now you can show you are part of the #EuropeanDayofParks on your Facebook profile as well.

Apply our frame and include the official European Day of Parks logo on your profile picture!

Slovenia – 22 May 2019 – Exhibition of the Parks Dinarides

The exhibition “Nature connects us – Parks Dinarides” will be opened on May 22th in Triglav National Park ‘s information center in Bled (Infocenter Triglavska roža Bled), promoting protected areas that are part of the Parks Dinarides – Network of Protected Areas of Dinarides, which belong to the wider geographic area of the Adria region: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia.
The visitors will be able to see the photos of the most beautiful natural scenes from Dinarides in information points around the Triglav National Park till the end of August 2019: Information center Dom Trenta, Infocenter Triglavska roža Bled, Zelena hiša TIC Kobarid and Slovene alpine museum in Mojstrana.
The exhibition will present natural and cultural values of protected areas of the Dinarides, and benefits to local communities because of nature protection.

More information about the event can be found here 

Italy – 22 May 2019 – CEETO Park Open Day

Ente di Gestione per i Parchi e la Biodiversità – Delta del Po organised two guided visits to the Fossil Dunes of Massenzatica, ancient coastal dune cords that are now located in the hinterland because of the advancement towards the east of the coastline.

The visits are free and will be held at:
– 10.30
– 15.30

To take part in the free guided tours it is compulsory to book at info@biosferadeltapo.org.

More information about the event can be found here

Lithuania – 24 May 2019 – “Parnidis tour”

Curonian Spit National Park is taking you to the tour in Parnidis landscape reserve territory.

More information about the event can be found here

Hungary – 24 May 2019 – European Day of Park – Wildlife in the garden

The Balaton Uplands National Park Directorate would be delighted if you could join them for a pleasant walk to Csopak around the Dormouse Nature Trail. The Dormouse Nature Trail is located in Csopak at the headquarter of the Balaton Uplands National Park Directorate’s garden. The symbol of the path is a little rodent, who feels best in our loft and garden, the Dormouse.

This interactive and playful walk will present our environment and fauna, which surround us, even when we don’t notice it at all.
The Dormouse Nature Trail presents our brook’s clearness, 30 different types of woody and herbaceous plants. Furthermore, it gives you a glimpse of the Balaton Uplands’ 30 billion years of geological history. Seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs can also be found in the garden.

More information about the event can be found here

Poland – 24 May 2019 – Skarby natury w województwie lubuskim – Treasures of nature in the Lubuskie Voivodeship

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The team of Landscape Parks of the Lubusz Province (Barlinecko-Gorzowski Landscape Park )actively participates in the celebration of Landscape Parks Day and invites all nature lovers for a walk in search of nature’s treasures.
The event is addressed to people of all ages: children, teenagers, adults, seniors, and entire families.

More information about the event can be found here

Denmark – 26 May 2019 – Vadehavet i en kurv

Nationalpark Vadehavet invites to join a cultural nature tour along the coast of the Wadden Sea, where the cultural landscape and food are in focus.

More information about the event can be found here 

Sejltur med Æ Skiw

On the 26th of May, they have also organised a boat trip that you can join.

More information about the event can be found here

Czech Republic – 26 May 2019 – Excursion to spring nature

Landscape protected area Blaník is taking you to the excursion in nature.

From the House of nature, we will go through a mosaic of meadows and forests to the Křížov quarry and return to the valley of the brook Brodec.

Spring nature, plants, and animals will be presented to you by Ing. Mgr. Martin Klaudys.

We recommend hiking clothes and shoes. The event takes place in any weather, the terrain is more demanding.

More information about the event can be found here 

Israel – 28 May 2019 – Time For Time-out!

Ramat Hanadiv is kicking off the summer with an afternoon of sport, movement, and inspiration, and you’re invited to participate in an event dedicated entirely to health and relaxation in the open air, facing the sunset, with the blooming gardens in the background.
Ramat Hanadiv is happy to offer you a different afternoon experience of workshops in the relaxing and magical atmosphere of the Gardens.

More information about the event can be found here 

The European Day of Parks is a commemorative day for Protected Areas across Europe that was launched in 1999 by the EUROPARC Federation to celebrate Protected Areas throughout Europe. It celebrates the creation of the 1st National Parks in Europe – a set of nine parks created in Sweden in 1909.

As the European Day of Parks gets closer, the list of events celebrating #OurNaturalTreasures grows more and more! This time we are taking you to Lithuania, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, and Spain. We hope that amongst these wonderful events you will find at least one to attend or get inspired by. Celebrate with us!

Organise your event!

In case you haven’t yet organised and registered your event – it is still not too late! We invite all protected areas to organise events in and around the 24th of May!

You might set up a guided tour through your Park, a special wildlife watching programme or a night tour to observe the amazing night creatures! Get your Junior Rangers and Youth on board and make them lead the activities in your Park: they can tell your visitors all about a special species, monument or habitat.

Involve your local schools in handcraft activities, such as creating nests or feeding stations, creating sculptures of your main species or maquettes of the existing habitats. Preferably, you would take them out, plant trees, teach them how to identify mammals footprints and drops, or how to identify birds by their singing. There is a whole set of activities you can organise in your Park to invite your Community!

Once you have defined your events, don’t forget to register them here.

Download the official poster and web banners to promote your event in your languages.

Show that you are a part of the celebration on your social media!

Now you can show you are part of the #EuropeanDayofParks on your Facebook profile as well.

Apply our frame and include the official European Day of Parks logo on your profile picture!

Lithuania – 24 May 2019 – Colorful butterflies

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Curonian Spit National Park administration is organizing the educational activity for children – Colorful Butterflies. There you will find out the life cycle of butterflies, and all the types of butterflies that can be found in the park. During the workshop, children will be able to make their own butterfly wings.

More information about the event can be found here!

France – 24th & 25th of May 2019 – Ecrins de nature

Parc national des Ecrins has prepared two days to discover the biodiversity: a special day will be organised for schools and then another one for the general public, in connection with associations and the partners of the National park.

From Friday, May 24th, you will have the chance to look at the stars, insects, and moths, listen to bats and all night sounds.

On Saturday, May 25th, naturalist associations, the partners of the event and the team of the National Park will encourage you to explore the local natural resources and they will also share their discoveries with you. Hikes in mountain and nature, land-art, and exhibitions are just some of the activities and events planned.

More information about the event can be found here!

Hungary – 25 May 2019 – Bicycle tour on Bükk-Plateau

The Bükk National Park Directorate invites cyclist to take part in the guided tour to the Bükk Plateau the central part of the Bükk National Park to visit the valuable natural sites which were the main arguments for the declaration of the national park in 1977.
The tour goes through various landscapes (the open karst meadows, mountain beechwoods, the rocky forests of the southern edge of the plateau) where professionals of the National Park will talk about nature and wildlife management.
Participants can taste national parks’ products at the refreshing break stops!

More information about the event can be found here!

Italy – 25 May 2019 – The Natural Treasures of a Care Farm

La Fattoria Verde ONLUS prepared a day filled with various workshops for both adults and children, and of course all accessible also for disabled people. The workshops will be about nature, farm animals and (biodynamic) horticulture, but also about the wildlife on the farm. There is a sensorial garden. There will be the possibility to meet the farm animals in liberty and to really get in touch with them, on their terms. For a small contribution there will be available a simple lunch (only on reservation).

More information about the event can be found here!

Poland – 25 May 2019 – A rally “On the wildlife trails of forests and lakes”

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Landscape Parks of Iława Lakeland and Dylewo Hills has prepared an interesting rally with control points, where each team will have to solve a few puzzles about nature in the Park. This event is for families and schools.

More information about the event can be found here!

Spain – 25 May 2019 – Discovering de forest of Sant Joan de l’Erm in Alt Pirineu Natural Park

Discover and enjoy the forest of Sant Joan de l’Erm in the Alt Pirineu Natural Park, the largest one in Catalonia. Walk along the wooden walkway, which leads to the viewpoint while learning different aspects of this protected area through the elements you find on the way. You will enjoy this natural environment through all your senses. Activity is suitable for people with limited mobility.

More information about the event can be found here!

Check out other events organised in and around the European Day of Parks on the map!

The European Day of Parks is a commemorative day for Protected Areas across Europe that was launched in 1999 by the EUROPARC Federation to celebrate Protected Areas throughout Europe. It celebrates the creation of the 1st National Parks in Europe – a set of nine parks created in Sweden in 1909.