VISITORS to Okehampton Castle will have the opportunity to explore the historic site for free and take part in a range of wildlife activities on the annual Bluebell Sunday this weekend.

The event, which celebrates the coming of the spring bluebell flowers, will include a range of wildlife activities designed to make the day even more enjoyable for families, run by the Northern Devon Nature Improvement Area Project.

These will take place in a special biosphere dome and will include 'Discover Dormice', talks with expert Matt Parking about the animals and how to create and manage habitat for them.

There will also be stream bug sampling where families can have a go at discovering what bugs are hiding in the river, and using the magnifiers and microscopes provided, get up close and personal.

The activities are being organised in conjunction with the local Okehampton Rivers' Improvement Group whose volunteers look after and generate interest in the local streams. There will also be guided walks around the grounds looking at the wildlife present and the conservation measures used to maximise the area.

With no entry charge, the special day is also a chance to explore for the grounds of the castle with its woodland walk in the beautiful setting above the River Okement.

The castle was built soon after the Norman Conquest as a motte and bailey castle with a stone keep, and was converted into a sumptuous residence in the 14th century by Hugh Courtenay, Earl of Devon.

After the last Courtenay owner fell foul of Henry VIII in 1538, it declined into an allegedly haunted ruin that stands today.

Matthew Edworthy, outreach officer for the North Devon Nature Improvement Project, said: 'Helping people discover the wildlife around them and to understand it better is an essential part of any approach to improving conditions for wildlife at a catchment scale. Come and join us for some family friendly fun activities and see what lurks under the surface of the river Okement.'

The day runs from 10am to 5pm, with free access. For more information call 01837 52844.