A summer family picnic is taking place in Dormston later this month.
This beautiful part of the Worcestershire countryside is unique, as it is one of author J.R.R Tolkien’s last remaining ‘literary landscapes’. It was here that Tolkien drew his inspiration for the fictional Middle-earth region which he called ‘The Shire’, so vividly described in The Lord of the Rings and other works.
The event is being organised by campaigners against a huge 287-acre power station planned for the area, and follows a successful guided family nature walk which took place in May.
Event organiser Phil Coathup said:
“We wanted to do something where people of all ages could get together and enjoy the British summer.
“We’re meeting in Dormston Lane which is just a few hundred yards from our picnic spot on The Shire, in a meadow overlooking Bag End which of course is the name given to the home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
“Local landscape expert Carly Tinkler also will be on hand to answer any questions about the natural and cultural history of the surroundings.
“So, bring something to eat and drink and don’t forget your picnic mat!”
The picnic is taking place on Sunday 21st July, meeting at 2.30pm at Dormston Lane, Dormston, WR7 4JT. Parking is available a couple of minutes’ walk away on Church Lane near St Nicholas’ Church, WR7 4JU.
If you’d like to join the picnic, please go to https://savetheshire.co.uk/summer-family-nature-picnic/