This July, an innovative promenade performance will mark Wind in the Willows’ 100th anniversary and highlight London’s important water vole habitat.

On Sunday 6th July Ratty, Mr Toad, Moley, Badger and their friends will be entertaining families by the Shot Tower in Crane Park and in London Wildlife Trust’s Crane Park Island Nature Reserve with a interactive performance of Kenneth William’s classic tale.

2008 marks the 100th anniversary of Wind in the Willows and this special adaptation will highlight the importance of protecting wildlife habitats, not least of all that of Ratty, who is actually a water vole - a key species that London Wildlife Trust is working hard to protect.

The performance piece is being created by the Merchant Taylors’ Theatre Company. It will feature stunning costumes from the latest film version of Wind in the Willows and the National Theatre’s celebrated stage version, not to mention a wonderful Victorian skiff!

Kicking off at midday with a bring and share picnic, a storyteller will share tales of the wild wood and younger picnickers will get a chance to entertain all with their music making. There will also be a family quiz before the grand performance begins at 2pm.

Our version of Wind in the Willows will take picnickers on a journey through Crane Park Island, renowned for its successful colonies of breeding water voles. Taking about two hours, this unique production will give everyone a chance get involved with the action.

Children from Trafalgar Junior School will be participating in dance, music and prop making workshops as part of this exciting project. The event is free and has been supported by the Rugby Football Union and the London Borough of Richmond Parks Department – thank you!

London Wildlife Trust's Crane Park Island Project will be running summer family workshops throughout the summer holidays themed on Wind in the Willows – see our events pages for more information or contact Alex, project manager.