Meet Exeter’s only green Father Christmas!

Exeter’s only green Father Christmas will be visiting Cricklepit Mill on Sunday 6th December for a day of family fun.

The annual Christmas celebration at Devon Wildlife Trust’s historic mill is only a few minutes’ walk from the High Street and offers families a chance to take a break from the shops and get creative with Christmas crafts!

Christmas at Cricklepit is being held on Sunday 6th December from 11am – 4pm and is a day of free family activities.

Visitors will have the chance to have a go at willow weaving and making natural Christmas decorations ready to hang up on their tree at home. Our garden birds may also need a little extra help at this time of year as the weather gets colder so Devon Wildlife Trust will be encouraging everyone to make a bird feeder to take home.

This year a special visitor will be joining Devon Wildlife Trust in welcoming families to the mill. Exeter’s only Green Father Christmas will be flying in (Reindeer Air of course!) with presents for everyone.

Father Christmas has not always worn the bright red robes we are used to seeing him in now. The character wore a green cloak and a wreath of holly, ivy or mistletoe until the colour was changed in the 1930s as part of a major drinks company’s marketing campaign.

Father Christmas said: “I’m really looking forward to welcoming lots of local families to the mill.

"Christmas at Cricklepit is a great event and all the children go home with lots of lovely festive crafts! I might even have a go at some willow weaving myself... it would make an excellent present for Rudolph!”

Mince pies and hot drinks will be available, while visitors can also buy from the charity’s wonderful range of Christmas cards, calendars and other wildlife-related gifts.

Devon Wildlife Trust’s Jasmine Atkinson said: “Christmas at Cricklepit is the perfect escape from the hurly-burly of Christmas shops. The day will be full of Christmas magic and excitement, and it’s free!”

She added “Cricklepit is a historic mill and one of the best places to see wildlife in the heart of the city. Make sure you explore the garden with the Christmas nature trail.”

Devon Wildlife Trust’s Cricklepit Mill can be found on Commercial Road, Exeter, EX2 4AB and is just a two minute walk from Exeter’s historic quayside.

The mill is easy to access by public transport. Only a 15 minute walk from Exeter Central train station and a 2 minute amble from the Quay bus stop. There is no parking at the Mill, but on street parking and car parks can be found close by.

For more information about this event and the work of Devon Wildlife Trust visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org.

Cricklepit Mill’s visitor area and gardens are open to the public 9am-5pm weekdays, throughout the year. Entrance is free.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.