TWO hundred people enjoyed the sun and fresh air at the Gardens of Easton Lodge s Discovery Day on Sunday. Jacqui Fanchette, Gardens of Easton Lodge administrator, said: The atmosphere in the gardens was tremendous, warm, relaxed but with a buzz; an exce

TWO hundred people enjoyed the sun and fresh air at the Gardens of Easton Lodge's Discovery Day on Sunday.

Jacqui Fanchette, Gardens of Easton Lodge administrator, said: "The atmosphere in the gardens was tremendous, warm, relaxed but with a buzz; an excellent combination.

"Children were captivated by Marion Temple's story-telling trail and visitors really enjoyed the highly informative wildlife walk led by the Flitch Way country park ranger."

The biggest hit of the day were the craft activities led by artist Anne Schwegmann-Fielding.

She said: "We used the day to launch our 2007 Big Draw event 'An Invitation to Explore'. This year we have teamed up with the recycling department at Uttlesford District Council and we will be decorating cotton reusable bags and coming up with other imaginative uses of recycled materials."

More than 70 bags were painted and decorated over the afternoon.

Anne's plan is to cover the gardens with decorated bags for the October Big Draw weekend. This will illustrate the damage plastic bags cause to the environment.

For more information on the project call 01371 876969.