Living Coasts is hosting a long weekend of art, nature and crafts for all the family.

The Art and Wildlife Weekend includes expert talks, free fun activities for kids and a free display of wildlife art at Torquay’s coastal zoo and aquarium over the weekend of Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd March.

On the Friday evening there will be two great talks exploring the links between art and science. Dr. Peter Smithers, Entomologist in the School of Biomedical And Biological Sciences at the University of Plymouth, will give a talk called From Darwin to Dali. Artist and ecologist John Walters will speak on West Country wildlife.

You can buy tickets online at £9 (£7 for Zoo members). Places are limited, booking is essential, telephone 0844 474 3366 or go to www.livingcoasts.org.uk.

On Saturday 2nd March, between 12.00 and 3.00pm, the Monty Halls Great Escapes Roadshow will be at Living Coasts. The team will be on hand to help children and adults discover more about the marine and coastal environment. There will be whale bones, shark egg cases and other items to examine and a talk in the penguin amphitheatre at 1.00pm, tickets by paid entry to Living Coasts.

The Great Escapes Roadshow was set up by marine biologist, diver, explorer, writer and TV presenter Monty Halls, known for his television programmes such as Great Escapes, Barrier Reef and the Fisherman’s Apprentice.

Throughout the weekend there will be an exhibition of wildlife art in the Living Coasts Café. Scott Gleed and Maggie Smith will be among the artists showcasing their work. Paintings, print-work, photography and sculpture will be on display. Free entry, donations welcome.

For more information go to www.livingcoasts.org.uk or ring 0844 474 3366.