University of Primorska
Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies
We invite you to join us for the nature workshop “Parks and Gardens – Hidden Life Around Us”, organised as part of the GOmini project. The workshop is organised by the University of Primorska with the operational support of the Estplore guides.
Important information:
- 📅 Date: Saturday, 3 October 2026
- 🕓Time: from 09:30 to 11:30
- 📍Location: Rafut Park, Nova Gorica
- 👨👨👧👧 Target group: families with children aged 6 and above
The workshop will be held in Slovene and Italian. Participation is free of charge, but the number of places is limited, so prior registration through the online form is required: https://forms.gle/K6UzHQn4xTQEbWy17
How much “nature” is actually hidden in our urban parks and carefully maintained gardens? How many of the plant and animal species living there can we recognise? Which ones were introduced intentionally, and which arrived on their own? And are all the species we find in our gardens really welcome?
During the nature walk through Rafut Park, we will explore the surroundings through the eyes of real nature detectives. We will look for tracks, feathers, pellets, fur and other signs that can reveal which animals live in this green corner, even when we do not see them directly.
During our exploration, we will also use digital microscopes, which will allow us to observe tiny organisms and interesting details of plants and other natural materials that often go unnoticed by the naked eye. This will help us discover less visible inhabitants and hidden details of life in parks and gardens.
We will then turn our attention to plants and go on a “hunt” for non-native species. We will get to know some of these species and explore where they come from and how they arrived in our environment. We will also look at the impact they can have on native species and why some non-native species can become problematic.
Through exploration, we will discover that parks and gardens are not just spaces for people, but also important habitats for many plants and animals. Native and non-native species, people and nature all interact within these environments, and these relationships can bring both benefits and challenges to different organisms.
The workshop will offer an opportunity to look at a familiar environment from a different perspective and to discover the hidden biodiversity that surrounds us, even in places where we may not expect to find it.
As the workshop will take place outdoors, we recommend suitable clothing and footwear for outdoor activities.
The invitation and detailed programme are attached.
You are warmly invited!
About the project:
The project GOmini – Hidden Natural Heritage of the Cross-Border Area for Young Generations promotes the exploration of less noticeable habitats and raises awareness of the importance of biodiversity through the involvement of children and local communities. Interreg VI-A Italy-Slovenia 2021-2027 is a European cross-border cooperation programme. By funding cooperation projects between Italian and Slovenian partners, the Programme enriches the cross-border area through joint activities and financial support aimed at improving the quality of life of the population, while also protecting and promoting natural and cultural heritage.
More information:
