Wildlife on show as part of the Festival of Nature events in Bath

Nature-lovers can learn more about local beetles and pollinators at an outdoor exhibition in Victoria Park, which is opening to coincide with the start of the Festival of Nature, the UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world.

The Buzz and Scuttle outdoor exhibition, created by local artist Marian Hill, will be on display at the play area in Royal Victoria Park throughout the festival, which takes place from Friday 10th to Saturday 18th June.

Marian collaborated with Bathscape to create the guide, which explains how beetles and pollinators help us by clearing up waste and pests and showing which minibeasts thrive on our ‘weeds.'

Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for Climate and Sustainable Travel, said: “The events that are run as part of the Festival of Nature are a great opportunity for people to get outside and enjoy our wonderful parks and green spaces and take action for nature. Everyone can play their part in helping nature’s recovery and these activities and the wonderful exhibition in the park will help people to learn more about local wildlife and plants and the benefits of being outdoors.“

Events taking place in Bath as part of the festival include a Buttercup Meadow Meditation in the meadows of Bath City Farm on Tuesday 14th June and a Gardening for Wildlife session at Sydney Gardens on Wednesday 15th June.

Adults, including social prescribers and health care providers, can find out more about green social prescribing at one of two Wellbeing with Nature Taster Sessions with Avon Wildlife Trust on Thursday 16th June.

On Friday 17th June people can explore how the city comes alive after dark on a sunset walk with wildlife experts and volunteers from Bath Astronomers, CPRE and Festival of Nature. Setting off from the Percy Community Centre at 9pm, the two-hour Nature at Night walk is a nocturnal adventure of wildlife spotting and star gazing that will reveal the importance of darkness.

A nature trail, big bug hunt and nature craft will be included in a morning of activities at Brickfields Park, Twerton on Saturday 18th June. The bug hunt starts at 10.30am from next to the children’s play area close to the Lymore Avenue. It will be led by Park Activator, Mali.

Most events are free or on a pay what you can basis. There are also online events which can be attended virtually. The full programme is online at: www.festivalofnature.org.uk.

Teachers and home educators of primary aged children, may also like to use Bathscape’s recently launched free learning materials, developed by Avon Wildlife Trust.  They include a guide on planning outdoor lessons, curriculum links, activities, how to take learning outdoors and how to make school grounds more wildlife friendly. The resources can be found here: https://www.bathscape.co.uk/schools/

Photo: Local artist Marian Hill, creator of the Buzz and Scuttle outdoor exhibition, in Victoria Park.