Tree stilt walkers, free tree saplings and hundreds of family-friendly activities will take over Bath this month as the Festival of Nature returns from 6-14 June.
Now in its 23rd year, the festival is bringing more than 180 free events and activities to Bath, Bristol and the wider West of England, with trees and woodlands taking centre stage throughout the nine-day celebration.
The festival opens with a Family Day at SouthGate Bath on Saturday 6 June from 10am to 4pm, featuring giant tree stilt walkers, bubble blowers, face painters, creative crafts, performances and interactive activities designed to help families connect with nature.
Visitors will also be able to pick up vouchers for free tree saplings from More Trees BANES, allowing them to collect a young tree ahead of the autumn planting season.
Other Bath events taking place during the festival include an Insect ID Walk at Bath City Farm, guided nature walks, a Forest of Imagination Workshop at Entry Hill and talks at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution and The Mission Theatre.
This year’s theme explores the importance of trees, from ancient woodlands to urban street canopies, and the vital role they play in supporting wildlife, tackling climate change and improving human wellbeing.
Savita Willmott, chief executive of the National History Consortium, said, “We can’t wait to kick off our most ambitious programme yet for the 23rd Festival of Nature – with our Family Day event at SouthGate in Bath.
“This year’s festival is about helping people fall in love with the natural world, so they’re more empowered and inspired than ever to protect it.
“From the hidden life of trees to the wonders of nature at night, we’re opening up new ways for people to experience nature and take action. Bath’s central shopping spot will host everything from tree stilt walkers to free activities for kids and grown-ups to build skills all day, and you can even walk away with your very own tree.”
Richard Higgs, director of More Trees BANES, added, “Every day at our tree nursery in Bath, we see the positive effects of getting our hands in the soil and the sense of joy that comes from connecting with nature.
“We are thrilled to be part of this year’s Festival of Nature and are looking forward to offering people trees and hedging packs for planting later this year in their gardens.”
New additions for 2026 include a Nature at Night programme exploring the hidden world after dark, a larger programme for businesses and professionals and a record number of citizen science activities. A new ‘How To’ tent will also be introduced in Bristol to help visitors develop practical skills for supporting nature.
The festival coincides with the launch of the West of England’s State of Nature report and will also highlight the Western Forest, a major new woodland project spanning Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bristol and Somerset that aims to plant 20 million trees by 2050.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England Combined Authority, commented, “The Festival of Nature is a brilliant celebration of local pride – bringing people together through an inspiring and engaging programme, and showcasing once again why the West of England is recognised nationally and internationally for our environmentalism.”
The Festival of Nature attracts more than 30,000 visitors each year and has grown from a single event in Bristol into the UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world.
All events are free to attend, although advance booking is recommended. The full programme is available at festivalofnature.org.uk.
