Rivers are the focus of Festival of Nature events in Bath in June

Nature-lovers can learn more about importance of water spaces in supporting nature, biodiversity and the natural world at a water themed art display in Southgate that is opening to coincide with the start of the Festival of Nature, the UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world. 

The theme of the festival this year is water and the art display, inspired by the River Avon’s movement and wildlife and celebrating the Bath River Line, will float above Southgate for the duration of the festival, which takes place from Saturday 7 to Sunday 15 June. 

The canopy will encourage visitors to reflect on the city’s waterways and will feature willow fish made by pupils from St Martin’s Garden Primary School, St Michael’s Junior Church School and Roundhill Primary school during a workshop facilitated by artist, Julie Starks, as part of the Literacy Trust, Young Readers Programme. 

An accompanying nature trail featuring footprint illustrations, created by local artist Marian Hill, will offer a closer look at the river’s wildlife and a giving box will highlight the route of the Bath River Line and facilitate donations to Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) and Avon Wildlife Trust.

Southgate Bath Family Day on Saturday June 7 kicks things off with a host of free family-friendly, water themed nature activities, crafts, performances, stalls and art displays. 

Councillor Sarah Warren, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel, said: “The events that are running as part of the Festival of Nature are a great opportunity to celebrate our open spaces and rivers and introduce the many ways that we can help protect our fantastic local water habitats. Most of the events are family-friendly and free, so I would encourage people to take part.”

Throughout the festival, the Roper Gallery at Bath Artist’s Studios will feature an exhibition celebrating the power of creativity to shape community and care for our rivers. ‘One Drop, Infinite Ripples’ invites visitors to help create a large-scale community artwork and there will also be family-friendly workshops. 

The Bath River Line is also celebrated at the Life on Water outdoor photography exhibition at Roseberry Road Studios, Bath and Kelson’s Field in Bath. Curated by Bath Spa University students it offers an insight into why the waterways are so important to the city and how we can care for them. 

An outdoor screening of the 2021 film, River, at Bath Quays on Sunday 8 June will be followed by a Q&A session to find out more about local rivers and how we can look after them and an event combining bat detecting and a quiz with a special river-themed round at the Locksbrook Inn will help raise funds for Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART).

Nature’s Remedy: the benefits & barriers of green social prescribing will feature an expert panel discussing the benefits & challenges of social prescribing and what it means for healthcare in Bath and North East Somerset. It takes place at the Mission Theatre on Tuesday 10 June. Booking required.

Midsomer Norton residents can join a Family River Walk and Music Workshop at the town park on Saturday 14 June from 12.30pm to 3pm and Radstock residents can take part in a River Foraging Walk exploring Snails Brook in Waterside Valley, with conservation educator and naturalist, Steve England on June11.

Wessex Water staff are offering a behind-the-scenes tour of the sewage treatment works at Saltford Water Recycling Centre on Wednesday June 11. Visitors will learn how treated effluent is released safely back into the environment.

Water themed walks include a Guided Riverside Wildlife Walk along Beckford Road Towpath in Bathwick with Lucy Starling, president of Bath Natural History Society on June 12; an Urban Tree Walk meeting at the Climate Hub, Bath Bus Station; and a riverside route of one of Bathscape’s Urban Tree Trails led by Hugh Williamson, Mayor’s Guide, on 11 June.

Online events on Monday 9 June include Community Campfire: Rivers Edition, short talks about how you can take action for nature in your area including a Q&A with Avon Wildlife Trust; and Moving Mountains: Writing Nature Through Illness and Disability, led by Louise Kenward and artist Abi Palmer. 

Most events are free or on a pay what you can basis. The full Festival of Nature programme can be found online and information about the River Line project can be found on the council’s website.

Get Involved in the City Nature Challenge

Residents across Bath and North East Somerset are being urged to take part in this year's City Nature Challenge by recording all the nature and wildlife they can find over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend.

The annual global event, which takes place in 400 cities, is a chance for people to contribute to a worldwide study of trees, plants and wildlife to help shape conservation efforts and support scientific research and land management.

This year's challenge takes place between Friday 30 April and Monday 3 May.

Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services said: "Accurate information of what wildlife is on the increase and what is in decline is an important tool in helping to tackle the ecological emergency.  Records for Bath and North East Somerset suggest some worrying trends with the numbers of some species falling sharply over the last twenty years.  Other species though, like the Marsh Fritillary butterfly, have recently been rediscovered so this type of citizen science research is an effective way for people to have a big impact on scientific knowledge. 

"Anyone can get involved and you don't need to be a wildlife expert; you can search your garden, street, local park, school grounds or carry our your observations as you stroll along footpaths in our wonderful countryside.  When you look, I'm sure you'll be amazed at what you find in your local area."

Last year, during the first lockdown, more than 8,500 observations were made across the 
region and this year it’s hoped residents will submit even more.

As well as contributing to scientific research those taking part can also reap personal benefits. 

 

Becky Reynolds, Director of Public Health for Bath and North East Somerset, said: “Being 

outdoors and recording wildlife helps you be active, learn something, take notice, connect with others and give – the five ways to wellbeing.”

You can join in the City Nature Challenge by downloading the iNaturalist app, taking a photo and recording what you see. The app will help you identify a species, so you don’t have to be an expert to take part. See it, snap it, share it – it’s that simple.

 

Matt Postles, Deputy Chief Executive of The Natural History Consortium, which is organising the event in Bristol and Bath said: “The brilliant thing about the City Nature Challenge is that you can take part anywhere, whether it’s your local park, favourite green space, in your garden or on your balcony.  

"And it’s something that everyone can get involved in – you don’t have to be an expert, just be out and about over the four days of the Challenge sharing what you see.  It’s an opportunity to contribute to a really important global study, as well as helping to support work taking place locally.  The more we know the more we can to do support the natural world and make sure it thrives and survives alongside urban development.

“Although there is an element of competition in the Challenge, with each city keen to win the accolade of recording the most observations, it’s also about collaboration, with everyone working together for a common aim – to map as much of the natural world as possible. We’re hoping to have a record number of people take part this year – sharing all they have learned about their local areas over the past year.” 

You can find out more about how to take part at: www.citynaturechallenge.org.uk

 

The Natural History Consortium and Bathscape, the National Lottery Heritage Fund supported project aimed at reconnecting people with the natural landscape surrounding Bath, will be providing activities and self-guided resources to help residents during the challenge. To find out more follow them on social media.

 

There is a free information / training session about City Nature Challenge on Friday 23 April, 3-4pm . To register visit :

https://www.bnhc.org.uk/festival-of-nature-type/city-nature-challenge/