Upcoming events
POSTPONED: Beautiful Bogs - part of Peat-Fest South-West in Exmoor
POSTPONED: Beautiful Bogs
A free workshop to explore and celebrate these special habitats for young people aged 13 to 17.
Get hands on with the habitat
Take a closer look under the microscope
Get creative with bog-based art and writing
When: Sunday September 7- 09.30 to 15.00 (lunch provided)
Where: Pinkery Centre for Outdoor learning, TA24 7LL
Scan the QR code to sign up or click here
Bodmin's brilliant bogs & archaeology afternoon. Part of Peat-Fest South-West in Cornwall
Bring your wellies and waterproofs for a fun day on Bodmin Moor, learning about and exploring all things bogs and the past.
The South West Peatland Partnership and Cornwall National Landscape Monumental Improvement project have teamed up to bring an exciting day of activities to Bodmin Moor.
Young explorers will have hours of fun with various archaeological and nature based games to get involved with at this area of peatland that has had restoration works to make it wetter and better for wildlife and the planet. Don’t miss out!
This event is part of Peat-Fest South West, a region-wide celebration supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and delivered in partnership with the Art and Energy Collective and conservation organisations across the South West.
Booking is essential. Book your free tickets.
When is this event?
Saturday 13 September 1pm – 4pm
All welcome, but mainly aimed at families with children aged 8-14. Young people must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event. Up to 3 children per adult attending.
Where is this event?
Crowdy Marsh, Davidstow Airfield Runway, Davidstow, Camelford, PL32 9XZ. Exact parking location will be shared nearer the time.
What to expect at this event?
These are the various activities happening on the day including discovering lots of plant species, peatland habitat colouring, pond dipping, make your own Bog Monster and archaeological activities.
What to bring for this event?
Please make sure to bring appropriate clothing depending on the weather. Wellies and/or waterproof boots are highly recommended. Please bring any medication you require with you as well as sunhats, sun cream, plenty of water and snacks to keep you energised for the duration of the event. Parents/Guardians must accompany their children at all times.
Additional Information:
This event is on Bodmin Moor and therefore will not have any public convenience facilities. If the weather is extremely poor, the event will be postponed. Please make sure to check you emails in the lead up to the event in case of cancellation.
Booking is essential for this event
This event is brought to you by South West Peatland Partnership in collaboration with Cornwall National Landscape and with thanks to South West Lakes Trust.
Once you have accepted the RSVP to confirm your attendance, your data will be used to contact you only in regard to this event and nothing more. Your data will only be shared between the organisers of this event – Cornwall National Landscape and the South West Peatland Partnership.
Peat-Fest South-West at Discovery Fest, Purbeck, Dorset
Discovery Fest, 20 Sept 2025
📍 Shore Road, Swanage
📅 Saturday 20 September 2025 | 🕙 10am – 3pm
We are delighted to announce ‘Discovery Fest’ – as part of Dorset Coast Forum’s 30th Anniversary Celebrations, we are joining up with Peat-Fest South-West and Planet Purbeck to present this joint vibrant, family-friendly festival by the sea.
👉 FREE family fun day
👉 Explore Dorset’s stunning coastline, wildlife, and natural landscapes
👉 Over 30 exciting activities and exhibitors
👉 Location: Shore Road, Swanage (the pedestrianised section of Shore Road between the Mowlem and Victoria Avenue)
👉 Parking: Please use Swanage town car parks. Info here: Car Parking | Swanage Town Council
Peat-Fest South-West in Exmoor National Park
Peat-Fest South-West will be at Exmoor National Park.
More details coming soon.
Wild connections - reaching hearts and minds of young people. Online training session
Wild connections - reaching hearts and minds of young people
Join Art and Energy for an online training session to share learning and discuss ways to engage young people with the great outdoors.
The session is open to all and will feature a number of speakers with expertise working with young people in a range of outdoor settings. There will be time for questions and discussions at this friendly relaxed session.
Speakers include:
Karen Price - an experienced, qualified Youth & Community worker, specialising in Outdoor Learning and Nature Connection initiatives, with a focus on equity, access and inclusion.
Frankie Turk & Rachael Milliner from RE-PEAT - a youth-led collective changing hearts and minds for and through peatlands.
David Onah, Programme Officer at Shallowford Farm where he is an integral member of the team leading many of the youth activities.
This event forms part of our Peat-Fest South-West work but the sharing and learning will apply more widely than peatland habitats.
Details are just being confirmed, this event will require online booking and a link for the online session will then be shared with attendees.
Youth Experience Day - Peat & Sphagnum: Part of Peat-Fest South-West in Somerset
Join us as we put the species spotlight on the wonderful world of sphagnum moss, a key bog building species, and its vital role in the rehabilitation of the peatlands at Westhay Moor.
Join us and take action in the face of the climate and ecological emergencies
To improve sphagnum coverage on the site we will be planting sphagnum plugs on one of our most recently restored areas. Planting involves finding a spot where conditions look right and planting the sphagnum plug, making sure to pinch the hole snug around the plug so it doesn’t dry out. Whatever the weather is up to on the day, conditions underfoot are likely to be wet and boggy in places - so wellies are advised!
There are no welfare facilities available at our Westhay Moor Reserve, the nearest facilities are at the Avalon Marshes Centre, BA6 9TT.
This session is suitable for those between 16 and 24 years old. We do not expect parents or guardians to attend the session.
Peat field credit Somerset Wildlife Trust
Peat-Fest South-West Youth Workshop in Somerset
Discover the magic of the bog – and become a peatland champion!
Join us for a free, one-day creative workshop all about the unique landscape, stories and wildlife of the Avalon Marshes. As part of Peat Fest South West, this interactive day is designed especially for young people aged 14–19 who want to get stuck into nature, heritage, art and activism.
We’ll walk, observe, draw, write, record and play – all while learning about the peatlands and their incredible role in shaping Somerset’s landscape, biodiversity and communities.
Morning session (outdoors on Westhay Moor NNR):
Guided walk to a peatland restoration site
Hands-on planting and surveying
Get to know mosses, dragonflies, and hidden wetland wonders
Afternoon session (back at the Avalon Marshes Centre):
Get creative with poetry and map-making inspired by the bog
Play dialect games and share local stories
Help us shape what happens at the Peat Fest celebration on 9 August
Why come along?
Make your voice heard about the future of our local landscape
Learn new creative and environmental skills
Connect with other young people and local organisations
Be part of something bigger: help create content for the Peatland Manifesto and take part in the South West Peat Fest celebration
Important info
This event is outdoors for part of the day – please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes
Free to attend, but spaces are limited to 20 young people. All materials provided.
Vegetarian lunch and snacks provided (please let us know any dietary needs when booking).
Accessible options are available for those unable to join the morning walk – join us at lunchtime for the creative afternoon
Travel bursaries are available for those who would not otherwise be able to attend – just let us know when booking
Contact
For more information email somersetnnrs@naturalengland.org.uk
About Peat-Fest South-West 2025
This event is hosted by Natural England and Somerset Wildlife Trust, in partnership with RE-PEAT – a youth-led collective changing hearts and minds through a shared love for peatlands and a commitment to protecting them.
It’s part of Peat-Fest South-West, a regional celebration encouraging thousands of people to discover, connect with, and fall in love with our precious peatland landscapes.
The Art and Energy Collective has been awarded funding by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to collaborate with peatland restoration and cultural organisations across the South West – including the Avalon Marshes Partnership – to bring peatlands to life through art, storytelling and community action.
Peat-Fest South-West finale event
Peat-Fest South-West finale event, celebrating all our achieves across the region and sharing our love of peatlands.
Details are just being finalised and we’ll share updates soon.
Peatland Restoration Walk with Dartmoor National Park & South West Peatland Partnership: Part of Peat-Fest South-West
Photo credit: South West Peatland Partnership
Peatland Restoration Walk with Dartmoor National Park and South West Peatland Partnership
Meet at Haytor Visitor Centre before taking a minibus shuttle to Saddle Tor and enjoy a walk out to Emsworthy Mire to see Dartmoor peatlands. You’ll have a chance to learn about the South West Peatland Partnership's restoration work and all things boggy on the way to and from Emsworthy.
This is a moderate walk that includes a few strenuous hills and crosses open moorland. Sturdy footwear, waterproofs, hats etc will be essential.
Date: Friday 29th August 2025
Time: 10.30am - 1pm
Length: 3 miles
Start location: Haytor Visitor Centre
Dog friendly? Well behaved dogs on short leads welcome.
Accessible walk: Unfortunately not.
Guide: Rachael Land
Part of the Dartmoor Outdoor Festival - 29th August - 5th September 2025
Celebrating community and the best of what Dartmoor has to offer.
Ecology Action Day: Peatlands. With Exmoor National Park
Free Ecology Days with Exmoor National Park Rangers available for young people this Summer!
Join Exmoor National Park’s rangers to explore different habitats and experience ecological surveying – no experience necessary! For ages 16-18, these will be fun entry level days for people that are interested in nature.
-Peatland: Thursday 28 August
Each day runs 10:30am – 3:30pm. Please bring suitable clothing for the weather and lunch (we'll provide free cake !).
Further details for the day will be sent after signing up. To book a space email Izzy at izzyburns@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk stating the days you would like to book (or book a ticket and we'll get in touch).
Further details for the day will be sent closer to the each date.
Ecology Action Days are not part of Peat-Fest South-West funding but are made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Peat-Fest South-West is taking place in Exmoor working in partnership with Exmoor National Park.
Peat-Fest South-West at Meldon Wildlife Festival, Dartmoor
Meldon Wildlife Festival
Join the National Park and partners for a wild day out celebrating Dartmoor's unique and beautiful wildlife. A free fun-filled, event for all the family!
The theme for 2025 is “Bogtastic Dartmoor”-celebrating all of Dartmoor’s wildlife with a spotlight on Bogs and Mires.
There will be lots of wildlife activities to help you get closer to nature and nature crafts to take home. More details to follow but here is a quick taster of some of the things planned
Stream dipping- see signs on the day for times
Minibeast hunts
Ranger Ralph wildlife craft
Barn Owl Pellet Dissection with the Barn Owl Trust
Butterfly Conservation
Mammal Tracks and signs quiz and mammal related craft activities + skulls, droppings, nibbled hazelnuts and stuffed specimens with Devon Mammal Group
Reptile walk, slow worms in a tank and reptile and amphibian craft activities with Devon Amphibian and Reptile Group
Discover Dartmoor invasive plants- quiz and colouring activity with Dartmoor Invasive Project and South West Water
Museum of Dartmoor Life
National Trust
Discover Dartmoor's bogs - spot the difference, stick the beak on a snip, interactive water display with South West Peatland Partnership
Refreshments from 1st Okehampton Scout Group
Ice creams from Taw River Dairy
Snail and Minibeast activity from Adventure Okehampton
Why not grab your phone and become a Look Wild i-Naturalist to help us record the wildlife you see on Dartmoor or take part in our Time for Nature Challenge
Water themed obstacle course participatory event - seen signs on the day for times
Spend the day with us and our wildlife partners at a beautiful part of Dartmoor.
We would like to thank the landowners Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council and the Duchy of Cornwall, and Adventure Okehampton, who lease the land, for their support in making this event possible.
Facilities
Photo: Dartmoor National Park Authority
Free parking, toilets, and refreshments available to purchase.
Getting there
From Okehampton: Follow the B3260 uphill and look for Meldon Quarry sign. Turn left just before Betty Cottles. Follow road over A30, through the woods, under viaduct and look out for car park entrance to Meldon Old Quarry on right.
From Tavistock & A30 Cornwall: Follow signs to Okehampton leaving the A30 via slip road. Turn left onto B3260 towards Okehampton until you see Betty Cottles on your left, take next road on right marked Meldon Quarry. Follow road over A30, through the woods, under viaduct and look out for car park entrance to Meldon Old Quarry on the right.
Youth Experience Day -Species Surveying: Part of Peat-Fest South-West in Somerset
Join Joe Hampson, Honeygar Wilding Officer, for an exciting day at Honeygar, our first-ever Wilded site!
This unique opportunity will have you carrying out species surveys to track nature's recovery and gain insights into how invertebrate communities are thriving thanks to our wilding approach. Be part of real conservation work, learn new skills, and help us understand the impact of restoring nature. Don’t miss your chance to make a difference!
This session is suitable for those between 14 and 18 years old. We do not expect parents or guardians to attend the session.
There will always be a member of staff or highly trained volunteer and first aider on site.
Photo: Honeygar - Michael Holman, Red Forge Studios. Somerset Wildlife Trust
Guided Walk of Shapwick Heath Peat Restoration Site part of Peat-Fest South-West. Walks at 10.30am & 2pm
Join us for a unique opportunity to explore the heart of the Avalon Marshes with a free guided walks of the peatland restoration site at Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve.
During the walk, you’ll learn about:
The history and ecology of Somerset’s peatlands
How restoring bogs helps wildlife and tackles climate change
What’s involved in peatland conservation and how you can help
The walks will last around 2 hours, over uneven and sometimes wet ground. Please wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for the weather.
This event is part of the Avalon Marshes Peat-Fest Open Day taking place at the Avalon Marshes Centre. This celebration of our unique boggy landscapes takes places 10am-4pm with hands-on activities, stalls, and art installations including the incredible Mossy Carpet.
For more information contact somersetnnrs@naturalengland.org.uk
Book to join us either 10.30am - 12.30pm or 2-4pm.
About Peat-Fest South-West 2025
This event is part of Peat-Fest South-West, a region-wide celebration of our connections with peatlands, running through summer and autumn 2025. Led by the Art and Energy Collective and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, it brings together youth groups, artists, heritage organisations and volunteers to raise awareness of peatland heritage through creative events, intergenerational exchanges, and storytelling.
Avalon Marshes Peat-Fest
Join us for a day dedicated to the wonder and importance of peatlands!
As part of Peat-Fest South West, this family-friendly open day celebrates the unique landscapes, wildlife, and heritage of the Somerset peatlands and the people working to protect them.
What’s happening:
Two guided walks to peatland restoration sites on Shapwick Heath NNR
Help build and plant our brand-new bog garden!
Interactive activities and stalls from local conservation and heritage organisations
Peat-themed crafts, games and displays throughout the day
Explore the incredible Mossy Carpet by Art and Energy – an immersive, playful, and tactile experience for all ages
Whether you’re a lifelong bog-lover or curious to learn more, there’s something for everyone!
This event is part of Peat-Fest South West, a region-wide celebration supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and delivered by the Art and Energy Collective in partnership with conservation organisations across the South West.
Key information
Free entry, all ages welcome
Drop in any time from 10am-4pm.
Guided tours at 10.30am and 2pm.
WHERE
Avalon Marshes Centre, Shapwick Road, Westhay, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9TT
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Turn up on the day. The only activity that requires pre-booking are the guided tours.
ACCESSIBILTY
The Avalon Marshes Centre is accessible via flat paved paths and wooden boardwalks. We have a dedicated disabled toilet which does not require a RADAR key.
ORGANISED BY
Natural England, Somerset Wildlife Trust, RE-PEAT, Art and Energy
POSTPONED: Peat-Fest South-West Youth Workshop at Avalon Marshes Centre and Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve
POSTPONED - rescheduled date will be shared soon.
Join a free creative workshop for 14–19s to explore, celebrate & protect peatlands – part of Peat-Fest South-West at the Avalon Marshes!
Discover the magic of the bog – and become a peatland champion!
Join us for a free, one-day creative workshop all about the unique landscape, stories and wildlife of the Avalon Marshes. As part of Peat Fest South West, this interactive day is designed especially for young people aged 14–19 who want to get stuck into nature, heritage, art and activism.
We’ll walk, observe, draw, write, record and play – all while learning about the peatlands and their incredible role in shaping Somerset's landscape, biodiversity and communities.
What to expect
Morning session (outdoors on Shapwick Heath):
Guided walk to a peatland restoration site
Hands-on nature survey using quadrats, ID guides and hand lenses
Get to know mosses, dragonflies, and hidden wetland wonders
Afternoon session (back at the Avalon Marshes Centre):
Get creative with poetry and map-making inspired by the bog
Play dialect games and share local stories
Help us shape what happens at the Peat Fest celebration on 9 August
And then…
(Optional) Return to the Avalon Marshes Centre on Saturday 9 August to take part in our public Peat Fest celebration!
Join in planting a bog garden
Take part in creative peat-based activities
Share what you've made and learned
Why come along?
Make your voice heard about the future of our local landscape
Learn new creative and environmental skills
Connect with other young people and local organisations
Be part of something bigger: help create content for the Peatland Manifesto and take part in the South West Peat Fest celebration
Important info
This event is outdoors for part of the day – please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes
Free to attend, but spaces are limited to 20 young people. All materials provided
Vegetarian lunch and snacks provided (please let us know any dietary needs when booking)
Accessible options are available for those unable to join the morning walk – join us at lunchtime for the creative afternoon
Travel bursaries are available for those who would not otherwise be able to attend – just let us know when booking
Email somersetnnrs@naturalengland.org.uk
About Peat-Fest South-West 2025
This event is hosted by Natural England and Somerset Wildlife Trust, in partnership with RE-PEAT – a youth-led collective changing hearts and minds through a shared love for peatlands and a commitment to protecting them.
It’s part of Peat-Fest South-West, a regional celebration encouraging thousands of people to discover, connect with, and fall in love with our precious peatland landscapes.
The Art and Energy Collective has been awarded funding by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to collaborate with peatland restoration and cultural organisations across the South West – including the Avalon Marshes Partnership – to bring peatlands to life through art, storytelling and community action.
Organized by
Natural England (Somerset Wetlands NNR)
Love Your Heath... For Peat's Sake! Part of Peat-Fest South-West in Dorset
Dorset Wildlife Trust are teaming up with the Dorset Peat Partnership and Peat-Fest South-West to host this community engagement event for the young people of Dorset (ideally suited to those aged 12+).
Who says there's no such thing as a FREE LUNCH? Well, at this event there is... FYI - that's for the young people only - soz adults, you'll need to bring your own!
As part of Dorset Heaths week, the aim is to come and learn about the special habitats and species that live on the heath and learn why and how to better care for them.
Join the Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve wardens for a guided wander out on to Upton Heath. You'll also have the opportunity to meet and chat to the teams who help manage the heaths e.g. Dorset Dogs & Firewise.
We’re pleased to be partnering up with RE-PEAT who’ll be running a chilled yet creative workshop session with songwriting, to bring together all the fascinating and interesting things we discover together around what our special heaths have to offer.
CHECK THIS OUT... Some of the material from the event will be put into a wider manifesto to Celebrate Peatlands and their importance... to be presented at COP30!
- - -
Event Format
09:45- 10:00am : Arrive at the Urban Wildlife Centre - We'll kick things off by checking out what's visited the moth trap over night
10:00am : Brief intro from the Upton Heath & RE-PEAT teams
10:15am : Guided Walk on to Upton Heath
12pm : Lunch break back at the Urban Wildlife Centre
1pm : Session 1 - Fun workshop with RE-PEAT, inc. songwriting with Dorset musician Femi Oriogun Williams
2pm : Refreshments & Chill
2:30pm : Session 2 of the workshop
3:30pm : Creative workshop summaries & sharing
4pm : Event ends / The BogBus departs (FYI - this is just a normal bus, with a silly name!)
- - -
Other useful deets...
Event duration : 6 hours inc lunch & time to chill
Ideally suited for ages 12+
Those under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult
Date & Time : Wed 30th July ~ 10am-4pm
Location : Urban Wildlife Centre, Beacon Hill Lane, Corfe Mullen, BH21 3RX
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Celebrate Peat-Fest South-West at our launch event in Cornwall
Peat-Fest South West will launch on Sunday 27th July 2025.
We’re hosting a very special celebration of peatlands to mark the start of our Festival.
Join us at Sterts Arts and Environmental Centre, just outside of Liskeard on the edge of Bodmin Moor.
We’ll have two creative performances of The Mossy Story by Micha Colombo, by performers from Far Flung CIC with costumes by Sewcial Guild CIC.
Art and Energy will lead a guided walk to a nearby peatland location where we will look for mosses and learn about the local peatland environment.
Sunday 27th July is also Bog Day, an annual international celebration of the brilliance of bogs around the world!
Everyone welcome to join us and celebrate the launch of Peat-Fest South-West!
Launch event details:
11am - arrive from 11am, Sterts café will be open for light refreshments.
11.30am - welcome, introductions, our hopes for Peat-Fest South-West and hear from voices from our 5 peatland locations across the region.
11.50am - The Mossy Story by Micha Colombo, a reading and performance by Far Flung CIC with costumes by Sewcial Guild. Followed by The Mossy Carpet creative workshop, making moss inspired pompoms for the artwork. You will have the opportunity to walk to The Mossy Carpet (you’ll need to wear socks to take part).
12.30pm - join us for complimentary tea/coffee and cake (a soft drink will be available). Additional refreshments can be purchased from Sterts cafe or bring your own pack lunch.
1pm - 2.30pm - Guided walk to nearby peatland location with Art and Energy.
2pm - The Mossy Story by Micha Colombo, a reading and performance by Far Flung CIC with costumes by Sewcial Guild. Followed by The Mossy Carpet creative workshop, making moss inspired pompoms for the artwork. You will have the opportunity to walk to The Mossy Carpet (you’ll need to wear socks to take part). Please note this is a repeat of the 11.50am performance but you are welcome to enjoy both.
3pm - event ends.
Suitable for all ages, everyone welcome, children under the age of 18 should be accompanied by an adult.
Book a place to let us know you are joining us and for refreshments but you are most welcome to turn up on the day.
Sterts is located just outside of Liskeard on the edge of Bodmin Moor, in a village called Upton Cross. It is accessible by car and there is plenty of free parking available.
Sterts Arts & Environmental Centre
Upton Cross, Liskeard
Cornwall PL14 5AZ
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Accessibility information can be found on the Sterts website.
Art and Energy & Peat-Fest South-West at Glastonbury Festival 2025
Art and Energy will be returning to Glastonbury for the 2025 Festival!
Find us in the Green Fields in the Green Futures area - see this handy map.
Celebration and Joy are the themes of the Green Fields this year, whether you are participating in the rituals, embarking on the quests, or simply soaking in the positive vibes, this is a space to rejuvenate and reconnect with your true self, fostering a sense of tranquillity and well-being.
The Green Fields are a calm quiet haven and the heart of the festival, but they are also a call to action, inviting each of us to play a part in building a better world and your presence is a testament to the power of collective intention and shared dreams.
Green Futures is the place where the most inspiring green ideas are on show. Where you can experience growing green energy from artists, campaigners, musicians and environmental visionaries, but most importantly we hope you can take home a little seed of love and plant it in your own backyard.
Art and Energy will be there as a team of six, sharing the wonder and magic of our work and celebrating peatland heritage as part of Peat-Fest South-West.
Keep an eye on our socials for more details and news.
2024 Glastonbury team
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