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.

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!

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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!)

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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

Google Map link

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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

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.

Organized by

Natural England (Somerset Wetlands NNR)

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Full details on the Dartmoor Outdoor Festival website.

Peat-Fest South-West will be at Crowdy Reservoir, Bodmin Moor on either Saturday 13th or Sunday 14th September.

Save the weekend, - confirmed date and more details coming soon.

Peat-Fest South-West will be at Nature Fest with Planet Purbeck on Saturday 20th September.

Save the date - more details and confirmed location coming soon.

Peat-Fest South-West will be at Exmoor National Park.

More details coming soon.

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-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.