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
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.
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.
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
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!
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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
What3Words: ///propose.monitors.wiggling
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