Glorious sunshine and a vibrant atmosphere greeted visitors to the second annual Vale Nature Festival on Saturday July 19, as Cosmeston Lakes Country Park welcomed more than 1,000 people for a day of eco-celebration and community connection.
Organised by the Vale Nature Partnership in collaboration with the Restore the Thaw Landscape Project, the festival brought together families, nature enthusiasts, and conservation groups for a lively programme of workshops, interactive activities, and nature walks, all with a focus on biodiversity and wildlife recovery in the Vale of Glamorgan.
“The festival is a celebration of the amazing nature we still have here in the Vale,” said Emily Shaw, Local Nature Partnership Co-ordinator. “But it’s also a reminder that we’re in the midst of a nature emergency. Events like this help inspire people to take small, meaningful actions that collectively support wildlife and contribute to nature’s recovery, right here on our doorstep.”
Throughout the day, visitors got hands-on with nature through:
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Willow weaving and woodland crafts with Out to Learn Willow and Hiraeth y Goedwig
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Forest school sessions by Wildfire Wales
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Bug hotel building with Natur Hud
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Nature journaling with artist Sarah Hannis
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Guided wildlife walks led by Nature on Your Doorstep
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The event also saw the launch of Creature Chronicles: Tales from the Vale, a new storytelling series by Louby Lou’s Storytelling, bringing to life the hidden adventures of endangered species living across the Vale. The project was developed in partnership with Restore the Thaw, Vale Nature Partnership, and Visit the Vale. More details at visitthevale.com/events/creature-chronicles
A wide range of organisations took part, including;
Barry Action for Nature, Beach Academy Wales, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Butterfly Conservation Cymru, Penarth Tree Forum, RSPB Cymru, Glamorgan Hedgehog Rescue, South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre, The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, and many more.
The event was funded by the Welsh Government’s Local Places for Nature Scheme, coordinated by WCVA, alongside support from the Restore the Thaw Landscape Project, backed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Natural Resources Wales.
Organisers thanked all the volunteers and partners whose energy made the festival a success and encouraged attendees to keep the momentum going by joining local conservation efforts.
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