The Great Big Green Week is the UK’s biggest ever celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature.
Every year, people come together to unleash a wave of support for action to protect the planet. Tens of thousands of people in every corner of the country celebrate the heartfelt, brave, everyday actions being taken to stand up for nature and fight climate change.
Join us for activities, tours, swapping and a charity plant stall .
Saturday 7th June
11.00 - 15.00 drop - in
Making Victorian style greeting cards with local artist Anne-Marie Abbate, using pressed flowers from the Museum Gardens.
Artist Anne-Marie Abbate
13.00 -15.00 Info stall from Bedford Repair Cafe
Learn about the 'repair rebels' and Bedford's own repair movement.
Please note- the Repair Cafe itself is bookable by appointment only and is based in Kempston, their next session is 14th June.
facebook.com/bedfordrepaircafe
11.00 - 4.30 - Charity Plant Stall in aid of Sue Ryder Hospice Moggerhanger and the Bedford Hospital Primrose Unit
Sue Ryder is here to make sure everyone approaching the end of their life or living with grief can access the support they need. Bedford Hospital's Primrose Unit provides vital cancer treatment locally. Volunteer Valerie grows, pots-up, trims and waters this permanent stall to raise money for both charities.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/plant-stall-and-crochet
Saturday 14th June
11.15 - 3.00- all ages Craft 'Stash' Swap run by Bedford Craft Swaps
Bring the craft supplies you don't use any more, and take away the items you will. This is your chance to clear out any art and craft supplies you don't want and swap for something you do. It's completely free and even if you don't have anything to swap, you can still take home something inspiring. Come along for a good crafty rummage.
www.facebook.com/bedfordcraftswaps
11.15 - 12.30 - sustainable crafting for young children, with local artist Kaye Mahoney
Artist Kaye Mahoney
VISIT OUR NEIGHBOURS DURING GREEN WEEK
At John Bunyan Museum, Mill St, Bedford MK40 3EU:
'Willow Weaving landscapes'; make your own pictures with natural materials' and
'Watch me grow';
Decorate a flower pot and plant a sunflower seed to take home to grow. Session run by local artist Anne-Marie Abbate
Drop-in 11am - 3pm (last admission 2.30pm)
www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk/events
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD
Curious Adventures in Nature
Booking Essential (places limited) - Book Online
Suitable for all, though Smartphone use required.
Free Workshop - 11am for approx 2 hours . Meet at The Higgins.
Join artist Graham Fudger to unlock your smartphones nature photography potential in this workshop. The workshop includes a walk through the Panacea Museum gardens to try out your nature photography skills. All participants must book. Children should be accompanied by a supervising adult.
Also at The Higgins on 14th June:
Swifts or Swallows with Will Rose
Suitable for everyone, no booking required. Free workshops on a first-come, first-served basis at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Each workshop lasts about an hour.
Join animator Will Rose to learn more about identifying Swifts and Swallows – it’s birding for beginners with lots of animated fun along the way.
Clay workshop with Paige Denham
Suitable for everyone, no booking required, drop-in
Free workshop - 11am – 4pm
Make beautiful clay mementos inspired by nature with artist Paige Denham.
Make a Stick Doll
Suitable for everyone, no booking required, drop-in
Free workshop – 11am- 4pm
Join local artist Helen Jones to make these cute stick dolls from upcycled materials.
Natures Playground
Suitable for younger families with children aged 8 and below, no booking required, drop-in
Free workshop - 2pm till 4pm
Enjoy sensory crafts and play activities exploring the world of caterpillars and butterflies.
Country Days information stand
11am – 4pm
Find out more about Country Days – a new nature reserve in Felmersham.
Bedfordshire Natural History Society
11am – 4pm
Talk with representatives from Bedfordshire Natural History Society about the amazing creatures and plants that you can spot in Bedfordshire and how you can help to support biodiversity near you.
Plant Stall
From 11am
Volunteers from The Higgins will have plants for sale. Grab a bargain for your garden. All proceeds help to develop the gardens around The Higgins Bedford.