We're set to host the county’s first-ever Festival of Nature, bringing communities together in a creative celebration of nature and local environment. 

Suffolk Wildlife Trust is working with a host of local businesses and organisations to put on the festival, which will see events held across the county in September and October. 

The launch event, set to be held at Seckford Theatre, will feature celebrated illustrator, Angela Harding. A diverse programme will place over the following weeks encompassing events in music, literature, visual arts and history, all centred around nature. 

Angela Harding commented: “Suffolk's rich wildlife has long been a source of inspiration for my work; from wading birds along the River Deben to swifts soaring through summer skies. 

“It's a pleasure to see how Suffolk Wildlife Trust are bringing together art, community and nature in a three-week celebration through the Festival of Nature and I'm delighted to be speaking at the festival’s launch event on Sunday 20^th September. I’ll be sharing my experience as an artist capturing nature through print, as well as offering a glimpse into my creative process and the influences behind my work.” 

Jesse Jacobs, Senior Marketing and Brand Officer at Suffolk Wildlife Trust, said: “We are hugely excited to announce our first-ever Festival of Nature. 

“There’ll be something for everyone. Join local artists for creative workshops, delve into the microscopic natural world with mesmerising projections, discover how nature influences writers, and play nature-themed video games. Other events planned include immersive sound baths, sound installations, drop-in creative and discovery sessions, and even an evening of dance. 

“Suffolk’s countryside and wild places are renowned nationwide. This is our chance to celebrate what we have in Suffolk and to showcase our support for it. There isn’t just one way to engage with nature, the Festival of Nature is all about finding new ways to explore and celebrate the wildlife and nature on our doorsteps.  

“Our mission is to encourage one in four people in our county to take meaningful action for nature – working together to make Suffolk a better place for people and nature alike.”  

The three-week celebrations will begin at Seckford Theatre on September 20, with the festivities running until October 11. All events will be open to both the public and Suffolk Wildlife Trust members, with many being free or low cost. 

Find out more about the Festival of Nature