Festival of Nature in the Somer Valley 2026

September
Somer Valley Illustrated Birds
Hill Seperator

For this years Festival of Nature we are running a whole series of events!

Join us on Sunday 7th June for a morning of crafting in Midsomer Norton Market Square on The Island and music in the Hollies Garden, 9:30 – 13:00, followed by ‘Park Cinema: A Celebration of Nature on Screen’, 15:00 – 18:00, in Midsomer Norton Town Park Amphitheatre!

Schedule:

Nature and Music on the High Street, 9:30 – 13:00

A morning of music in The Hollies Garden with local bands and solo acts performing alongside school bands! There will also be some market stalls selling art and crafts all related to the nature on the high street.

Drop in art workshop will also be taking place in the Market Square on the Island. Little Lost Robot will also be leading drop-in art workshops where you can contribute to our sculptures of an oak tree, an under the river scene and a waxcap fungi grassland. Then join us for a nature trail and discover the wildlife along Midsomer Norton High Street, from below the rivers surface to the tops of trees. Shop windows will have art displays from Tamsyn Gill. Follow our nature trail along the High Street running until Saturday 11th July.

Art workshop schedule:

No need to book!

When finished, these sculptures will then be displayed on the high street and at the Midsomer Norton Town Fair on Saturday 11July.

Park Cinema: A Celebration of Nature on Screen

Sunday 7th June, 15:00 – 18:00 in Midsomer Norton Town Park, Midsomer Norton

Join us in Midsomer Norton for an outdoor screening in the beautiful setting of the Midsomer Norton Town Park Amphitheatre! With England currently one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth, the challenge to restore biodiversity and kickstart nature recovery and wellbeing has never been more urgent. Come along to find out how we can give back to wildlife and to ourselves as individuals and communities. This event is part of the Festival of Nature programme 2026.Featuring:

  • A short film of the Somer Valley Rediscovered greenspaces and where to explore
  • A look into the Active Way project who have been supporting health and well-being through active travel
  • An introduction to Great Western Forest programme
  • A longer feature film in partnership with Wildscreen charity; “My Garden of a Thousand Bees”, following acclaimed wildlife filmmaker Martin Dohrn, who turns his lenses on the surprising and spectacular bees living in his own urban garden in Bristol, England.

Other events happening that week include:

Festival of Nature Wreath Making Workshops

Join us for relaxed, creative session where you’ll learn how to craft your own beautiful wreath using locally foraged, sustainably sourced natural materials.
We will be making wreaths with a willow base, and adding some foliage, flowers, ribbons. You will be going home with your very own seasonal wreath, and hanging it wherever you please!

 

Community Picnic in Waterside Valley

Join us in Waterside Valley, Saturday 13th June, 11:00 – 13:00, for a relaxed community picnic celebrating local nature. Explore mini wildlife trails, enjoy family‑friendly crafts, and meet the volunteers caring for this special space.
Bring your picnic and join us for a joyful community day in Waterside Valley, filled with nature‑themed activities for all ages. Wander our self‑guided wildlife trails, take part in family crafts, try the photo treasure hunt, and meet the volunteers working to protect this beautiful green space. Throughout the day, you’ll have the chance to learn about local wildlife, share your memories and ideas for the valley, and discover simple ways to get involved with our new Friends group. Whether you stay for ten minutes or two hours, it’s a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors, connect with neighbours, and celebrate Waterside Valley together.

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Somer Valley Rediscovered Greenspaces: User Feedback Form
At B&NES council we’ve received funding from WECA to make various improvements to five greenspaces in the Somer Valley area. We want to understand the difference we’ve made to both the biodiversity of the sites and the benefits of these improvements for site users, so we can continue to improve these areas for the local community. Responses are anonymous and will be analysed independently by ERS Ltd., a local research company.

Which greenspace have you visited?*

Which greenspace have you visited?*

Please select one, you may repeat the survey for different sites.

Please select your area of residence from the list below?*

Please select your area of residence from the list below?*

On average, how often do you visit here? *

On average, how often do you visit here? *

How has your use of the greenspace changed over the past 2 years (since 2022)?*

How has your use of the greenspace changed over the past 2 years (since 2022)?*

Do you think you will visit again?*

Do you think you will visit again?*

Briefly explain the reason for your response.

Briefly explain the reason for your response.

(Optional)

What is your most common reason for visiting the greenspace? *

What is your most common reason for visiting the greenspace? *

How easy have you found it to access and move around the greenspace?*

How easy have you found it to access and move around the greenspace?*

Briefly explain the reason for your response.

Briefly explain the reason for your response.

(Optional)

How safe and welcome do you feel here?*

How safe and welcome do you feel here?*

Briefly explain the reason for your response.

Briefly explain the reason for your response.

(Optional)

How would you rate the quality of the seating at the greenspace you visit?*

How would you rate the quality of the seating at the greenspace you visit?*

1 being very poor and 10 being very good.

Min 1
5
Max 10

How would you rate the quality of the paths at the greenspace you visit?*

How would you rate the quality of the paths at the greenspace you visit?*

1 being very poor and 10 being very good.

Min 1
5
Max 10

How would you rate the quality of the entrances at the greenspace you visit?*

How would you rate the quality of the entrances at the greenspace you visit?*

1 being very poor and 10 being very good.

Min 1
5
Max 10

How would you rate the quality of the information boards at the greenspace you visit?*

How would you rate the quality of the information boards at the greenspace you visit?*

1 being very poor and 10 being very good.

Min 1
5
Max 10

How does this greenspace most benefit you?*

How does this greenspace most benefit you?*

One a scale of 1 to 5, how important is this greenspace to you?*

One a scale of 1 to 5, how important is this greenspace to you?*

Briefly explain the reason for your response.

Briefly explain the reason for your response.

(Optional)

Please give any other comments you have about this greenspace.

Please give any other comments you have about this greenspace.

Thank you for taking part, we value your feedback very much.
To find out more about the work of the Somer Valley Rediscovered project:

visit our website: https://somervalleyrediscovered.co.uk/greenspaces/

email us: somervalleyrediscovered@bathnes.gov.uk

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