Hundreds of events are being planned across the UK by IYB-UK partners to celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity during 2010. From postage stamp launches to worm charming, exhibitions to talks, here is a selection of what’s coming up. To find more events in your area, search UK events.
Soil Association Organic Fortnight
3–17 September 2010
The UK’s biggest celebration of all things organic. There are lots of enjoyable things you can do to get involved – visit an organic farm, try your hand at learning a new skill at the Soil Association Organic Farm School, treat yourself to an organic holiday, look out for organic clothes on your high street, switch one of your beauty products to organic or cook up an organic feast on a budget for your friends with help from our top tips.
A Garden Party to Make a Difference
8–19 September 2010
A twelve-day festival of music, comedy, food and gardening themed around environmental issues. Located in the gardens of Clarence House, the festival aims to illustrate the small steps you can take to build a sustainable future for all.
The Mayor’s Thames festival
11–12 September 2010
A large free outdoor arts festival celebrating London and its river at the end of summer.
Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
17–19 September 2010
Due to the increasing awareness of the importance of creating habitats and environments for insects and bees in our gardens Harrogate Biodiversity Action Group have a large stand on the main promenade to share with Radio York, who are promoting their 'Bee part of it' campaign.
Wembury seashore activities
September 2010
Wembury Marine Centre, near Plymouth is running a variety of seashore activities including rockpool rambles at Wembury Beach during September. If you are interested in marine life, why not join the growing network of marine life recorders? Visit the MarLIN pages on marine life recording to find out more. The MarLIN waterproof identification guides support marine life recording. We have a limited number of guides to give away – click here to claim your free copy.
From another Kingdom
31 July – 21 November 2010
This exhibition explores the amazing world of fungi at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh.
Wetland wildlife
Enjoy summer at the WWT's nine wetland centres.Search for wild bats on a big batty walk in London, pick up a paddle at the canoe safari at Slimbridge (Gloucestershire), hop on a bike to discover the beautiful Welsh wetlands at Llanelli (National Wetland Centre, Wales), watch badgers feeding just outside the observatory at Caerlaverock (Dumfriesshire), or go pond dipping and hunt for bugs and beasties at Martin Mere (Lancashire).
Treehouse Towers
From April 2010
A new tree-themed play outdoor area has opened at Kew Gardens emphasising the importance of trees for conserving biodiversity.
Butterfly Explorers
Until 26 September
Spot a variety of spectacular butterflies that live in four different habitat zones at the Natural History Museum’s butterfly house.
