Learn about everything from sheep shearing to attracting butterflies and wildlife to your garden at the Sussex Festival of Nature, taking place at Stanmer Park in Brighton on 2 June.
This free event runs from 11am to 5pm and celebrates the rich and varied habitats and landscapes of Sussex. It is being organised by Brighton & Hove City Council in partnership with the National Trust, South Downs National Park and the Sussex Wildlife Trust.
There will be a range of activities and events going on throughout the day, set against the backdrop of beautiful parkland near Stanmer village. The festival will be divided into four zones – woodland, downland, marine, and city parks/gardens – and there promises to be something for people of all ages to enjoy.
Gardeners can get ideas and inspiration from garden displays, including a butterfly garden with ideas for planting to attract wildlife, and a water-saving, low maintenance drought resistant garden. There will also be a gardeners’ question time sessions with tips and advice from experts.
During the festival there will be a series of talks in a large marquee in the park. Speakers will include Satish Kumar, editor of Resurgence & Ecologist magazine.
Heavy horses will be in action giving displays, and there will be displays of sheep shearing and birds of prey. Morris dancers will add a splash of traditional local colour and music and other attractions will include tractor rides, climbing activities and a farmer’s market selling local produce.
People will also be able to find out about the Brighton & Hove and Lewes Downs Biosphere Partnership’s bid to gain international recognition for the special nature of the local environment and become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. www.biospherehere.org.uk
A special bus service, number 78, will run from Brighton & Hove city centre every 20 minutes to Stanmer Park during the festival. Visit the council’s website for details.