Nature-themed festival brings together local organisations in celebration of ‘our wild roots’
A nature-themed festival is returning to Lancaster District for a second year, bringing together local organisations to celebrate the area’s green spaces and encourage people to reconnect with the natural world.
Wild Roots Nature Fest will take place across Lancaster District from 6 to 14 June, offering residents and visitors the chance to explore parks, woodlands and community spaces through creative workshops, wildlife walks and wellbeing sessions.
The festival was founded by Ros Jones, who also runs Wildlife Wellbeing Walks CIC, a Lancaster-based community organisation offering nature walks for wellbeing and connection.
Wild Roots Nature Fest is supported by volunteers and coordinated in collaboration with FoodFutures, Claver Hill, Friends of Freeman’s Wood, Exergonic CIC and Friends of the Storey Gardens.
The festival aims to make nature-based experiences accessible, inclusive and part of everyday life, while highlighting the benefits of spending time outdoors for both mental and physical health.
Ros Jones, founder of Wild Roots Nature Fest, said: “Reconnecting with nature and place can increase our sense of belonging, helping us feel more rooted in our local area and community.
“It has helped me get through some of my toughest mental and physical challenges, and I never feel alone when I’m immersed in nature.
“It gives us permission to slow down, feel calmer and more grounded, reducing the stress and strains of modern life.
“By bringing people together in welcoming outdoor settings, the festival offers a space to reconnect with nature, ourselves and each other.”
Highlights from this year’s programme include a full day of family-friendly activities in Freeman’s Wood, nature craft workshops at Claver Hill community food growing project and a Big Green Day of connection at The Gregson Centre.
Other events include voice activation, mandalas, a midweek reset for mums, bug and bird walks, foraging, T’ai Chi and Qigong, and creative writing sessions.
Lancaster’s Midsummer Market will also take place from 9am to 5pm on 12 June, which is celebrated as Lancaster Day, in Market Square.
The festival is being held during the national Great Big Green Week and aims to encourage people to connect with their local environment.
Ros added: “Spending time in nature can deepen our understanding of the environment, encouraging greater care for local greenspaces and the wildlife they support.”
All events are free of charge, although visitors who are able to are encouraged to make a contribution to help cover the costs of delivering the festival.
Some events will be open to drop-ins, but most must be booked in advance via the festival website.
Visitors are also being encouraged to share their experiences on social media using #WildRootsFest2026 and to make a #NaturePledge.
Organisers say pledges could be as simple as sowing a few seeds, leaving a patch of garden untidy for wildlife, eating less meat or taking part in Plastic Free July.
The full festival programme is available at bit.ly/wild-roots-2026.
Programme brochures can also be picked up at The Storey, The Gregson, Penny Street Collectibles, Proper Lovely Lancaster, Green Witch Gifts, Pure Vegan and other shops and cafes in Lancaster, as well as during events at Wild Roots Nature Fest locations.