Midlands Festival of Nature returns to Wicksteed Park
The weekend will feature hands‑on workshops, guided nature walks and interactive activities
A community festival in Kettering is encouraging people to reconnect with nature and support local wildlife.
The Midlands Festival of Nature will take place at Wicksteed Park on 30th and 31st May, bringing together talks, workshops and family‑friendly activities aimed at helping people learn more about the environment.
The event is organised by Kettering Nature Group, with organisers saying it is designed to make nature and conservation feel simple, accessible and relevant to everyday life.
Adam Riley, wildlife rescuer and director of Kettering Nature Group, said the festival reflects the work the group carries out throughout the year.
“A lot of what we do happens quietly in the background, so people don’t always realise the work that’s going on locally,” he said. “There are volunteers out improving habitats, looking after green spaces and monitoring wildlife all year round, but it often goes unnoticed.”
He said the festival provides an opportunity to showcase that work and bring people together in an informal setting.
“The festival is a way of showing that off and helping people engage with nature in a relaxed way,” he added. “It’s not about being an expert — it’s about curiosity and enjoyment.”
Riley said many people want to help the environment but are unsure how to get involved.
“A lot of people don’t feel connected to nature anymore or think they can’t make a difference,” he said. “We hear that a lot, but the reality is that even small actions can have a big impact.”
“The whole point of Kettering Nature Group is to show that anyone can help,” he added. “You don’t need specialist knowledge or loads of spare time – there’s something for everyone.”
The festival brings together local and national organisations working to support wildlife and green spaces, offering hands‑on activities and demonstrations for all ages.
Riley said the aim is to give people practical ideas they can take away with them.
“It’s about meeting people where they’re at,” he said. “Whether that’s planting something in your garden, getting involved with a local group or just learning a bit more about what lives around you.”
Alongside conservation‑focused events, visitors can enjoy ethical food stalls, arts and crafts, and a range of activities across the weekend. These include owl pellet dissection workshops, giving people the chance to learn more about local wildlife.
“There’s a real focus on making things engaging and fun, especially for families,” Riley said. “If children have positive experiences with nature when they’re young, that stays with them.”
There will also be a main stage with live music, as well as a Wild Words Tent featuring storytelling, poetry and talks from conservation groups.
“This isn’t just about science — it’s about creativity and connection too,” Riley added. “Nature inspires people in all sorts of ways.”
This year’s featured conservation organisation is the Northamptonshire Badger Group, with a talk planned on the main stage and an exhibition about badgers created by local children.
Riley said involving local groups and young people was a key part of the event.
“It’s important that people see what’s happening on their doorstep,” he said. “There’s so much good work going on locally, and this is a chance to celebrate that.”
Organisers say the festival acts as a gateway for people interested in nature, allowing them to meet local groups, learn what’s happening nearby and find their own way to get involved.
The event also highlights the wider #NaturallyKettering initiative, which aims to create a town‑wide approach to supporting nature through education, habitat creation and community engagement.
“We want people to leave feeling inspired rather than overwhelmed,” Riley added. “If someone comes along, enjoys themselves and then takes one small step towards supporting nature, that’s a success.”
To find out more visit: www.ketteringnaturegroup.com