Nature themed festival brings together local organisations in celebrations of 'our wild roots'

Wild Roots Nature Fest will be held for the second time this year across Lancaster District. The festival is a celebration of the natural world and an invitation to explore the beautiful greenspaces in and around Lancaster city. It is a chance for residents and visitors to connect with nature through creative workshops, wildlife walks and wellbeing sessions. 

Wild Roots Nature Fest was founded by Ros Jones, who also runs Wildlife Wellbeing Walks CIC, a Lancaster-based community organisation that offers nature walks for wellbeing and connection. The festival is supported by volunteers and is coordinated in collaboration with FoodFutures, Claver Hill, Friends of Freeman’s Wood, Exergonic CIC and Friends of the Storey Gardens.

It encourages residents and visitors to explore local greenspaces and spend time in nature as an important part of maintaining good health and wellbeing. Whether it’s a quiet moment in a local park, a walk through a woodland, or taking part in a shared outdoor activity, connecting with the natural world can support both mental and physical health. Wild Roots Nature Fest was founded to make nature-based experiences accessible, inclusive, and part of everyday life.

Ros Jones, founder of Wild Roots Nature Fest, says: “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.”

Between 6th and 14th June, a wide range of sessions and activities will take place in the city’s greenspaces. 

Highlights from the programme of events include a whole day of family-friendly activities in Freeman’s Wood, nature crafts workshops at Claver Hill community food growing project and a Big Green Day of connection at The Gregson Centre. With diverse events from voice activation to mandalas, a midweek reset for mums, bug and bird walks, foraging, T’ai Chi & Qigong and creative writing, there is something for everyone. Lancaster’s Midsummer Market will be on from 9am to 5pm on 12th June, which is also celebrated as Lancaster Day, in the Market Square. 

The festival is happening during the national Great Big Green Week and hopes to provide opportunities to connect with our local environment. Ros Jones says, “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 can afford to are encouraged to make a contribution to help with the costs of delivering the festival. Some events will be open to drop in, but most of them will need to be booked in advance on the festival website. 

Everyone is invited to get involved throughout the festival and to share thoughts and experiences on social media with #WildRootsFest2026. The festival is also inviting visitors to make a #NaturePledge as a way to give (one of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing): A pledge could be as small as sowing a few seeds, leaving a patch of ‘untidy’ garden or something a little more like eating less meat or taking part in Plastic Free July. A list of ideas and some helpful resources will be available at the festival.

The full festival programme can be found at bit.ly/wild-roots-2026

Programme brochures are available to pick 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 the Wild Roots Nature Fest locations.