Into the wild: nature festivals you can reach by train

Nature needs us more than ever, but increasingly we need it too. Immersing ourselves in the wild world is now widely recognised as being good for our physical health and a boost to our mental wellbeing to boot. So get in touch with your wild side at these nature festivals, taking place across the GWR network this summer.

Bristol and Bath Festival of Nature

The UK’s biggest celebration of the natural world (now in its 16th year) begins with a full day’s festivities on the banks of the River Avon in Bath’s, appropriately-named, Green Park before sailing down to Bristol’s harbourside for a further weekend of wild fun.

There are hundreds of hands-on exhibits, talks, walks and workshops to enjoy, from both national and local environmental organisations, including the Woodland Trust, Pure Planet and Surfers Against Sewage. This huge event – organised by The Natural History Consortium – is a wonderful, wild day out for the whole family and, what’s more, it’s completely free!
bnhc.org.uk

Bristol: 8–9 June from 10am to 6pm. Free entry.

Take a GWR train to Bristol Temple Meads station

London Wildlife Festival

London Wildlife Trust and celebrity naturalist, David ‘The Urban Birder’ Lindo, are launching this inaugural festival of city wildlife over a weekend at Walthamstow Wetlands – the largest urban wetland area in Europe. Expect outdoor crafts, including nature photography, birdwatching and landscape drawing; nature-inspired mindfulness and wellbeing workshops; and guided walks to find out first-hand what wild wonders dwell on the capital’s doorstep.
londonwildlifefest.com

10–11 August from 10am to 5pm.

Tickets: from £28 Family / £10 Adult / £6 Child

Take a GWR train to London Paddington station, then the underground to Tottenham Hale station