Chew Valley Nature Recovery Network celebrated the inaugural Chew Valley NatureFest on Sunday, July 30, 2024, at Chew Valley School. The event was a resounding success, drawing over 420 visitors eager to engage with nature and learn about local conservation efforts.

The festival featured more than 20 interactive stalls and exhibitions, each offering unique experiences and educational opportunities. One of the highlights was a stall where children crafted more than 50 bee hotels to take home, fostering an early appreciation for pollinators and their critical role in the ecosystem. Stallholders themselves benefitted from the hugely valuable opportunity to network with other environmental and conservation groups working in the Chew Valley.

A standout attraction was the bird of prey exhibition, which captivated attendees of all ages. The exhibition provided a rare close-up encounter with these majestic birds, emphasising the importance of their conservation. Another major draw was the appearance of BBC One Show star Mike Dilger, who led approximately 30 children on an exciting bug hunt. Dilger's enthusiasm and expertise made the hunt both educational and enjoyable, leaving a lasting impression on the young participants.

The school’s Climate Action Team, composed of passionate young advocates, raised an impressive £367 for the ‘Mirrors for Earth’s Energy Rebalancing’ (MEER) charity through a tombola. Their efforts were not limited to fundraising; these dedicated students also served as ambassadors for the event; guided visitors; presented one of the three afternoon talks; and asked some incisive questions during the lively Q&A session.

During the afternoon session, there were also fascinating and entertaining presentations from Sarah Pitt, Chair of CPRE Avon & Bristol, and Mike Dilger. Sarah and Mike were joined by two other experts, George Ford, regenerative farmer from Nempnett Pastures, and Simon Hunter, CEO of Bristol Avon Rivers Trust for the Q&A.

Sustainable food options were a key component of the festival's eco-friendly ethos. The Fish Truck's sustainable fish and chips were particularly popular, providing a tasty and environmentally conscious meal for attendees.

Chew Valley Nature Recovery Network expressed their gratitude to Chew Valley School for hosting the event and to all participants, sponsors, and visitors for making the first NatureFest a memorable and impactful event. The organisation hopes to build on this success in the coming years and, as NatureFest continues to grow, it promises to be a cornerstone event for the Chew Valley, bringing together residents of all ages to celebrate and protect the natural world.