The festival celebrated the rich biodiversity of the Abbey area while highlighting the urgent importance of climate action and wildlife conservation. Families, students, conservationists, and visitors of all ages gathered to explore how nature can thrive in the centre of our town.

A wide range of inspiring stall holders shared ideas, projects, and practical advice, covering topics from cleaning up local habitats and protecting Suffolk wildlife to creating natural spaces for wildlife at home. Visitors discovered fascinating talks and displays including Prickly Friends in Your Garden at Night, Bury’s Swifts, The Future of Gardening, Rejuvenating Biodiversity in the Abbey Area, and Strings of Beads: The Rivers Lark and Linnet through Bury St Edmunds. The Journey from Trout Lakes to Nature Reserve also showcased the remarkable transformation of local landscapes.

Guided walks proved especially popular throughout the weekend, offering visitors the chance to experience nature first-hand. Activities included Bird Walks, Tree Walks, Incredible Insects, Plant Walks, and the thought-provoking walk exploring how Bury’s Lark Valley has changed over the centuries. Younger visitors enthusiastically joined the family-friendly bug safaris, discovering the miniature wildlife hidden within the Abbey grounds.

The festival continued beyond the weekend with a multi-sensory, interactive exhibition in the South Cloister of St Edmundsbury Cathedral, showcasing the creative response to our natural environment of the 165 primary school children who attended the Festival on Friday 15 May.

Together, the festival demonstrates how heritage, education, and community action can help shape a greener and more sustainable future for Bury St Edmunds.