South Hams backs Rivers and Moorlands festival

An exciting Rivers and Moorland Festival promising "big ideas, lively conversations and enriching workshops" takes place in Ivybridge on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 June.

The festival begins on Friday 5 June, when Sustainable South Hams will be co-curating Moor Understanding, the first day of the Rivers and Moorland Festival, as part of their Rally for Nature project which is supported by South Hams District Council.

The festival aims to bring residents, community groups, farmers, young people and environmental organisations together for a full day of activity focused on nature, environment and local action.

The Friday event runs from 11am – 8.30pm across Ivybridge at The Watermark, The Eye, Longtimber Woods and Glanvilles Mill. The varied programme highlights the breadth of nature-positive work happening across Dartmoor and South Devon.

Jane Nichols, CEO of Sustainable South Hams said: “Rally for Nature is about bringing people together to celebrate the incredible work already happening across Dartmoor and South Devon, while creating space for new ideas, new connections and practical action. We want everyone who comes along to feel inspired, empowered and part of something positive for nature, climate and our communities.”

Sessions include a local farmers market featuring producers from across the area, talks on river recovery and Dartmoor folklore, youth action workshops, family nature games, forest bathing in Longtimber Woods, a film screening and panel discussion on food and nature on Dartmoor and an evening discussion with environmental campaigner and author Guy Shrubsole on restoring Dartmoor's rainforests.

By supporting this event, the district council is reinforcing its wider commitment to climate action and nature recovery, building on previous work across the district including solar projects, electric vehicle infrastructure and tree planting schemes. It also reflects their ambition to continue supporting community-led action, local food, biodiversity and a more sustainable future for the South Hams.

Cllr John McKay, South Hams District Council’s, Executive Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “South Hams District Council is proud to support Rally for Nature in this fantastic event to bring everyone together around the shared goal of protecting and restoring nature in our area.

"By backing events like this, we are helping to encourage local action, celebrate environmental leadership and invest in a more sustainable future for the district.”

For more information on Friday’s event, visit: www.sussh.org/moorlands-fest 

For more information on Saturday’s event, visit: www.riversandmoorland.org