Thousands of families flocked to Heaton Park for the Manchester Festival of Nature (MFoN), where conservationists shared the wonders of local wildlife through interactive exhibits, parades, and music. The free event, held under sunny skies, aimed to inspire attendees to explore nature in their own gardens, parks, and woodlands.
Hands-On Learning and Activities
Visitors squeezed sphagnum moss, chatted about bats, made seed holders from paper, and identified birds in quizzes—all while learning about wildlife near their homes. Photography students from Manchester Metropolitan University displayed an exhibition focusing on commonly seen species. The soundtrack featured performances by Prestwich Community Choir and the Flat Cap Three.
Parade and Green Initiatives
The Legendary Pollinator Parade saw around 200 participants in bee costumes, masks, and wild hats crafted at earlier Habitat-Hat Workshops. Parents explored “green” vehicles from RRG Toyota, while kids admired wildlife-themed bags from Spriggs Apparel. BMS Events Medics reported no emergencies.
Conservation Impact
More than 5,000 people engaged with project officers, volunteers, and groups including the Manchester Nature Consortium Youth Panel, Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, Manchester Museum, RSPB, City of Trees, and Chester Zoo. Jenny Bennion, LWT senior comms officer, said: “MFoN is an opportunity for organisations like the Lancashire Wildlife Trust to persuade one in four people to get involved in nature in a meaningful way. It will help to halt the decline of nature locally. MFoN can be the beginning of a movement to restore and protect nature across the country.”
Consortium Goals
The Manchester Nature Consortium aims to unite organisations to protect wildlife and habitats, engage the public, encourage volunteers, influence decision-makers for increased protections, and organise events like MFoN to raise awareness. For membership, visit www.lancswt.org.uk or call 01772 324129. For Cheshire Wildlife Trust, call 01948 820728 or go to www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk.
