News, events and schools' information for families across Bath and West Wiltshire

Repair Cafes, a Car Park Clean-up Challenge and Bike to the Park are some of the events taking place this week to mark the start of Bath and North East Somerset Council’s second Climate and Biodiversity Festival which runs until 2 October.

Councillor Sarah Warren, cabinet member for Climate and Sustainable Travel, said, “The programme this year covers a range of topics, with something for all members of the family:  Nature Tales in the Park for younger children, Youth Voice Unplugged aimed at young adults or learning more deeply about climate change through the Climate Fresk game, which is suitable for novices or experts.

“There are opportunities for people to join a hands-on activity, or to come along and share experiences of gardening for nature, or home energy efficiency.

“We are hoping the events will help to bring people together and showcase what is being done across our region, while encouraging people to get involved with their local groups and community organisations.”

Events taking place through the week including volunteers from the Climate Hub taking over 15 New Bond Street, Bath on Monday and hosting a drop in followed by two events: a Nature Celebration for children aged four to eight years (at 4pm) and a session with the Climate Psychology Alliance focusing on the feelings we experience in relation to the climate crisis, how we deal with them and ways in which we may feel supported.

On Wednesday 15 New Bond Street will become the Home Energy Hub, allowing residents to drop in and speak to a range of experts about managing energy costs and improving the energy efficiency of homes. There will also be information on grants and finance options available for people renting privately and owner occupiers.

Eco Together is a new toolkit to connect like-minded people together to take local environmental action. They will be hosting in-person and online events throughout the week.

You can join an online panel discussion and hear the latest update to the council’s developing Ecological Emergency Action Plan and have a chance to have your say.

Bath Community Day will take place in Abbey Square/Kingston Parade on Saturday 1 October from 10am to 4pm. The in-person event will be an opportunity for families to meet local people involved with climate and biodiversity action and find out about local action on the issues. There will be a series of family-friendly activities including crafts and a children’s scavenger hunt.

The festival runs until 2 October and the full programme of events can be found on the council website. Most of the events are free.