27
October,
2023
Last month, more than 90 local businesses, organisations and groups came together to host green events in 40 different locations across Purbeck.
Between 15 and 24 September more than 3,400 people attended Planet Purbeck events, designed to celebrate Purbeck’s outstanding natural world and raise awareness of nature recovery activity across the area. This year’s festival focused on community empowerment and nature recovery, with key events including the Big Burnbake Camp Out, which brought together local food, live music, foraging walks, and woodland camping.
Hosted by Greenpeace, guest speaker Steve Allnutt from Sussex Seabed Restoration Project inspired audiences through his insightful talk ‘Rewilding Our Seas’, while headline speaker, author, and TV presenter Nadeem Perera, spoke to sell out audiences at Swanage’s Mowlem Theatre.
Luke M Luke, Planet Purbeck Festival Organiser, said: “Our festival helps ignite the magic and wonder of nature. Creating unforgettable experiences and the chance to discover something new. It leaves you buzzing with excitement!”
He added: “We’re thrilled that almost 80% of attendees gained fresh insights into protecting our local environment, with nearly 60% stating they’re inspired to get involved and take positive action!”
Festival visitors were also able to join a screening of independent local filmmaker Sue Western’s film ‘Let’s Go Wild’, which explores the connection between nature and local children in Purbeck. The film will now tour local schools, including Wareham St Mary Primary School and St Marks in Swanage.
Speaking about her film screening, Sue said: “I was blown away by the wisdom and insights of Purbeck’s children and young people. They love connecting with insects and flowers and they want to be outside more! They are telling us grown-ups to make that more possible.
“Maybe we’ve been leaving that thing we call ‘nature’ to other people to look after. But each one of us can have a role – it doesn’t matter how small – in bringing mini wildlife experiences into our everyday lives. We all need sparkles of joy!’’
Supported by Talbot Village Trust, Kathy Hollidge, Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Natural England and Natural Trust, findings from the event’s participant surveys will help to inform a public report in early 2024.
Caroline Cooban, CEO at Talbot Village Trust, said: “We’ve been delighted to support Planet Purbeck throughout their three festivals in their endeavour to create lasting positive impact by bringing people together.
“From engaging guest speakers to live music, entertainment and foraging, the festival offers something for everyone, while gathering community support to raise awareness and celebrate Purbeck’s outstanding natural environment.”
The group now intends to develop a rich programme of activities for children and young people in Purbeck that will be delivered in September 2024.
Read more at www.planetpurbeck.org.
