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Nature Day for Great Big Green Week

Join us for Nature Day at Dunstable Downs - a free, family-friendly celebration of wildlife, wildflowers, and this special landscape, as well as the ongoing work to conserve it.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Part of Great Big Green Week, the UK’s biggest celebration of community action for nature and climate, Nature Day brings together local charities, organisations, and visitors in a day packed with fun, discovery, and inspiration.

We'll have local crafts people, stalls and activities set up across the grass, offering plenty of chances to learn, create, and connect with nature.

What’s on?

• Protect Our Roots: Meet the team behind the project across the Ashridge estate.

• Joanne Bowes: local natural textile artist from Beyond the Workhouse will be showing her Natural Colour exhibition and running weaving demonstrations. She'll also have some small card looms - perfect for little visitors to have a go.

• Beespoke Beekeeping: Get up close to honey bees and find out how local artisan honey is made with beekeeper, Alan Roberts.

• We'll have a nature scavenger hunt and butterfly survey sheets available - see what you can spot across the Downs.

• Owl pellet dissection: a hands-on look at what owls eat and what we can learn from it.

• Meet a National Trust ranger: learn about their conservation work and see some of the machinery they use.

• Orchid Walk: a guided stroll to see the Downs’ seasonal showstoppers. 12.30-2.30pm. Booking required via our What's On page. £3 adults, £1.50 children - or 'pay what you can'.

Sunday 14 June, drop in anytime between 10.00am and 5.00pm.

Free entry to the event (normal car parking charges apply. Orchid walk requires booking).

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Suitability

Children are very welcome.

Meeting point

Event will be held on the grass around our Visitor Centre. Information can be found at our courtyard hub.

What to bring and wear

This event is outside so please wear suitable footwear and clothing for the weather.

Accessibility

This event is accessible to all, with step-free access and accessible facilities. Please note that the event will be held on grass, so some uneven surfaces are to be expected. The orchid walk is sadly not accessible.

Other

Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Visitors are invited to bring their own picnics, however BBQs are not permitted.

Upcoming events

Tree Cathedral Service and Celebration 

Everyone is welcome! Bring your family and friends and join us for a picnic, celebration and annual service at Whipsnade Tree Cathedral on the 7th of June between 11am and 4pm.

Event summary

on
7 Jun 2026
at 11:00 to 16:00

Festival of Archaeology - Pottery making and artefact show and tell 

Callings all mini archaeologists'! Join us for a weekend of ancient craft making and artefact show and tell with a real-life archaeologist.

Event summary

on
18 Jul to 19 Jul 2026
at 10:00 to 16:30+ 1 other date or time

Summer of Play: The Dunstable Downs Sports Village 

This summer, enjoy a family day out with free activities, games, and play throughout the holidays.

Event summary

on
20 Jul to 31 Aug 2026
at 10:30 to 16:30+ 48 other dates or times

Kites Connect Festival: a celebration of culture and kites 

Following last years success, Kites Connect Festival returns for 2026! With a commitment to serving our community, we celebrate unity and access in our local green spaces.

Event summary

on
1 Aug to 2 Aug 2026
at 10:00 to 17:00+ 1 other date or time