The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, custodians of the Shakespeare Family homes in Warwickshire, is inviting visitors to dive into the world of sustainability with the launch of Stratford-upon-Avon’s Great Big Green Week 2024 and a series of new events, all part of its ‘Sustainable Shakespeare’ initiative.
Launching Stratford-upon-Avon’s Great Big Green Week 2024
On Saturday 8 June, Shakespeare’s New Place is opening its gates to the public for a free day of fun as it plays host to the launch of Stratford-upon-Avon’s Great Big Green Week 2024.
Visitors of all ages have the opportunity to explore sustainability in action through a series of free thought-provoking events and hands-on activities as environmentalism is brought to the forefront by organisers, making it a day to remember for all.
‘’Following the success of the past two years at Hall's Croft, we are excited to be welcoming incredible local organisations to Shakespeare’s New Place for our Sustainable Shakespeare Community Day and to kick off Great Big Green Week in Stratford.
‘’Like many individuals and organisations, our commitment is to reach net zero by 2030, and we’ve put this into action across our estate. From revamping our waste management practices to the adoption of environmentally friendly methods to maintain our incredible green spaces, sustainability is embedded in everything we do.
‘’That is why it’s important for us to not only educate but also inspire our visitors to embrace a lifestyle that's helps to make a positive impact on our planet, and this is why events like this are so important for us.’’
Said Andrew Anderson, Environmental Health and Safety Officer at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the organisers of Sustainable Shakespeare Community Day.
During the jam-packed day, visitors can walk around the picturesque surroundings of the Great Garden at Shakespeare’s New Place, whilst they discover and celebrate the action being undertaken by local and regional groups and organisations to tackle climate change in the local area and protect the natural environment.
Visitors of all ages are in for a treat with a lineup of engaging activities brought to them by partner organisations, including Stratford Climate Action, Stratford Wildlife Friends, Act on Energy and Net Zero Stratford. Two volunteers from Stratford’s Repair Café will also be on hand during the day to carry out bike repairs and hand sew any garments that need mending.
The Trust’s retail team will be showcasing a range of beautiful sustainable products crafted from local resources and its gardens team will also be on hand to share what they are doing to improve sustainability and biodiversity across all of Shakespeare’s family homes, and to offer helpful tips and advice.
That’s not all - whilst soaking in the atmosphere, attendees can enjoy live acoustic music from a local band and get pictures with tree stilt walkers who will be making a special appearance during the day.
Wider Great Big Green Month Celebrations – Getting Up Close and Personal With Nature
In the lead up to Sustainable Shakespeare Community Day and as part of the Trust’s wider celebrations of their own Great Big Green Month, they are inviting guests to the grounds of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage for a series of special opportunities to experience the impressive biodiversity of the Shottey-based site up close and personal.
‘We wanted to offer our visitors a unique chance to explore one of the properties and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage was the perfect site. The 15th-century cottage is a great venue for any experience, and with the work that has been undertaken by our gardens’ team to improve the biodiversity of the site visitors are in for a special treat of discovery.’’
Said Jennifer Shufflebotham, Audience Engagement Manager at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Taking place in the early hours of the morning, on Tuesday 14 May, visitors can enjoy a feast for the body and soul at a special Moth Breakfast event. First, guests will be treated to a light breakfast in the shadow of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage before setting off to explore the abundance of biodiversity across the property, including the opportunity to catch a glimpse of some incredibly rare breeds of moths, including the elusive Silver Cloud. The tour will be conducted by moth expert, David Brown.
Then, on Friday 24 May, guests can take a walk on the wilder side as they go in search for the winged mammals who make their home in the beautiful grounds of the Cottage and uncover the work that has gone into ensuring that area is able to support a thriving bat population.
Taking place after hours, guests will join their very own guide from Warwickshire Bats as they take them on a journey into the darkness and illuminate the fascinating world of bats, dispelling the myths and highlighting the important contributions they bring to a habitat.
‘’Whether you want to see nature up close during a bat walk or take part in our Sustainable Shakespeare Community Day activities, we encourage you all to swing by, join the fun, and discover firsthand how you can contribute to a more sustainable town and embrace a cleaner, greener lifestyle.’’
Added Jennifer.
For more information about the events taking place for Great Big Green Month, please visit https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/visit/whats-on/sustainable-shakespeare-community-day/.