By Ros Jones, founder of Wildlife Wellbeing Walks and Wild Roots Nature Fest. The festival will be on from 6th to 14th June, and you can read the programme and book free event tickets at bit.ly/wild-roots-2026
We live in a world of fast-paced doing. Convenience seems built into society so that we can do more. But somewhere along the way, I feel we’ve forgotten to be human beings.
That’s not to say we should simply stop, but the combined climate, biodiversity and nature emergencies, poor mental health and conflict are a sad reflection on where we’re at. Beautifully summed up by Sir David Attenborough (and recently turned into a piece of sand art in Morecambe, celebrating his 100th birthday): “We often talk about saving the planet, but the truth is that we must do these things to save ourselves.”
Why should we care? If we no longer connect with the natural world around us, hear birdsong, notice wildflowers or simply spend time outdoors, it becomes harder to value and protect the natural world. We have built systems that destroy soils and kill wild plants and insects. This disrupts ecological systems and makes our food less healthy, our environment less rich in species.
We know that mental health is greatly improved by having access to green spaces and spending time outdoors. With less time spent in nature, it becomes harder to feel connected to our own nature.
So what can we do about it? There are many organisations and individuals working for a better, more sustainable and regenerative future. That gives me a lot of hope.
During Wild Roots Nature Fest, running from 6th to 14th June, we’ll be bringing together people through shared activities in our beautiful local green spaces, and aim to promote a love of place in Lancaster.
This year’s theme is about reconnecting with our Wild Roots; through a wide range of activities including composting, clay sculpture, guided wildlife walks, storytelling, forest school, and creative crafts. And we’re asking people to take #NaturePledges: Small actions, supported by resources that we will provide, to help make a difference.
A #NaturePledge is a great a way to give back and do our bit to support nature – and give ourselves a little boost for making a difference. You can take your pledget at the Wild Roots Festival events, and there will be a list of suggested pledges, including things like reducing plastic use, reducing meat consumption and making space for nature and pollinators in our gardens. Some of these are really easy to take part in, and they allow you to give without costing too much time or money (and even saving money in some cases!).
Handy resources like recipes, links and guides designed to help with your pledge will be available. And as a pledger, you will be invited to a community meal in the autumn to follow up and see how you’ve got on, and what the longer-term impact and legacy of the pledges will be. What will you pledge…?
