SHAFTESBURY’S Great Big Green Week event, which runs from June 10 to 18, is jam-packed with environmental inspiration.

Communities across the Vale have responded to the UK’s celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature.

Now, in addition to the 53 events in Shaftesbury, there are also a large number in Tisbury and Gillingham, as well as a green marquee at Motcombe fete and an exhibition in Donhead St Andrew.

Simon Hoare MP will be opening proceedings at Shaftesbury Town Hall at 2pm on Saturday, June 10. In the hall you are invited to add your contribution to the people’s exhibition – don’t be shy! If you have something that you have made or done, the Green Week organisers would love to put it on display.

There’s a plethora of events, exhibitions, visits, talks, walks and practical interventions taking place all week. Come for the opening and stay for the herb event and/or the exhibition. And maybe even the evening candlelight walk.

• Arts: painting workshop, music, poetry, storytelling
• Visits: Abbey School garden, help the tree planters, wildflower fields
• Walks: farms, nature, trees
• Talks: Marine Protected Areas, the town clerk on sustainability, the science of climate change, herb demonstrations
• Practical events: litter pick, build bat and hedgehog boxes, garment upcycling, prepare to plant wildflowers
• Exhibitions: astronomy, nurturing nature
• Competitions: photography, poetry
• Children’s event: library activities (many of the other activities are inclusive of children)

There will also be a green market – an extension of Shaftesbury’s usual Thursday market.

READ MORE: Vale village of Tisbury going green for environmental campaign

At the heart of Great Big Green Week is the green vigil, and the meditative candlelit walk, which takes place every evening of Green Week. Take your green jam jar to Tesco customer services to collect your free tealight. The walk is an opportunity to reflect on climate change and the nature crisis.

Find out more at greatbiggreenweek.com/green-week-events/great-big-green-week-shaftesbury. If you have any thoughts or questions, email chris@GreatBigGreenWeekShaftesbury.org.