Youth Experience Day and Workshop - Peat & Sphagnum

Name: Youth Experience Day and Workshop - Peat & Sphagnum
Start: 2025-10-27T10:00:00+00:00
End: 2025-10-27T15:30:00+00:00
Location: Westhay Moor Nature Reserve

Schedule

Mon Oct 27 2025 at 10:00 am to 03:30 pm

UTC+00:00

Location

Westhay Moor Nature Reserve | Wells, EN

Join us for this free day, celebrating, exploring and protecting Somerset’s peatlands with this youth experience day and workshop at Westhay Moor and the Avalon Marshes Centre.
Start Time: 10.00am
Drop-off: Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve, Westhay Moor Drove.
Collect: Avalon Marshes Centre, Station Road, Westhay. BA6 9TT
Morning session 10am-12.30pm
* Guided walk to of the peatland restoration area at Westhay Moor
* Hands-on planting of key bog building species: sphagnum moss
* Get to know hidden wetland wonders of this lowland raised bog
At 12.30 we will return to the car park and bid farewell to anyone just joining us for the morning.
Afternoon Session 1.30-3.30pm
For those joining the afternoon we will take the minibus to the Avalon Marshes Centre where a vegetarian lunch will be provided free of charge.
* Have your say and help us shape some peat themed displays for the Avalon Marshes Centre, or contribute to our Bog Garden blog;
* Hear from across the south west Peat Pen Pals and be inspired about what you can do for our peatland habitats.
This session is aimed at those between 14 and 24 years old. We do not expect parents or guardians to attend.
Why come along?
* Make your voice heard about the future of our local landscape
* Learn new creative and environmental skills
* Connect with other young people and local organisations
* Be part of something bigger: help create content for the Peatland Manifesto and take part in the South West Peat Fest celebration
Important Info
*This event is outdoors for part of the day – please dress for the weather and wear wellies or waterproof walking boots.
*Free to attend, but spaces are limited to 20 young people. All materials provided. Please note for drop off at Westhay Moor Nature Reserve there is 20 minutes free parking, after which there is a £3 charge for the day.
*Vegetarian lunch and snacks provided (please let us know any dietary needs when booking)
*Accessible options are available for those unable to join the morning walk – join us at lunchtime for the creative afternoon
*Travel bursaries are available for those who would not otherwise be able to attend – just let us know when booking
About Peat-Fest South-West 2025
This event is hosted by Natural England and Somerset Wildlife Trust, in partnership with RE-PEAT – a youth-led collective changing hearts and minds through a shared love for peatlands and a commitment to protecting them.
It’s part of Peat-Fest South-West, a regional celebration encouraging thousands of people to discover, connect with, and fall in love with our precious peatland landscapes.
The morning at Westhay Moor is funded through Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Bogs and Bitterns project, which is funded by the UK Government's Species Survival Fund. The Species Survival Fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.
The Art and Energy Collective has been awarded funding by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to collaborate with peatland restoration and cultural organisations across the South West – including the Avalon Marshes Partnership – to bring peatlands to life through art, storytelling and community action.