The first Sidmouth Biodiversity Festival will soon be underway, taking place in and around the town from Monday 5 to Sunday 11 June.

Over thirty events are on offer across the week, all free of charge.

Organised by the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group, full details and booking where required can be found on the group's website www.sidvalleybiodiversity.org

The festival aims to inspire and inform people about the rich diversity of wildlife present in the valley and the importance of taking steps to increase biodiversity.

A wide range of free events are on offer including guided walks led by knowledgeable local guides, talks at Kennaway House and free, drop-in children's activities.

One of the highlights of the festival is the array of free children's activities, mostly taking place on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June, designed to spark curiosity and nurture a love for the natural world. From interactive activities to engaging workshops, there's something for every young explorer to enjoy. The programme includes:

Monday 5 June wildflower walk by Jacob's Ladder.

Tuesday 6 June River Sid events including talk, walk and river sampling. Nature journalling talk, Café Scientifique discussion on light pollution and an early evening exploration of the beach garden.

Wednesday 7 June outdoor bird surveying workshop at Salcombe Regis, plus book talk and botany walk with Leif Bersweden.

Thursday 8 June botany walk at the Donkey Sanctuary, a nature amble on Muttersmoor and guided tours of a Sidmouth woodland garden.

Friday 9 June wildlife photography and water company insights talks, family nature hunt in Alma Field and early evening bat detecting walk with the National Trust.

Saturday 10 June Family Day with early morning bird walk, children's biodiversity activities with Exeter Science Centre, storytelling performance and workshop, activities with Friends of the Byes, performance by the Sid Vale Folk Choir, bug safari and children's art workshops, run by the Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub.

Sunday 11 June wildlife bingo at the Donkey Sanctuary, wildlife walk at the Knapp and early summer big community clean up led by Sidmouth Plastic Warriors.

Sheila Meades, Coordinator of the festival on behalf of the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group, said: "Our new festival will be an excellent opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Sid Valley, learn about the importance of nature conservation and enriching biodiversity and take part in a range of fun and educational activities. There really is something for everyone and with a promising weather forecast we're in for a great week of events."

All festival events are free, though donations to support the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group's activities are welcome. Booking is required for some events due to limited space. For full details of all the events and to book where required, visit the group's website. www.SidValleyBiodiversity.org or look for QR codes on the posters around town.

The group is grateful to the Sid Vale Association's Keith Owen Fund and Sidmouth Town Council for the financial support they have provided for the festival.