One of the highlights of the day was the unveiling of Marvellous Moths, a colourful installation created by pupils from Lowther Endowed School with local artist Gwen Bainbridge. Inspired by the hidden world of moths, the artwork celebrated the remarkable role these often-overlooked insects play in healthy ecosystems while showcasing the creativity and curiosity of the young people involved.

Visitors also rolled up their sleeves to enjoy a packed programme of creative activities inspired by the natural world. My Community Penrith shared the traditional skills of nettle rope making and natural dyeing, while Stomping Ground encouraged families to connect with nature through mystery stick making and nature connection games. At Nature’s Pace introduced visitors to the Japanese art of hapa zome, using leaves and flowers to create natural prints, alongside nature weaving and nature suncatchers.

Emma Hughes, Community Officer at Cumbria Connect and event organiser, said:

“It was wonderful to see so many people embrace the festival and enjoy everything the day had to offer. People came ready to explore, whatever the weather, and that’s exactly what nature is all about. From discovering newly restored wetlands and rivers to looking closely at moths, insects and wildflowers, the festival encouraged people to slow down, ask questions and experience the natural world in a different way. We’re incredibly grateful to all our partners, contributors and volunteers who helped make the first Lowther Celebration of Nature such a success.”

The success of the inaugural event highlighted the power of bringing people together through nature. By exploring rivers, wetlands, woodlands and gardens, visitors discovered not only the extraordinary diversity of habitats across the Lowther Estate but also the importance of nature recovery in creating a healthier, more resilient landscape for wildlife and people.

Lowther would like to thank everyone who helped make the first Celebration of Nature such a memorable day, including Cumbria Connect, My Community Penrith, South Cumbria Bat Group, Single Track Minds, Arragon Cycles, Stomping Ground, At Nature’s Pace, The Beaver Trust, Lowther Endowed School, Gwen Bainbridge and the many staff, volunteers and contributors who shared their enthusiasm, knowledge and passion throughout the festival.

Following the success of this year’s event, organisers hope the Lowther Celebration of Nature will become a regular fixture in the calendar, inviting even more families and visitors to discover, explore and celebrate the remarkable natural heritage of the Lowther Estate.