The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the charity responsible for caring for and sharing the Shakespeare family homes in Warwickshire, is inviting visitors to explore sustainability in action with the launch of Stratford-upon-Avon’s Great Big Green Week 2025 and a series of events, all part of its ‘Sustainable Shakespeare’ initiative.
From Saturday 3 May, and as part of its own Big Green Month celebrations, the Trust will be shining a spotlight on the natural environment and the impressive biodiversity found across its family homes. This includes the return of the Sustainable Shakespeare Community Day at Shakespeare’s New Place, marking the start of the town’s Great Big Green Week.
Free Family Fun at Shakespeare’s New Place
On Saturday 7 June, Shakespeare’s New Place, the site of the playwright’s final home, will be opening its doors to the public for a free day of fun as it hosts the launch of Stratford-upon-Avon’s Great Big Green Week.
During the free event, guests of all ages can explore the picturesque surroundings of the Great Garden at Shakespeare’s New Place and celebrate the action being undertaken by local and regional groups to tackle climate change and protect the natural environment.
Visitors of all ages are in for a treat during the Sustainable Shakespeare Community Day with a lineup of thought-provoking and engaging activities brought to them by partner organisations, including Net Zero Stratford and Stratford Wildlife Friends, making it a day to remember for all.
New for this year, guests can come and get hands on helping to make a life size animal puppet from recycled materials inspired by The HERDS public art and climate action initiative. They will also be able to make a puppet to take home. The Trust’s gardens team will also be on hand to share what they are doing to improve sustainability and biodiversity across all of Shakespeare’s family homes, and to offer helpful tips and advice.
‘’Following the success of last year, we are excited to once again be partnering with inspiring local organisations to launch the town’s Great Big Green Week at Shakespeare’s New Place.
‘’Like many individuals and organisations, our commitment is to reach net zero by 2030, and we’ve put this into action across our estate. This includes adopting environmentally friendly methods to maintain our green spaces, such as rewilding parts of Anne Hathaway's Cottage to encourage biodiversity and increase wildlife in the gardens and surrounding areas.
‘’Alongside this, it’s important for us to use our platform to inspire others. This event is an excellent space where we can all come together, share ideas and advice on how embrace a lifestyle that's helps to make a positive impact on our planet.’’
Said Andrew Anderson, environmental health and safety officer at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the organisers of Sustainable Shakespeare Community Day.
Celebrating Sustainability Across the Family Homes
In the lead up to the Sustainable Shakespeare Community Day and as part of the Trust’s wider Big Green Month celebrations, organisers are inviting guests to the grounds of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, for a series of special opportunities to experience the impressive biodiversity thriving at the site.
“We wanted to offer our visitors a unique chance to take a break from the modern world, immerse themselves in nature, and enjoy the calmness of an early spring morning in an area steeped in history.
‘’Our gardens team is doing a brilliant job improving the biodiversity of the area. Through these events, guests get to see the work being done in person as they explore Shakespeare’s story. They are not to be missed, so we encourage anyone interested to book their tickets early.”
Commented Frances Hall, audience engagement manager at the Trust.
Back by popular demand, on Thursday 8 May, visitors can enjoy a feast for the body and soul at a special Moth Breakfast event. Guided by David Brown, a local moth expert, attendees will learn about different moth species that call Shottery home, including a rare Silver Cloud moth. On Friday 23 May guests are invited to take a walk on the wild side with an evening Bat Walk led by an expert guide from the Warwickshire Bat Group. As they try to spot these nocturnal creatures, the guide will be dispelling myths and highlighting the important role they play in their habitats.
New for this year on Saturday 3 May, visitors are invited to enjoy the early morning sunrise and experience the beauty of Anne Hathaway’s childhood home and its picturesque garden with a guided stroll led by local RSPB expert, Peter Worthy. As they take in the sounds of what is often described as nature’s symphony, Peter will point out the array of birds surrounding the historic site.
During these events, attendees will not only get closer to nature, but they will also discover the work that has gone into ensuring that the grounds of the 15th century cottage are able to support a thriving bat and moth population, alongside the wider biodiversity efforts that are underway as part of the Trust’s Sustainable Shakespeare initiative.
With thanks to THE HERDs funding, which supports activities that connect museums and galleries' young audiences to THE HERD's journey from central Africa to the Arctic, entry to the Dawn Chorus and Moth Breakfast is free. For the enjoyment of all, and so not to disturb the wildlife, spaces are limited to 15 people per event. Those interested are encouraged to book their tickets early as spaces are limited.
For more information about the events taking place for Big Green Month, please visit shakespeare.org.uk/.