National and local events

World Bee Day - 20 May 2022

In addition to being one of the major pollinators, thus ensuring food and food security, sustainable agriculture and biodiversity, bees significantly contribute to the mitigation of climate change and environmental conservation. In the long-term, the protection of bees and the beekeeping sector can help reduce poverty and hunger, as well as preserve a healthy environment and biodiversity. Scientific studies have proven that bees have become increasingly endangered. It is only through joint efforts that we can ensure the protection of bees and their habitats.

International Day for Biological Diversity - 22 May 2022

The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues

Biological diversity — or biodiversity — is the term given to the variety of life on Earth and the natural patterns it forms. The biodiversity we see today is the fruit of billions of years of evolution, shaped by natural processes and, increasingly, by the influence of humans. It forms the web of life of which we are an integral part and upon which we so fully depend. The loss of biodiversity threatens our food supplies, opportunities for recreation and tourism, and sources of wood, medicines and energy. It also interferes with essential ecological functions.

Every Flower Counts - May 2022

When it comes to providing vital nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies and other insects, every flower counts. And your lawn can help provide that feast.

World Environment Day - 5 June 2022

World Environment Day is the UN's most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment. Since it began in 1974, it has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated in over 100 countries.

Each World Environment Day is organized around a theme that focuses attention on a particularly pressing environmental concern.

The theme for 2022 is “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet”

World Ocean's Day - 8 June 2022

The purpose of the Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world's oceans. They are a major source of food and medicines and a critical part of the biosphere. In the end, it is a day to celebrate together the beauty, the wealth and the promise of the ocean.

Bike Week - 8 - 15 June 2022

Bike Week, delivered by Cycling UK, is an annual opportunity to promote cycling and show how cycling can easily be part of everyday life by encouraging ‘everyday cycling for everyone’. It highlights the social, health and environmental benefits of cycling, with a core aim of getting people to give cycling a go all over the UK.

Global Wind Day - 15 June 2022

Global Wind Day is a worldwide event that occurs annually on 15 June. It is a day for discovering wind energy, its power and the possibilities it holds to reshape our energy systems, decarbonise our economies and boost jobs and growth.

World Refill Day - 16 June 2022

World Refill Day is a public awareness campaign that aims to create a new social norm amongst the world public for refilling on the go – to save money, keep us hydrated and prevent millions of single-use plastic bottles at source!

World Rainforest Day - 22 June 2022

This is a collaborative effort to raise awareness and encourage action to save one of Earth’s most precious resources, our rainforests. World Rainforest Day celebrates this precious natural resource and encourages action to preserve it. Your efforts, together with the actions of others, will have a positive impact on rainforests and the climate worldwide.

Plastic Free July - July 2022

Try to reduce how much plastic you buy during the month of July. Make a concerted effort to buy loose fruit and vegetables and the plastic free versions of things you would normally buy. Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.

National Allotments Week - August 2022

National Allotments Week started in 2002 as a way of raising awareness of allotments and the role they play in helping people to live healthier lifestyles, grow their own food, develop friendships and bolster communities. The theme for 2021 is ‘Plotting for the future’.

Recycle Week - 19 - 25 September 2022

Recycle Week is a celebration of recycling, organised by WRAP under the Recycle Now brand. The aim of the week is to encourage the public to recycle more, by demonstrating the benefits of recycling items from all around the home.

Great British Beach Clean - September 2022          

This is a weeklong science event, where hundreds of beach cleans take place up and down the UK. Litter data collected drives conservation work and also feeds into the International Coastal Clean-up (ICC).

Organic September - 1 - 30 September 2022

In the face of climate change, diet related ill-health and widespread decline in wildlife, the need to change our food systems has never been greater.

Organic September is a month-long campaign to raise awareness of the many benefits of organic food and farming.

Unblocktober - Throughout October 2022

This is a month-long national campaign and awareness month to improve the health of our drains, sewers, watercourses and seas - driven completely by the British public.

European Week for Waste Reduction - 19 - 27 November 2022

The European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) is an initiative promoting the implementation of awareness-raising actions about sustainable resource and waste management during a single week. It encourages everyone to get involved.

World Soil Day - 5 December 2022

 Soil is the upper layer of earth, a mixture of organic and inorganic matter, in which plants grow.

It is a finite natural resource. On a human timescale it is non-renewable. However, despite the essential role that soil plays in human livelihoods, there is a worldwide increase in degradation of soil resources due to inappropriate management practices, population pressure driving unsustainable intensification and inadequate governance over this essential resource.

Veganuary - January 2023

Promotion of vegan food and its benefit to health and sustainability

World Wetlands Day - 2 February 2023

This occurs annually on February 2nd, marking the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971.

Established to raise awareness about the value of wetlands for humanity and the planet, World Wetlands Day was celebrated for the first time in 1997 and has grown remarkably since then. Each year, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and groups of citizens at all levels of the community, have taken advantage of the opportunity to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits. Some of these benefits include biologically diverse ecosystems that provide habitat for many species, serve as buffers on the coast against storms and flooding, and naturally filter water by breaking down or transforming harmful pollutants.

Go Green Week - February - April 2023

National Green Week is an annual campaign, started by the Green Education Foundation that starts during the first week in February and lasts through the end of April.

Fairtrade Fortnight - 23 February - 5 March 2023

Each year for two weeks over February and March, Fairtrade puts a spotlight on trade through a Fairtrade Fortnight campaign. Together with the Fairtrade farmers and workers, and campaigners up and down the country, they highlight the difference fair trade can make to lives and communities.

Fairtrade Fortnight is an important time of the year to celebrate Fairtrade achievements, whilst encouraging further commitments from the public, companies and governments to take action for fairer trade. 

World Wildlife Day - 3 March 2023

On 20 December 2013, at its 68th session, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 3 March, the day of signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as UN World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants.

World Water Day - 22 March 2023

Today, 2.1 billion people live without safe drinking water at home; affecting their health, education and livelihoods.

World Water Day is an annual UN observance day that highlights the importance of freshwater. The day is used to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. World Water Day is celebrated around the world with a variety of events.

The theme for 2022 is ‘Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible”. Groundwater is a vital resource that provides almost half of all drinking water worldwide and about 40% of water for irrigated agriculture. It sustains ecosystems, maintains the baseflow of rivers and prevents land subsidence and seawater intrusion.

Earth Hour - 25 March 2023

Earth Hour is a worldwide movement organized by the Worldwide Fund for Nature. The event is held annually encouraging individuals, communities, and businesses to turn off non-essential electric lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 pm on a specific day towards the end of March, as a symbol of commitment to the planet.                          

Earth Day - 22 April 2023

Our global community has been shocked by the largest global crisis in a generation. Covid-19 has shown us the necessity of thinking ahead, but the next crises are already on their way. Climate change, species loss, pandemics and massive natural disasters might define the future — unless we do something now.

No Mow May - 1 - 31 May 2023

For the whole month of May don’t mow your lawn! Changing your mowing routine and allowing plants to flower can create enough nectar for ten times more bees and other pollinators. You’re also more likely to spot a greater variety of flowers popping up in your garden.

National Walking Month - 1 - 31 May 2023

Apart from the health benefits of walking the more staff and students travelling by foot or bike or walking the last 10 minutes to university means fewer cars outside the university campus or site. This improves safety in close proximity of the university and improves the air quality for all.

World Migratory Bird Day - 13 May 2023

This is a global awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need to protect migratory birds and their habitats.

Migratory birds are a great illustration of global interconnectedness. The birds we see in the UK in summer may have spent the winter in warmer climes. Changes to the environment or the climate in one country can have an impact on the bird migration to another country. And laws protecting birds in one country may not exist in another.

Further information on migratory birds can be found on the RSPB website.

SeaScapes

A partnership of organisations across the natural, cultural and historic heritage sectors that have come together to better protect and celebrate the unique coastline between the rivers Tyne and Tees. With support from Heritage Lottery Funding and partners, they are developing a programme of special projects, events and activities that will benefit the coast, its communities and its wildlife. There are 4 themes: seascape over time, accessing the sea, revealing hidden heritage and coastal champions. For further information email: info@exploreseaescapes.co.uk.

The North East England Nature Partnership

Aim is to achieve a thriving natural environment and a healthier and wealthier North East England. There are four main work themes; landscapes and nature, economy and ecology, learning naturally and naturally health. You can get involved and subscribe to their newsletter. A current campaign is to make the North East of England litter free. Further details of this can be found on their website.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust 

The trust plays an important part in protecting our natural heritage. A number of events are ran in different branches. Upcoming events include; photographing dragonflies, photo trails and identifying wildlife sounds. Event details can be found on the link shown above.

During January there is 50% off all annual online memberships.

National Cycle Network

The charity makes it easier for people to walk and cycle across the UK and aims to encourage more people to travel actively. The website has an informative ‘What you can do’ section and also details on how to become a volunteer (including community, routes and wildlife champions). Further details of these and how to receive their e-newsletter can be found using the link above.

Sunderland City Council

Has lots of information available to residents under their ‘Environment’ section. This includes details on regeneration plans and how to become a community volunteer. The ‘Sustainability’ section provides details on the Council’s carbon plan for 2017-2020.

Environmental Records Information Centre for the North East

ERIC North East works with wildlife recorders and groups to collate, manage and improve access to the biological records of the region. It is a resource that helps organisations and individuals to make decisions about the natural environment of the North East, and improves knowledge about the species and habitats that can be found there. Visit the 'Recording Wildlife' page in the link above to find out how you can help.

Washington Wetlands Centre

This conservation charity saves wetlands and allows people to close to rare and exotic birds, mammals and different wetland habitats. Events include; ‘Walk with a warden’ and ‘Guide in a hide’. Details of the events and volunteering opportunities such as; welcoming visitors, compiling image libraries, maintaining grounds and helping research and conservation can be found on the link above.

Tracing Green

Aims to making sense of sustainability in the North East. They are dedicated to reporting and promoting the best sustainable design, green building and eco-living in the North East of England.

Friends of the Earth (North Tyneside)

Friends of the Earth is determined to change the world for good, creating a cleaner, healthier, fairer world for everyone, for today and generations to come. Local volunteer groups work to improve the environment locally, nationally and internationally.

Marine Conservation Society

‘Beachwatch’ is their national beach cleaning campaign and litter survey programme and aims to help people across the UK care for their coastline. September 18 saw 15,000 volunteers remove 8,550 kilos of litter from UK beaches. Details can be found on the link above of local beach cleaning events and how to volunteer or organise one of your own.