Mark your calendars for a one-of-a-kind green event happening this June! Join us for a day filled with sustainable fun, as we come together to support the environment and make a positive impact.
Local artisan market
At this event, you'll find an independent market showcasing a wide range of eco-friendly products and services. From organic food to upcycled crafts, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Explore the market and discover unique, sustainable products and support local businesses. Our artisan market is organised by Duck Pond Market.
Live music
We will have live acoustic music filling the air throughout the event. Sit back, relax, and let the sounds of talented local musicians serenade you as you take in the green surroundings.
Wellbeing
Join in on Tai Chi sessions led by Herts Tai Chi, and take some time for self-care amidst the hustle and bustle of the event. These activities are designed to help you find balance and connect with the natural world around you.
Live theatre show - The Head Gardener
Brothers Jake and Warren Oldershaw have propagated a delightful theatre show that digs deep into the reasons why we could all do with a bit more horticulture in our lives.
After growing up on the rural Isle of Wight, Jake made a career out of ’showing off’ and Warren ended up with a nice (proper) job, designing and looking after gardens. But it hasn’t always been easy. As we all know - there are sunny days, and there are days when it feels like you really shouldn’t have got out of bed.
During the show they tell personal tales of why gardening is so important for mental health; design, draught and bring to life a unique and beautiful garden; share fascinating stories of different projects, plants and species; and even throw a few songs into the mix.
“Living proof that gardening is good for you” Alan Titchmarsh
"Uplifting, gentle, fascinating and encouraging - What’s not to love?” Audience feedback 2022 Tour
Talks, demonstrations and local experts
Learn about nature and the environment. Find out about chalk streams and see how you can help to save water. Learn about the importance of bees from a keeper. Chat to local conservation groups and organisations about their work and projects and find out how you can get involved. Talk to the Bucks Garden Trust about the history of gardens in the region. Embark on a guided woodland walk with local bushcraft expert, David Willis. You can also take a walk down to our Bodger’s Area and watch some countryside crafts in action.
Gardening
Visit the COAM gardens, Dig for Victory Allotment, cherry and apple orchards and talk to the COAM Gardening Team about the work that they’re doing and get a few tips.
Two local garden designers will be offering free advice on creating sustainable, biodiverse gardens that help conserve water, reduce the pressure on our sewerage system and help protect our rivers. Bring photos of your garden and tap into their knowledge and experience to explore how to make your garden more sustainable and tolerant of wet and dry periods: how to improve your soil, what plants to choose, how to conserve water and how to increase biodiversity. And take a guided tour round the museum gardens to see how our gardeners conserve water, enhance biodiversity and make planting choices for different conditions.
Family activities
Engage your children in crafts and activities with Watford Recycling Group (WRAP). Have a-go at some pond dipping with the Bucks Amphibian group. There will be some visiting horses to say ‘hello’ to.
Award-winning family theatre
Join us for a bee-rilliant adventure as as award-winning puppetry and theatre company, Smoking Apples return with a spectacular giant bee puppet performance. Join Billy Bumble as he shrinks down to bee-size and learns about the troubles that they face. Featuring spell-binding puppetry and a giant honeycomb set, join us for a whirlwind ride avoiding grumpy Mr Fred and the gaping jaws of Shredder the dog! Buzz finishes with the audience being given wildflower seeds, to plant and help our black and yellow friends to flourish.
Live radio
The team from Chiltern Voice radio will be broadcasting live from the event. They will be talking on-air to our specialists and partners as well as visitors.
River Chess Community Grant
Don't miss out on this special green event happening in June. It's a unique opportunity to have a great time, connect with like-minded individuals, and make a positive impact on our planet. Join us and be a part of this eco-conscious celebration!
This event is kindly supported by a River Chess Community Grant.
Activities are subject to change.
Event Timings
Doors open 10am to 5pm
Guided woodland walks -11am and 3pm
Buzz the Bee show – 11.30am and 2.30pm
The Head Gardener show – 1pm
Live music stage 12-4pm
Garden advice - all day
Tai chi taster sessions – all day
Yoga taster sessions – all day
Book Tickets
Book your tickets now to join us for our special green event!
This is a Premium admission day
Free entry for COAM Annual Members
Event Information
With 45 acres at your disposal, there is plenty to explore, including woodlands and an exciting adventure playground
Dogs on short leads are welcome but must not go inside residential buildings
Light lunches, drinks, cakes and snacks are available to purchase from our Skippings Barn
Sensory backpacks are available to borrow (subject to availability)
Mobility scooters are available to borrow (subject to availability - pre-booking is advised)
Lots of free parking
Photography and filming may take place during this event for the Museum archives and publicity. These photographs and video footage may appear in promotional or educational materials including on our websites, social media pages, newsletters, or in newspapers and magazines. If you do not wish to be photographed, please speak to the photographer. For further details please email marketing@coam.org.uk
