Nature Events and Activities – July 2026
July is packed with opportunities to discover, celebrate and protect the incredible wildlife and habitats around us. From taking part in national wildlife surveys to joining local walks and training sessions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Swift Awareness Week
27 June – 5 July
Swift Awareness Week celebrates these remarkable birds while raising awareness of their declining numbers. Since launching in 2018, the initiative has inspired communities across the UK to take action through awareness campaigns, creative projects, partnerships and practical conservation measures, including installing swift nest boxes.
Find out more.
Wales Nature Week
4 – 12 July
Wales Nature Week returns with a focus on celebrating the nature we experience every day. Whether it’s in parks, gardens, school grounds or local streets, wildlife is all around us.
Take a moment to slow down, look a little closer and rediscover the nature on your doorstep.
Find out more.
National Meadows Day
4 July
Celebrated on the first Saturday of July each year, National Meadows Day highlights the importance of these beautiful habitats and the role they play in supporting wildlife.
With meadows now under increasing threat, everyone is encouraged to explore their local meadows, learn more about them and share their stories.
Find out more.
Dragonfly Week
4 – 11 July
Celebrate Dragonfly Week with the British Dragonfly Society and other wildlife organisations across the UK.
Events throughout the week showcase dragonflies and damselflies while highlighting the importance of protecting their wetland habitats.
Find out how to get involved.
Big Butterfly Count
1 July – 9 August
Organised by Butterfly Conservation, the Big Butterfly Count is one of the world’s largest citizen science surveys.
By spending just 15 minutes counting butterflies and day-flying moths, you can help monitor the health of our environment and contribute valuable conservation data.
Find out more.
National Moth Week
18 – 26 July
National Moth Week is a worldwide celebration of moths and the fascinating hobby of ‘mothing’.
People of all ages are encouraged to observe, photograph and record moths, helping scientists better understand moth diversity, distribution and ecology.
Find out more.
International Bog Day
26 July
International Bog Day celebrates the importance of bogs, fens, marshes and other peatland habitats.
The day raises awareness of the vital role peatlands play in tackling climate change, supporting biodiversity and storing carbon, while encouraging everyone to help protect these unique environments.
Find out more.
National Marine Week
25 July – 9 August
Celebrate the UK’s incredible marine wildlife during National Marine Week.
Hosted by The Wildlife Trusts, this year’s campaign explores the amazing journeys made by whales, sharks, seabirds, molluscs and many other marine species.
Find out more.
National Whale and Dolphin Watch
25 July – 2 August
Join the Sea Watch Foundation’s annual citizen science event and help monitor whales, dolphins and porpoises around the UK’s coastline.
Whether you’re an experienced wildlife enthusiast or simply curious about marine life, everyone is welcome to take part in organised coastal watches and surveys.
Find out more.
Local News, Events and Training
Biodiversity Awareness Walk
Saturday 4 July | 10:00am – 11:30am
Chickenwood, Barry
Join Vale Nature Partnership and Nature on Your Doorstep for a free guided walk around Chickenwood.
Discover the site’s diverse flora and fauna while helping record the species found during the walk.
Book your free place.
Wildflower Identification Training
Learn how to identify wildflowers and gain practical skills in surveying and monitoring meadows and roadside verges for biodiversity.
Wednesday 8 July
10:00am – 2:00pm
Aberthin, Cowbridge
Saturday 8 August
10:00am – 2:00pm
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park
Delivered by Vale Nature Partnership and Plantlife.
No previous experience is required.
Book your free place.
Orchard Care and Summer Pruning Course
Learn practical orchard management and pruning techniques with experts from The Orchard Project.
Friday 10 July
10:00am – 2:30pm
Wenvoe Community Orchard
Saturday 11 July
10:00am – 2:30pm
Amelia Trust Farm
Discover how effective orchard management benefits both biodiversity and local communities.
Book your free place.
Introduction to Wildlife Recording Webinar
Wednesday 22 July | 6:30pm
Online
Join Vale Local Nature Partnership and the South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre (SEWBReC) for an introductory webinar on wildlife recording.
Perfect for beginners, this free session explains how to identify, record and submit wildlife sightings, and how your observations support conservation work across Wales.
Book your free place.
Vale Nature Festival
Celebrate the wildlife and natural spaces of the Vale throughout the festival with a programme of events for all ages.