Local charity Greener Henley has announced the return of Henley’s Great Big Green Week, running from 6th–14th June, uniting residents, businesses and community groups for a vibrant programme of climate and nature action. Now in its sixth year, the initiative forms part of the UK’s largest celebration of community‑led efforts to protect nature and tackle climate change.

In Henley, the week features a wide range of activities designed to inform, inspire and engage people of all ages. It opens on Saturday 6th June with the Big Green Festival in Market Place — a free, family‑friendly event packed with stalls, workshops and hands‑on activities exploring how the community can take practical steps to support nature and reduce its environmental impact.

Festival highlights include a recycled‑glass painting workshop, a giant snakes‑and‑ladders game, drumming and circus sessions, and Greener Henley’s Nature Squared hub, where visitors can pick up free plants to help create a growing network of pollinator corridors across the town. Local nature groups will also be on hand to share advice and information.

Diana Barnett, organiser of the Big Green Festival, said, “There is something for everyone at the Big Green Festival, from free plants to giant games, drumming and bats. Henley is such a special town, and events like this remind us just how much there is to discover on our doorstep – and how much is worth protecting. Come along, bring the family, and fall in love with the natural world.”

This year’s theme, Pledge for the Planet, invites individuals and organisations to commit to one simple, practical action and share it publicly during the week. Covering eleven areas — from nature and energy to food, travel and community resilience — the campaign encourages small, collective steps that benefit both Henley and the wider environment.

“We’re excited to be organising another Great Big Green Week within the community,” said Kate Oldridge, Executive Director of Greener Henley. “We’re seeing a growing appetite across Henley and its surrounding areas for practical ways to respond to the climate and nature challenge. Great Big Green Week is about turning that intent into action and showing that small, cumulative steps can build real momentum and can strengthen our community to make it safer, cleaner and greener.”

Additional events throughout the week include poetry readings and a special screening of Sir David Attenborough’s A Life on Our Planet, followed by a panel discussion. Greener Henley is also hosting a landmark event, Henley Prepared: Community Resilience Briefing, featuring a screening of the National Emergency Briefing film and an action‑focused workshop. This invite‑only session will bring together around 100 local leaders from business, education, health, faith, sport, culture and media — including MP Freddie Van Mierlo — to explore how Henley can strengthen its resilience in an increasingly unstable world

Cllr Ian Reissman, incoming Mayor of Henley for the 2026/27 term said, “More than ever, we are aware of the importance of our environment and the need to enhance and protect nature from threats such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Great Big Green Week is a wonderful way to bring our community together – not just to understand the challenges we face, but to take positive action and celebrate everything that makes Henley such a special place to live.”

Greener Henley’s Great Big Green Week is generously supported by Henley Town Council, CAG Oxfordshire, South Oxfordshire District Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Candela Hypnosis and The Orchard Trust. With huge thanks also to all the volunteers who are contributing their time and energy.

Full programme details are available on the Greener Henley website Greener Henley – Your local climate and nature action charity