From 3-8 November 2025, join us for the fifth year of our Climate Action Festival, a week dedicated to raising awareness on how you can take positive climate action in your community and further afield.
This year’s themes are Climate Education, Nature Positive and Culture and Community, and we’re looking forward to bringing you a week of events that celebrate nature, sustainable fashion, art and more. We’ll be running film screenings, research panels, book clubs, photography walks and more. Book your place below.
Winner of the Green Gown Awards in the Creating Impact category, and shortlisted for the international Green Gown Award in the same category, this festival is your opportunity to engage Lincoln in a vibrant and positive schedule of events.
Interested in an event below?
Book your place using the form for most events, independent links may vary outside of this.
ALL WEEK
Festival for the future exhibition – 3-7 NOV – Project Space + (Peter de Wint Building)
View art, photography and sculpture made by staff, students, alumni and Lincolnshire residents responding to our festival for the future themes, as well as our research exhibit “Portraying Ecological Justice”. Open to all between 09:00 – 17:00 Weekdays.
Community Clothes Swap at the Lincoln Arts Centre
A sustainable clothes swap will be taking place all week in the Lincoln Arts Centre café.
“Our Community Clothes Swap will take residence in our Cafe Bar and will be stationed their for the whole week during the Climate Action Festival. Donate clothes you no longer want and maybe pick up a new outfit for yourself!
Fast fashion is one of the largest contributors to global warming and is responsible for 8–10% of global carbon emissions per year. Our aim is to unravel the fast fashion system that has been woven into our society and start making fashion more sustainable. Clothes swaps, chairty donations/ purchases, and upcycling of clothing are small changes that make a big difference.”
We’ll be collecting donations towards the swap from Friday 31st October, please bring your donations to the Lincoln Arts Centre box office.
Open to all between 08:30 – 18:00 Weekdays.
Climate Action Banner Exhibition
We welcome back the brilliant banner exhibition on climate change and action by EarthLincs & Extinction Rebellion. Visit the Lincoln Medical School Atrium 3-7 Nov to view. Open to all between 08:30 – 18:00 Weekdays.
MONDAY
Mammal Tracks and Trails
Natural Ink Making workshop
Learn how to make your own ink from foraged and found materials with Polly Lancaster.
2-4pm. Studio 27 NDH2027, Nicola de la haye Building, Brayford Pool Campus. Free to attend, book now.
Festival for the future exhibition: Private View
You’re invited to join us for our art and research exhibition private view on Monday 3 November, between 6.30-7.30pm. Project Space +, Peter de Wint Building, Brayford Pool Campus. Free to attend, no need to book.
Portraying ecological justice: a panel discussion
A panel exploring how artists and researchers can work together with communities to create change. With expertise from areas as diverse as visual arts, law, history and music.
5.30-6.30pm. Project Space +, Peter de Wint Building, Brayford Pool Campus. Free to attend, book now.
TUESDAY
Ask The Farmer Anything! – Get Curious with Hannah Thorogood & Climate Hope Lincoln
Bring along your own lunch and join our informal workshop as you dine.
Our food choices are a daily opportunity for us to vote yes to looking after the climate – each morsel on our plates has the potential to either support or harm the health of ecosystems.
But what do we really know about the impacts of our food?
What questions would you love to ask a local farmer?
This is your chance to get curious!
Join local regenerative farmer and teacher Hannah Thorogood, supported by Helen Fisher on behalf of Climate Hope Lincoln
Helen is the founder of ‘We Are Carbon’, an initiative for sharing global insights from regenerative solutions for people & planet. As a member of Climate Hope Lincoln she is involved in the campaign ChooseLocal Food which uses the theme of local food to explore how we can start working differently together for positive change in the city of Lincoln.
12:30pm – 1:30pm – talk & Q&A with local farmer Hannah Thorogood (short intro by Helen Fisher)
1:30 pm – 2 pm – networking and browse the display
12 – 2 pm, MB2204, Minerva Building, Brayford Campus. Book now.
WEBINAR: ESD at Lincoln
Educators are invited to join Dr Claire May for an overview of ESD at Lincoln and how to start thinking about embedding sustainability for module leaders. 11am-12pm Microsoft Teams. Book now.
Not Quite North: film photography walk
Independent film photography shop Not Quite North have made themselves a staple in the Lincoln arts scene, and we’re thrilled to that they will be running a film photography walk in the city for this year’s festival. Got an old film camera sat on your shelf? Dust it off and join the experts for a themed walk.
Tuesday 4 November 5-7.30pm. More details.
WEDNESDAY
Rooted Arts – Willow Weaving at Moorland Makers
Join Alison for an introduction to willow weaving, to make a small hanging bird feeder/basket, a fish, and a small star wand. Alison Walling runs Lincolnshire Willow and has been working with willow for nearly 30 years. As well as growing an acre of different willow varieties, some local, Alison delivers courses around Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire and undertakes large scale commissions for public projects and sculptures. First and foremost Alison believes working with willow is an enjoyable introduction to arts, crafts, sustainability, conservation and heritage.
10am – 12noon / 12.30 – 2.30pm. Moorland Community Centre. Booking essential – free but donations encouraged! Book now.
Sustainability Forum
Join the Sustainability team for the opportunity to take part in some sustainable crafts – ask us questions about what we’re doing on and off campus for a more sustainable future. Featuring: Seed Bomb making with Polly Lancaster, Lavender bag making with Tracey Turton, Sew Good with Phoebe, and EarthLincs.
11:30 – 14:30 – Drop in, open to all. No need to book. University of Lincoln Library Freezone.
Hartsholme Autumn Nature Walk
Join Alex Foxley-Wood, Nature Positive Lincoln Engagement Lead, for an autumnal walk at Hartsholme. Learn about local wildlife, how to look for mammal tracks and signs, and survey what we find.
3-4pm, Hartsholme Country Park, Lincoln. Book now.
THURSDAY
Glasshouse Strawberry Showcase
As part of this year’s award-winning Climate Action Festival, we’re pleased to invite you to an exclusive viewing of the University of Lincoln’s new Glasshouse Research & Development (R&D) Facility. Powered by geothermal technologies, this facility ushers in the next phase of Agri-Tech research at the university and sets a new standard for energy-efficient crop production.
On Thursday 6 November, between 10.30am – 11.30am, the Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technologies will present a short talk on the Glasshouse and a tour of its facilities, against the backdrop of a live robotic strawberry picking – and maybe a free taster!
Riseholme Park Campus. Invite only, but let us know if this is something you’d be interested in attending in the future, email environment@lincoln.ac.uk
Barbican Creative Hub Presents Future Perspectives: Green Wash of Gamechanger? Showcasing sustainable innovation in the creative industries.
Coinciding with the Climate Action Festival this event highlights how creative industry businesses are using technology to drive real environmental change.
From international exemplars to local pioneers, we’ll showcase the people and projects rethinking materials, methods, and mindsets — and using tech to make their practices cleaner, greener, and more future-facing.
Expect bold ideas, honest conversations, and practical inspiration from those turning ambition into action — without the greenwash.
10am-3pm Lincoln Arts Centre, Brayford Campus. Free, booking required. Full details and bookings.
WEBINAR: Climate Justice for museums.
We’re welcoming India Divers as a guest speaker, who is a policy and campaigns officer for the Museums Association. Find out more about their work on climate justice and supporting museums. A Teams link will be provided on signing up for the talk.
11-12pm, online. Book now.
Sustainability Forum
Join the Sustainability team for the opportunity to take part in some sustainable crafts – ask us questions about what we’re doing on and off campus for a more sustainable future.
11:30 – 13:30 – Drop in, open to all. No need to book. University of Lincoln Library Freezone.
Health and Climate: Thunderstorms and Asthma
Learn how research is leading the way regarding the impact of climate on health. Ishant Arora will present research on thunderstorms and asthma, conducted at his MSc Public Health project at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, giving you the opportunity to ask questions on how research can provide real world insights and be used at a national level.
2-3pm MB1010, Minerva Building, Brayford Campus. Book now.
6-7.30pm, LMS0008, Lincoln Medical School, Brayford Campus. Free, booking required.
Lark Books: Helm by Sarah Hall
“Helm is a ferocious, mischievous wind – a subject of folklore and awe, who has blasted the sublime landscape of the Eden Valley since the very dawn of time.”
7-9pm, Lark Books, 4 Saltergate Lincoln. Tickets: £5, or buy the book from Lark Books. Enquiries
🌊 Discover the Magic of Your Local Rivers!🌊
Join East Mercia Rivers Trust at the Brayford Pool on Thursday 6th November, from 10am to 3pm for a fun, hands-on day all about our amazing local waterways!
Find out how we’re working to make our rivers stronger, healthier, and more resilient in the face of climate change — and share your own stories about how rivers shape your life. Learn how you can help protect these vital lifelines for people and wildlife.
💧 Plus, our friends from Nene Rivers Trust are bringing along Roxanne the River Van — complete with the incredible SandLab! This fully interactive sand table lets you design your own river catchment, make it rain, and watch the water flow in real time. It’s a fascinating, hands-on way to explore how landscapes and rivers interact.
Come along, get inspired, and see your local rivers like never before!
FRIDAY
Friday session: Tree planting at the Saxilby Nature Project
This is your opportunity to make an impact that will outlast you! Join Ross and Eleanor at the Saxilby Nature Project to plant an ambitious amount of trees. All equipment (and trees) will be provided. Please make sure to wear long sleeves and appropriate footwear.
10am-12pm, Ingleby Clay nature site, Sykes Lane LN1 2NX. Free event but booking required
National Education Nature Park: engaging young people in nature
Teachers, education leads, school governors and parents are invited to learn about how your school can involved in the National Education Nature Park programme, which empowers children and young people to make a positive difference to both their own and nature’s future.
This free programme enables you to get to know your outdoor space and use creative decision-making to improve your grounds for both people and nature, providing all educators with the resources, support and guidance to embed climate and nature into learning in a way that suits your setting and learners.
Join Becky Lawrence, National Education Nature Park Senior Programme Officer, for a free webinar on Friday 7 November between 12:00 – 13:00.
Free event but booking required.
Birding at Boultham Mere
Join Michael Teague, wildlife photographer, birder, and student at the University of Lincoln, for a birding adventure to city Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve Boultham Mere. Michael will give you his best tips on spotting birds locally and introduce you to the a hidden gem – right on your doorstep! No experience required but enthusiasm is necessary.
2-4pm, meeting on Tritton Road, outside Morrisons (What3Words to be shared after booking). Free event but booking required.
SATURDAY
Saturday session: Tree planting at the Saxilby Nature Project
This is your opportunity to make an impact that will outlast you! Join Ross and Eleanor at the Saxilby Nature Project to plant an ambitious amount of trees. All equipment (and trees) will be provided. Please make sure to wear long sleeves and appropriate footwear.
10am-12pm, Ingleby Clay nature site, Sykes Lane LN1 2NX. Free event but booking required
The Big Brayford Litterpick
We’re cleaning up Lincoln and want your help! Get involved with the Lincoln Canoe Club, in cleaning up the Brayford from the water.
Equipment provided. 10am-12.30pm, Lincoln Canoe Club, Eastern Approach, Brayford Campus. Booking.
Once on the canoe club website follow the tabs: Book online – Environment Session – Book Now – Check next availability – Saturday 8th November – Next – Add to basket
This year’s Climate Action Festival is supported by our partners:
“Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”
“Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss”
“Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”
Got an event to add?
We encourage Lincolnshire residents to get involved by running their own events and are happy to support them by adding them to the timetable.