Green fun at Fairhaven festival

Joshua Allsop at the Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden Green Festival.

DAN GRIMMER
03 August 2009 15:56



A beautiful Broadland garden which has been going green for the past decade marked its 10th annual Green Festival at the weekend.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden at South Walsham staged the festival yesterday with a day of environmental activities and entertainment.

Visitors were able to walk the woodland trail through the gardens, taking in the ancient oaks and beeches, along with stalls provided by a host of local companies.

Stallholders were selling wares such as solar powered hats were on offer, along with wooden crafts, soaps and herbs, while Acle Farmer's Market sold local produce.

Other activities included bird watching with the RSPB, the chance to see an Eagle Owl and a Hawk courtesy of Norfolk falconry, plus the opportunity to take a boat trip on the Primrose.

Youngsters also enjoyed woodland games, face painting, Stevie Spud's juggling workshop and entertainment from Razz The Clown.

Older visitors enjoyed music from The He Haws and Fiddlesticks Morris Dancers.

Louise Rout, manager of Fairhaven, which is a registered charity, said: “This is the tenth year we have had a green festival and it is great to have local companies here which share our ethos.

“When we started it 10 years ago the idea of things being environmentally friendly was very much linked with hair shirts and flip flops. People used to think of the Good Life, but now people are much more interested in it.

“It is a really good way for people to learn about the local traders and for people who haven't been to visit us before to get an introduction to the gardens.

“It's the end result of a lot of efforts - a big thanks to everyone who has helped us - and when it is finished we start getting ready for next year straight away.”

The garden is open daily all year from 10am to 5pm, except for Christmas Day. It is also open until 9pm on Wednesdays and Thursday until the end of August.

Email A Friend

News: Latest headlines on Evening News 24