Cardiff residents take to the stage at Eden’s Festival of Discovery

Four women from Cardiff are speaking up to raise awareness of the challenges facing our planet at a virtual community festival run by the Eden Project next weekend, which explores how we can build a better future together.

Sharing a virtual stage at the Festival of Discovery with household names such as Sir David Attenborough, John Bishop and Ben Miller, Cardiff locals Becca Clark, Hannah Garcia, Becca Falvey and Kerrie Aldridge will be joining other community-minded people taking part in inspiring sessions about initiatives taking place across the country.

Becca Clark and Hannah Garcia, are founders of Green Squirrel, a social enterprise offering practical, creative and inclusive opportunities to address the climate emergency. The eco-friendly pair offer workshops and training on topics such as low waste living, growing skills and sustainable crafts and play, and are currently working with communities in Splott and Adamdown to transform a derelict playground into a community hub.

In another session, Kerrie Aldridge will be encouraging others to get outdoors and enjoy being active as she shares her journey to becoming a two-time London Marathon runner in just three years. Determined to boost her health and wellbeing, Kerrie set out to run in the Race for Life at the start of 2018, but enjoyed running so much that she’s since completed two London Marathons, raising thousands for the Miscarriage Association along the way.

Joining them is Becca Falvey, who set up Tidy Riverside in Cardiff in 2018 after moving to the area and noticing there wasn’t anyone addressing litter and fly tipping locally. The group has flourished, and now also campaigns for better walking and cycling routes.

Green Squirrel’s Hannah Garcia said: “At Green Squirrel we believe that solving the climate and nature crisis is going to take every single one of us, so we’re passionate about finding creative ways for everyone to create change – in their own life, their community, and beyond. We’re thrilled to take part in the Festival of Discovery as Eden Communities have inspired and supported us in our own journey.”

Kerrie said: “I’m really excited to be speaking at the Festival of Discovery. As someone late to running, I feel passionate about showing that anyone can go out and do their best. I hope my story gives others hope and belief that they can boost their health and wellbeing by getting out and being active.”

The Festival of Discovery, taking place from 11 to 13 November and coinciding with COP26, is an exciting journey to explore a better future together for our planet at a three-day free event, jam-packed with speakers, panels and workshops.

The festival boasts a star-studded programme with something for all ages – from national treasure Sir David Attenborough discussing how to save the natural world with renowned academic E.O. Wilson, to actor and bestselling author Ben Miller sharing the inspiration for his magical children’s books, to Gardeners’ Question Time with BBC One’s Mark Lane and an uplifting dance work-out with influencer and personal trainer Tally Rye.

Attendees can expect expert panels on issues such as eco-gardening and slow fashion, as well as cook-alongs, upcycling workshops and even high energy work-outs and music to chill out to.

The Festival of Discovery is curated by the Eden Project Communities team, who are also responsible for the UK’s annual community celebration, The Big Lunch, made possible by The National Lottery, which saw 9 million people take part in 2021 and will be part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next year.

Tracey Robbins, Head of UK Delivery at Eden Project Communities, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be inviting Hannah, Becca, Becca and Kerrie to the Festival of Discovery next weekend.  Here at Eden, we know that there are thousands of amazing people doing their bit to protect the planet by joining forces with their communities and seeing the amazing things that can happen when we work together. We’re so excited to hear some of their stories and hope that everyone attending will come away feeling inspired and motivated to get together to protect our planet.”