The Planting Festival 2016

Overview

When you're rockin' along to a live set at the Woodford Folk Festival — after a day jam-packed full of other activities, and before heading back to your tent to get some shuteye, of course — you're probably not thinking about what comes next. No, we don't mean the reality that is your post-fest life. We're talking about the impact of so many friendly revellers upon the event's luscious natural setting.

Of course, the folks behind the annual event always have that on their mind. In fact, they've crafted a yearly pilgrimage to help redress the damage the festival does to the environment. It started as a tree-planting working bee back in 1997, and has evolved into something even bigger. Think talks, presentations and performances, as well as daily planting and weeding activities.

In 2016, The Planting includes conversations about everything from climate change and community gardens to sustainable artworks and eco-tourism — and yes, that's just the beginning. Learning more about saving seeds, keeping bees and building with bamboo is also on the agenda, as are wildlife-focused bushwalks, a host of culinary cook-ups, a craft beer appreciation class and more than a few meditation sessions.

Music-wise, Old Man Luedecke, All Our Exes Live in Texas and Winterbourne are among those on the bill, while film fans can check out on-topic docos such as Bikes vs Cars and Just Eat It. And, by camping out and doing your part to give back to the place and space that hosts such a fantastic cultural event, you're not only making sure you can see in the new year there in the future, but that generations to come will be able to too.