Pride in Nature: A Nature Queers and Happy Valley Pride Collaboration
This year, Happy Valley Pride is teaming up with Live Wild’s Nature Queers to offer something a little different alongside the celebrations – a chance to connect, breathe, and feel proud in nature.
We’ve created a welcoming programme of outdoor sessions for anyone who might want a new way to take part in Pride. Whether you’re feeling a bit nervous, need space to recharge, want to learn new nature skills or just fancy celebrating in nature, these sessions are there for you. Come as you are, meet like minded people and choose your way to connect with people and place.
For the past 18 months, Nature Queers have been bringing people together at Hardcastle Crags, growing a warm, supportive community rooted in connection – with each other and with the natural world. Their sessions are easy-going and inclusive, with space to sit around the fire, share stories, try out nature crafts, play games, or pick up new outdoor skills.
As one participant put it, “This is one of the safest and most accepting spaces I come to in the whole valley.”
You can join Nature Queers in the run-up to Pride and during the Big Day Out at any of the following events.
Saturday 13 June 2026 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM Foraging
Join us on one of our most popular Nature Queers sessions. Seasonal foraging for the edible fungi, berries, and leaves that can be found as this abundant time of year. Learn Identification skills, how to harvest and prepare wild plants and mushrooms, and enjoy a cook up of wild tasters over the campfire.
Thursday 18 June 2026 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM Summer Solstice Celebration
Join us to celebrate the high point of summer and the longest day. The session will include a celebratory fire, time for reflection and intention setting, co-created ritual, nature craft and marking the ancient Celtic festival of Solstice as a community.
Saturday 4 July 2026 10.30 AM – 3.30PM Playful End of the World Survival Training
Join us to learn a range of essential survival skills that are great for confidence and resilience when camping and hiking… and super handy for the end of the world!
We’ll cover how to stay warm and dry with fire and shelter, safely gather water, and look after yourself and each other in the wild.
Thursday 23 July 2026 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM Pride Special: Woodland Play
Join us for a magical journey of nature games, quests and connection. This open air escape room style session has something to offer for all.
This special event is designed for having lots of fun playing in the woods and making new queer friends.
Friday 24th July 2026 6 PM – 8 PM Pride Meet and Greet
A Friday evening meet and greet sober social event. Gather around the fire with like-minded individuals for connection and optional wellbeing and bushcraft activities, nature art and marshmallows (vegan options available!), all set in the magical woodland of Hardcastle Crags.
Saturday 25th July – Live Wild at the Big Day Out
Cost: Free
The Nature Queers will be in the wellbeing tent at the Big Day Out and alongside having a friendly stall where you can drop in and chat all things nature, they are running a programme of activities. All activities can be signed up for throughout the Big Day Out. Some workshops may have limited spaces so please sign up early to avoid disappointment.
Time | Activity |
12 – 12.30 | Meet and Greet and Activity Sign Up |
12.30 – 1pm | Turning a Tarp into a Tent. An easy way to make a shelter for camping, chilling or a bit of bird watching in your back garden. |
1.30 – 2pm | Social Games for Adults. Enjoy an upbeat play session with nature themed games designed to help adults mingle. |
2.15 – 3pm | Mini Foraging Walk. Join our experienced foraging instructor Leonie Morris on a short guided foraging walk helping you to connect with nature. |
3.15 – 3.30pm | Bushcraft demonstration. Join the team for a survival skills demonstration. |
3.45 – 4.15pm | Social Games for Adults. Enjoy an upbeat play session with Nature Themed games designed to help adults mingle. |
4.30 – 5pm | Knot tying workshop. A calm workshop to learn useful knots to help you out in nature. |
5.15pm – 6pm | Cordage making workshop. Relax at the end of the day and learn how to make cordage from natural materials. |