A WEEK-LONG celebration of nature has come to a close across Gloucestershire, with soil taking centre stage as the unsung hero of climate resilience, food production and ecosystem health.

Gloucestershire Biodiversity Week, which ran from Monday to Sunday last week, saw a packed programme of events aiming to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and sustainable living, with a particular focus this year on the life beneath our feet.

Soil was championed for its role in absorbing carbon, filtering water, supporting plant growth and sustaining the web of life above ground.

Organisers hoped the week would encourage residents to engage with practical, everyday actions that help protect and regenerate this vital natural resource.

One of the highlights was a series of composting demonstrations held across the district. In Yorkley, the Village Garden welcomed new wormery installations and offered hands-on advice on how to turn kitchen and garden waste into rich compost and nutrient-packed liquid feed using worms.

In Ruspidge, Newent, and at the Forest of Dean Food Festival, ‘Master Composters’ delivered interactive sessions for residents interested in reducing their food waste and supporting soil health at home.

Events took place at the Ruspidge Community & Wildlife Garden, Trioscape Garden Centre, and various festival sites, drawing in gardeners and environmental enthusiasts of all ages.

Organisers say composting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support soil biodiversity while cutting down on waste.

Residents who missed the live events are being encouraged to explore composting at home, with a range of tips and resources available through the county’s recycling and waste reduction programme.

In Coleford, the community group Coleford Grow unveiled a novel addition to their campaign to get more people growing.

A repurposed red phone box that now serves as a 24/7 seed swap station. Locals can take or leave seeds, helping to boost growing efforts across the town while encouraging plant diversity in gardens and allotments.

The project is part of a wider movement to make growing more accessible and environmentally friendly. Details and updates are available via the group’s Facebook page.

The week also coincided with the final days of NoMowMay, a national campaign that encourages people to put down the mower for a month and let wild plants bloom for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

As the month ends, conservation charity Plantlife is urging residents to go one step further by taking part in LetItBloomJune , a follow-up campaign that offers advice on how to manage green spaces in ways that continue to support nature, even with occasional mowing.

“Even small patches of garden or roadside verge can make a difference if managed in a wildlife-friendly way,” a spokesperson for Plantlife said. “We’re asking people to consider letting flowers grow, cutting less frequently, and watching what appears – nature will do the rest.”

With growing interest in sustainable living and the climate crisis becoming ever more urgent, organisers say the success of this year’s Biodiversity Week shows that many across Gloucestershire are keen to play their part.