FITNESS sessions, a dash for trash, a tour of a recycling centre and a film festival – these are just a few of the activities on the menu during the Big Green Fortnight, starting on May 15, in Bournemouth and Poole. The two-week community initiative will involve a packed programme of events to include walks and cycle rides, talks, and practical projects to celebrate living the green life.

Special guest Brigit Strawbridge, from the hit BBC series It’s Not Easy Being Green, will launch the event at Lighthouse in Poole with a talk on how it is easy to be green.

She’ll also be bringing the Big Green Bus to Bournemouth and Poole. The vehicle used to be a Bournemouth Yellow Bus, but then joined the environmental charity The Big Green Idea.

Carly Earnshaw of Bournemouth Tourism explained: “This bus is really worth a look around. On board will be all sorts of fun and intriguing ideas for you and your home including a pedal-powered smoothie-maker!

“You can visit the bus when it’s parked up on Saturday, May 16, in Falkland Square, Poole, and Sunday, May 17, in Bournemouth Square.”

Hosted by Bournemouth 2026 and Poole Partnership and supported by Bournemouth Borough Council and the Borough of Poole, the aim of the Big Green Fortnight is to raise awareness of practical solutions for more sustainable lifestyles, encourage residents and businesses to improve their energy efficiency and show that green living can be easy, healthy, inexpensive and fun.

The fortnight coincides with national walk to school week, but people of all ages can enjoy Green walks during the fortnight include an early morning bird walk at Kinson Common (May 23) where you can learn the birdsong of spring. But if you can’t face a 5.30am start, there’s a wildflower walk at Bourne Valley on May 26, and another where you can learn more about the trees and other wildlife of Bournemouth Gardens on May 27.

Bournemouth Leisure Services is holding bee and bird box workshops in the Lower Gardens on Saturday May 23. At the same time you can find out about becoming a countryside volunteer, or chat with one of the local groups such as the RSPB or Dorset Wildlife Trust. The green-fingered will love the plant and garden fair at Upton Country Park on Sunday May 24 and Monday May 25, and Bournemouth’s Cherry Tree Nursery will be holding a plant exchange on May 26.

This is your chance to swap your surplus tomato plants for someone else’s runner beans, and younger visitors can plant and take away a sunflower.

Carly added: “Those feeling up to a challenge can take part in the Enviro-Challenge quiz at the Oceanarium in Bournemouth, or join a 100 metre dash-for-trash litter pick at Holes Bay.

“There is even provision for those who’d like to regain confidence in cycling. Basic tuition and advice on cycling matters will be available at Upton Country Park on both Saturdays.”

Poole Lighthouse will be hosting the Big Green Film Festival and street markets are opening in Poole with a range of environmentally-friendly goods.

A free Big Green Open Day will be held at the Pavilion in Bournemouth on May 23 where you can pick up information on climate change, saving energy, healthy lifestyles, sustainable travel and waste.

And curious types can visit a forest wildlife garden in an urban setting, and even have a tour of a local recycling centre.

“It really is a fun fortnight with so many activities for all the family. We are encouraging all residents and businesses to take part,” she said.

l For further information on the Big Green Fortnight and other events and activities, visit bournemouth.gov.uk