As part of bOing! International Family Festival!

The University of Kent presents The FutureProof Zone

Back for a second year, the FutureProof zone is dedicated to our planet and what we can do to look after it. There’s something for everyone from wildlife crafts and workshops, finding out about local community action and showcasing the University of Kent’s fascinating research.

Monkton Nature Reserve

Come along and make your own branch ‘tree’ using tissue paper and learn more about Monkton Nature Reserve.

Or if you know a budding builder then here’s a challenge; build a simple circuit to light a bulb using energy from the sun and wind. Run a clock using fruit or veg. Light a bulb with a hand-held turbine. The Monkton Nature Reserve’s ‘Conservation Station’ project will be running free 30 minute workshops for children to learn more about renewable and non-renewable energy resources, and what we can do to save energy. Please note – this is a free workshop but due to a limited capacity we ask that you still book tickets here.

Kent Community Oasis Garden 

Marvellous Minibeasts – Guided Minibeasts Walk

Step into the fascinating world of minibeasts who have made their homes around the b0ing! site. Grab abug pot and amini-beast identification sheet and join us on a hunt to discover some of the smallest creatures living alongside us. How many can you name?

Learn about mini beasts and their habitats and the roles they play in our ecosystem. What will you find?

Please note – this is a free workshop but due to a limited capacity we ask that you book tickets here.

 Terrarium ‘Jungle in a Jar’ Workshop

Build your own mini windowsill rainforest! A terrarium is like an aquarium, but for plants instead of fish. It is made injust about any glass container and planted up to look like a miniature Rainforest enclosed in its own little world. Making aterrarium is like creating your own mini ecosystem with the idea that it could become self-sustaining and mimic earth systems.

This workshop will give you all you need to start your own terrarium which you can take home and complete. We will provide the jar and layers you need for your plants to grow in, and you can choose a plant to start you off from our selection of sustainably grown  KentCOG student propagated plants. We will also look at other plants you might want to include when you want to expand your forest at home. Please click here to book tickets!

Heart and Soil Community 

Take part in hands-on activities to understand the basic science of composting,  and inspire your own future composting practice.  

Micro Marvels: Exploring the Tiny Titans of Soil and Water 

Discover the hidden wonders of the microscopic world in your own backyard! Join us for an exciting event where you can explore the fascinating microbes found in soil and water by looking under the microscope to see what tiny creatures lurk unseen in everyday environments. This family-friendly event promises a fun and educational experience for all ages! 

HavenWeb 

Take part in a ‘microgreen’ activity where you will have the opportunity to start growing (germinating) your own microgreens and then take them home to grow.  

Canterbury Climate Action Partnership 

Play our famous ‘how bad are bananas’ game and challenge your family to see who can correctly guess which everyday activities have the highest carbon footprints. 

Plastic Free Canterbury 

How well do you know your recycling? Play our waste sorting game to test your knowledge. 

Refillery 

Find out more about Canterbury’s biggest and best refill store, the Refillery.