Over 400 people took part in Saturday's Earth Day celebrations across Pickering, with many of those pledging to make way for wildlife by rewilding part of their garden. The events signified the start of Pickering’s very own Blue Campaign, where blue hearts are used to designate spaces devoted to nature in gardens and on roadside verges.

Eighty blue heart signposts were given out, mostly to children, at the Wildlife and Nature Fair, which was packed with experts from organisations such as the RSPB, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Yorkshire Butterfly Conservation, Yorkshire Dragonfly Group and businesses offering advice on wildlife friendly plants and seeds. Most of the hearts were then decorated at the heart decoration station run by Pickering Town CIC outside the Beck Isle Museum.

“It was a joy to see so many people, especially children, inspired to help nature. So much depends on the next generation. “ said Paul Norrington, from Pickering Environment Group. “More and more people are realising that gardens play an increasingly important role in nature recovery and can be even more rewarding if they are managed in a way to benefit species beyond us humans” he added.

The “Go Wild” event at Beck Isle Museum was also an unprecedented success. Entry was free thanks to a grant from North Yorkshire Stronger Communities and continued the wildlife theme with talks, sunflower planting, a bug hunt and themed crafts for younger visitors.

Michaela Pearson, Engagement and Operations Manager said: "It was fantastic to welcome so many local people to the museum and to support such a worthwhile cause."

Other events on the day included a “Waste Not Want Not” eco fair at The Hungate Centre run by CaVCA and a local wildlife photography exhibition in the library which is on display until Friday 26th April.