Take part in a month of eco-friendly events designed for the whole family, as ‘The Yard Goes Green for June’.
Royal William Yard is gearing up for its third annual Green June festival, a month-long programme of environmental and ocean-focused events, returning to the Plymouth waterfront for the next month. This year’s edition brings together an even richer mix of science, nature, sustainability and community, with activities running across every weekend and beyond.
From paddleboard litter picks and rockpool adventures to science pop-ups, free bike maintenance and guided coastal walks, the festival offers something for all ages and interests. Each event is designed to encourage visitors to connect with the natural environment on their doorstep while learning about sustainability, marine conservation and the rich ecological heritage of the coast.
5th June: Sustainable Fashion at Identity Fashion (6pm–8pm)
Local fashion brand Dart & Grey launches its new sustainable collection at Identity Fashion, created from manufacturing surplus materials. An accessible introduction to the growing world of circular fashion, the evening event offers a chance to browse the collection and learn more.
6th June: SWCPA World Trails Day Celebration Walk (10am–4pm)
The South West Coast Path Association marks World Trails Day with a celebratory circular walk from Wembury to Noss Mayo. Royal William Yard serves as both the headquarters of the SWCPA and a designated stop along the 630-mile National Trail itself.
7th June Soapbox Science and Good Food & Craft Market (11am–1pm)
The Green becomes an outdoor arena for curiosity and debate as Soapbox Science returns, running alongside the monthly Good Food & Craft Market. The event puts female scientists front and centre, with six researchers presenting on topics including landslides, the secret life of moss, food stress, and nature connections.
The Good Food and Craft Market takes place from 10am - 3pm
7th June: Paddle and Pick with South West SUP (from 10am)
South West SUP hosts its popular ‘paddle and pick’ session to mark World Ocean Day, combining paddleboarding with a coastline litter pick at Firestone Bay. The session covers essential SUP safety and technique, with all equipment provided. Suitable for beginners and families, it’s a hands-on way to engage with marine conservation while enjoying the water.
Visit South West SUP Website for more information and booking.
13th, 20th and 27th June: Open Water Swimming with ACE Swimming (10am–10.30am)
ACE Swimming leads open water sessions at Firestone Bay, focusing on technique, endurance and sea safety awareness. The bay sits within the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and is a designated bathing water – an ideal setting for those building confidence in the sea. Further sessions run on 20th and 27th June.
14th June: BioBlitz Battle with The Rock Pool Project (10.45am–1.15pm)
The Rock Pool Project’s free monthly BioBlitz Battle returns to Firestone Bay for a fun rockpooling session open to all ages. Participants search for and record marine life in a race against the clock, contributing real data to local and global wildlife conservation efforts as part of the ongoing Big Rock Pool Challenge. Firestone Bay lies within the Plymouth Sound, recognised for its rich biodiversity and protected habitats.
19th June: Dr Bike Free Maintenance Sessions (9am–4pm)
Experienced mechanics set up on The Green to offer free bike checks and minor repairs, covering wheels, brakes, gears, tyres, lights and saddles. Alongside the practical fixes, the team provides cycling advice and information on local routes and activities. A perfect opportunity to get bikes safe and summer-ready!
28th June: Children’s Craft Club and Bug Hut Painting (11am–2pm)
Green June rounds off on The Green with a children’s craft afternoon combining a bug hut painting activity, help us paint bug huts which will appear around RWY. A gentle, creative way to introduce younger visitors to the natural world around them.
This activity is free but please book to ensure we have enough materials.
GeoTrail Experience
Visitors are invited to travel back in time to explore Plymouth's ancient past with our FREE interactive Geo Trail, created in collaboration with the University of Plymouth.
Explore Royal William Yard’s interactive Geo Trail, and find out how Plymouth's landscape was formed 380 million years ago. Learn about volcanic rock, tropical climates, and fossilized remains on this family-friendly walking route.
To get involved, collect one of the Geo Trail leaflets from the visitor office at the entrance to Royal William Yard and scan the QR codes you discover.
Explore the South West Coast Path
Royal William Yard is part of the South West Coast Path. Whether you are having an easy afternoon stroll, taking in the views, history and heritage or you want to challenge yourself to some more serious walking, you can do it by starting, finishing, or taking a detour into Royal William Yard.
The South West Coast Path team are based at Royal William Yard and have put together a number of walking route suggestions and itineraries linking in Royal William Yard.
Visit the South West Coast Path page and click on 'Walks' to discover more.
Green June activities take place against the backdrop of one of England’s most distinctive waterfronts. Royal William Yard occupies former Royal Naval victualling yard at the edge of Plymouth Sound, Europe’s largest collection of Grade I listed military buildings. Firestone Bay forms part of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park – the UK’s first National Marine Park – and Devil’s Point peninsula is part of the Western King Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), celebrated for its striking, grey and pink Devonian limestones.
