5x Things to Do for World Environment Day in London

Every year on 5th June, people around the world come together to celebrate World Environment Day — a United Nations-led global event that encourages awareness and action for the protection of the environment. With climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution increasingly impacting the planet, this day serves as a crucial reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the natural world.

London, one of the most diverse and culturally rich cities in the world, has long been committed to sustainable living and ecological awareness. Whether you're an activist, a parent, a student, or simply someone who loves nature, the capital offers an array of inspiring, creative, and impactful events to mark World Environment Day.

In this blog, we explore five wonderful things to do in London for World Environment Day — from immersive art sessions and community tree-mapping projects to eco-markets and guided green walks. Whether you're looking to connect with nature, give back to the planet, or simply enjoy a greener side of the city, there's something here for everyone.

Why Celebrate World Environment Day in London?

As a global hub of culture and innovation, London is uniquely positioned to blend environmental consciousness with creativity. The city offers:

A multitude of parks and green spaces
Community-led sustainability projects
Eco-conscious markets and workshops
Forward-thinking art collectives raising awareness through creativity

This means that World Environment Day in London is not just about planting a tree or picking up litter — though those are valuable activities — it’s about connecting deeply with your surroundings, supporting eco-driven initiatives, and finding joy in sustainable living.

1. 🎨 Connect with Nature Through Art: Art Play x Restor Campaign

📍 Location: Art Play London, Old Spitalfields Market 🔗Learn more and get involved here

If you're looking for something that combines creativity, environmental education, and community spirit, the Art Play x Restor Campaign is a perfect fit.

This innovative collaboration between Art Play London and Restor (a science-backed global restoration platform) aims to reconnect people with nature through the healing power of art. On and around World Environment Day, Art Play London will be running nature-focused painting sessions, storytelling events, and installations that encourage reflection on our role in the planet’s wellbeing.

Visitors are invited to explore how art can help deepen our connection to the environment and learn how to support restoration projects both locally and globally. It’s a brilliant initiative for families, eco-conscious creatives, and anyone curious about how environmentalism and art intersect.

Why This Event Matters:

Encourages mindful reflection on the environment through creativity
Offers inclusive sessions suitable for children, adults, and seniors
Connects participants to real-world restoration projects via the Restor platform
Promotes long-term awareness, not just one-day action

This isn’t just a class — it’s an artistic movement with ecological purpose.

2. 🖌️ Sip & Paint for Earth & Ocean: Eco-Themed Art with a Social Twist

📍 Location: Art Play London, Old Spitalfields Market 🔗 Book the Sip & Paint Earth & Ocean Class

Art Play London’s Sip & Paint Class for Earth & Ocean is a wonderfully unique way to celebrate World Environment Day in a relaxed and engaging environment. Designed to raise awareness about marine pollution and deforestation, this event is more than just a paint-and-wine evening — it’s a meaningful way to spark discussion and creativity around environmental issues.

Participants are guided through an ocean- or forest-inspired painting while sipping on wine or herbal teas, surrounded by a community of like-minded creatives. Expect to see blues, greens, corals, and forest tones come alive on canvas as guests reflect on the beauty and fragility of our ecosystems.

What’s especially admirable is that the event includes an optional donation to environmental charities, and all materials used are eco-conscious, non-toxic, and sustainably sourced.

Why You’ll Love It:

Combines fun with purpose — no prior painting experience needed
Great for eco-minded couples, groups of friends, or solo creatives
Raises awareness about pressing global issues like ocean acidification and habitat loss
Features sustainable materials and low-waste practices
It’s proof that a night out can also be a night in for the planet.

3. 🌿 Join a Wild Walk in Hyde Park with the Royal Parks Foundation

📍 Location: Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens🔗 Visit The Royal Parks for upcoming guided walks

The Royal Parks Foundation regularly offers guided “Wild Walks” that allow Londoners and visitors to rediscover the natural treasures of the city. On World Environment Day, they host a special edition of these walks in Hyde Park, focusing on urban biodiversity, tree heritage, and the importance of native flora and fauna.

Led by professional horticulturists and conservationists, this 90-minute walk introduces participants to rare trees, pollinator habitats, and historical landscape features — all while learning how urban green spaces contribute to carbon sequestration and species survival.

This is a brilliant option for older adults, families, and nature-lovers who enjoy a slower, more contemplative way to mark the day. It's also wheelchair accessible and includes optional mindfulness moments led by a park volunteer.

Highlights:

Learn how London’s parks are managed for sustainability
Identify native wildflowers and wildlife
Reflect in peaceful natural settings
Great for all ages, with accessible routes available

It’s a walk with purpose — and one that just might change how you see your local park.

4. 🛍️ Explore the Zero Waste Eco Market at Southbank Centre

📍 Location: Southbank Centre, SE1🔗 Check Southbank events schedule

Celebrate World Environment Day with a dose of ethical shopping at the Southbank Centre’s Eco Market, where sustainability meets style. This one-day market is a hub for London’s top zero-waste makers, upcyclers, vegan brands, and refill companies — all gathered in one of the city’s most scenic riverside locations.

Shoppers can browse organic skincare, low-waste homeware, handcrafted clothing, reusable accessories, and delicious plant-based foods. Many stallholders offer live demonstrations such as how to make your own beeswax wraps or how to dye fabric with food waste.

This is more than a shopping trip — it’s a vibrant celebration of low-impact living and conscious consumerism. Live acoustic music, talks by environmental influencers, and zero-waste workshops make the experience both inspiring and fun.

What Makes It Special:

Celebrates sustainable innovation in London
Discover new eco brands and support local makers
Learn new low-waste living skills
Dog- and child-friendly, making it a great day out for the whole family

For those looking to align their spending with their values, this market is a must-visit.

5. 🌱 Volunteer with the London National Park City Initiative

📍 Citywide - Locations Vary🔗 Find events at National Park City

If you want to take real action on World Environment Day, consider giving your time to the London National Park City movement — a grassroots initiative working to make London greener, healthier, and wilder.

They run a variety of hands-on volunteering opportunities throughout the year, but World Environment Day is a particularly powerful time to get involved. Options include:

Planting pollinator-friendly gardens
Rewilding urban spaces
Restoring waterways
Tree planting and maintenance
Community-led litter-picks

Volunteers of all ages and fitness levels are welcome, and there’s usually a social aspect afterwards — such as shared meals or nature-based creative sessions.

This is an excellent way to directly contribute to London’s environmental health while meeting new people who care about the planet.

Why Volunteer?

Hands-on impact that improves urban ecology
Connect with like-minded locals
Feel empowered through community-led change
Get fresh air, light exercise, and purpose

It’s the perfect antidote to climate anxiety — swapping despair for direct action.

Bonus Tips: How to Make Your World Environment Day Greener

Even if you're short on time or prefer to stay close to home, you can still make an impact:

Bring a reusable water bottle when attending events
Travel by bike, walking or public transport
Support local and seasonal food vendors
Share your experience on social media to raise awareness
Offset your day’s carbon footprint through platforms like Ecologi

Remember: Every small action counts, and when multiplied by millions of people, these choices can change the world.

Final Thoughts

World Environment Day is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a call to connect with the natural world, evaluate our impact, and take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future. London, with its rich cultural tapestry and vibrant environmental scene, offers countless ways to get involved.

Whether you're creating art with purpose at Art Play London, walking through urban meadows, or shopping sustainably on the Southbank, your participation helps shape a greener, kinder city.

Let this World Environment Day be the moment you engage more deeply with the world around you — and have fun doing it.