250 years ago in 1776, Wellington-born physician and botanist Dr William Withering published his groundbreaking work The botanical arrangement of all the vegetables naturally growing in Great Britain. Known more simply as Withering’s Botany, this was the nation’s first modern scientific plant compendium – or ‘flora’ – and became the standard text on botany for almost a century.
Coordinated by Wellington H2A and Wellington Town Council, Flora 250 marks this anniversary with a varied programme of events taking place across the year here in Withering’s hometown. It is a celebration of a remarkable man, the plant life that he studied and the beauty of the natural world around us – from ancient woodlands to our own back gardens.
Events are being organised and hosted by several local groups and booking arrangements vary. More events may be added, so keep an eye on lovewellington.co.uk or follow Love Wellington on social media for any programme changes across the year.
Join experienced botanist Mark Duffell as he explores the hidden treasures of Dothill & Shawbirch Local Nature Reserve. In 2023, Mark added over 190 species to the record for the site, including 11 previously unrecorded in Shropshire. Meeting at Admaston House for 3pm start. Email fdlnr.admn@gmail.com for inquiries.
Ecologist Chris Hogarth leads a walk around the fascinating habitats of Ketley, at The Millennium Nature Reserve, where industrial landscapes forged in Withering’s lifetime have now been reclaimed by nature. Part of Telford Walk Week. Meeting at the carpark by Jenko’s for a 2pm start. Book online at wellingtonwalkersarewelcome.org.uk
Led by Gunther Bedson – ‘the Shifnal Rambler’ – this 13-mile walk will raise funds for the Lingen Davies Sunflower Appeal. Starting from Wellington it will take in varied habitats of The Ercall and Telford Town Park before ending with a barbecue at the Park House Hotel, Shifnal. Meeting at Wellington Leisure Centre at 8.30am […]
The case of a confused king confounded the 18th Century medical establishment – and saw the Prince of Wales plot to take the throne. Round off a day at the Midsummer Fayre with this 1994 BAFTA-winning drama by Alan Bennett and starring Nigel Hawthorne, Helen Mirren and Rupert Everett. See wellingtonorbit.co.uk for details and tickets.
The Midsummer Fayre is a feel-good spectacular that takes place each year on the second Saturday in June, around Wellington’s Market Square, All Saints Church and Market Hall. This year the event is on Saturday 13 June 2026. Organised by Wellington H2A and All Saints Church, it is funded with support from Wellington Town Partnership […]
No fashionable 18th Century lady would leave home without her nosegay – a small bouquet of fragrant flowers and herbs designed to mask the unpleasant smells of the street. Join floral artist Amanda Goode and make your own. Supported by Cllr Davis & Cllr Cook’s Pride funding. Free entry but book in advance via library@wellington-shropshire.gov.uk […]
A rare chance to take a tour of at least 10 private gardens around the town, including free entry to National Trust Sunnycroft. In aid of Shropshire charity Community Resource and supported by Love Wellington. For details and tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wellington-open-gardens-2026-tickets-1983962694827
Wellington in Bloom competition returns for 2026. The event celebrates the creativity and community spirit of local residents who help make the town a bright and beautiful place to live and has been running since 2020, when it was originally organised by Love Wellington as a positive activity during the Covid lockdown, and it has […]
Join experienced botanist Mark Duffell for a second outing around Dothill, as he explores different plants in Dothill & Shawbirch Local Nature Reserve. In 2023, Mark added over 190 species to the record for the site, including 11 previously unrecorded in Shropshire. Meeting at Admaston House for 3pm start. Email fdlnr.admn@gmail.com for inquiries.
Wellington Community Art Gallery will host its second seasonal exhibition of the year, showcasing a range of inspiring artwork produced by local artists on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 August from 10.30am - 3pm. Visitors are also invited to a special “Meet the Artists” evening on 28 August, 6:30pm – 8:00pm, offering a great opportunity […]
Jack Green the Gardener brings his highly interactive children’s show to Market Square as part of Wellington Town Council’s Urban Scarecrow Festival. Free entry, no booking required - and you might even get to take home a plant to grow on your windowsill!
Friendly, relaxed workshop for adults/families. £10 per person including all materials and light refreshments. For details and booking, email wellingtoncommunityartgallery@gmail.com.
All events (unless otherwise listed) will be FREE OF CHARGE. No tickets are required. Seating for indoor events on a first-come, first-served basis.