BURY'S biggest green space was a hive of buzzing, fluttering and chirping fun in a glorious celebration of the natural world.

More than 3,500 people flocked to the sun drenched Heaton Park for the first Manchester Festival of Nature (MFoN).

The festival featured a multitude of wild activities celebrating and teaching people about the region's wonderful wildlife and landscape.

Alan Wright, chairman of the MFoN committee, said: “We are over the moon with the way the event went and thousands of people turned up to celebrate the astonishing nature we have in and around Manchester.

“Heaton Park is a natural wonder in our wildlife-rich city and we are so grateful that they hosted what we hope is the first of many nature festivals."

Throughout the day families could get stuck into lively attractions, including

a "Bogtastic Van", natural crafts, ecotherapy, wild flower planting and bug hotel building.

There were also performances from author and musician Margit van der Zwan, environmental discussions and shows based on the children’s book The Lost Words.

One of the biggest ventures of the MFoN was a world record attempt for the most people dressed as bees, to draw attention to the threatened insects' plight.

Despite a strong showing, the scorching temperatures saw only 500 people and two dogs don buzzing outfits ­— some way short of the 2,700 target.

Mr Wright said: “One thing that struck me was just how keen parents were to bring their children along to the festival, which proves that we have lots of people already switched on to the message that young people need to be outdoors more."

Backed by some of the biggest names in nature conservation, MFoN aimed to highlight the region's wonderful wildlife and give conservationists a chance to spread the word about their work and the environmental plight of the planet.

The event was attended by a host of organisations including The Wildlife Trust, The RSPB, The National Trust, Chester Zoo, Manchester Museum and Manchester Metropolitan University.

Many environmental community and volunteering groups will also be attending and offering insight into the work they do.

Mr Wright said: “The aim of MFoN is to create a united approach to the conservation of nature in Manchester and the region and to engage people, young and old, in the fight to save our wildlife, but it was also a pleasure to see so many happy people enjoying a wonderful and sunny day.”