OXFORD goes wild as a nature festival takes over the city with two weeks of festivities.

The Oxford Festival of Nature aims to urge people to learn more about the wildlife on their doorstep, and will host an eclectic mix of events - from expert meet and greets to a night of stand-up nature-themed comedy, which kick-starts the line-up on June 1.

Philosophising comedians will take to the stage in the first of many of events to show their wildest thoughts on animal life and the environment.

The most popular event at the two-week long fiesta is set to be the annual ‘Wild Fair’, which will take over the grounds of Oxford University’s Museum of Natural History on June 2.

Last year hundreds of youngsters and families arrived to test the knowledge of expert scientists and wildlife conservation groups and participate in workshops to discover the lives of bees, butterflies and birds of prey.

At the ‘Wild Fair’ visitors will be able to join in the Big Green Day Out (BGDO) to mark the official launch of Oxford’s Green Week.

The BGDO will be at the fair with an organised wildlife and sustainability treasured hunt, with clues hidden around the city.

Those wanting a more relaxed adventure with nature can take part in guided strolls which are dotted across the programme of events over the fortnight, or use downloadable trails to explore the city’s green land.

Director, Neil Clennell, for Oxfordshire at the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust, which is organising this year’s nature festival, introduced the main events.

He said: “Nature makes a big difference to where we live and how we live.

"Putting up a bird box or sowing a patch of wild flowers in your garden is just as important as recycling and using less non-renewable energy.”

The events will run in partnership with the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and Oxford City Council.

The programme aims to bridge the gap between Oxford Green Week, and Oxford Festival of the Arts, which starts on June 23.

Organisers of the event - which attracted 7,5000 visitors last year - are also calling for nature-lovers and supporters of the festival to sign up and volunteer as a steward, with the promise of a free lunch.

For more information on the festival, including a full programme, downloadable trails and how to volunteer, visit oxfordfestivalofnature.org