Thank you to all those who braved the elements and attended our Public Hall event on Wednesday 2 November 2022.
Our speakers were warmly received. A representative from Marches Energy dealt with how to use less energy and where to turn to for those who are struggling. Di Hill, local resident who served as Vice Chair of Shropshire Federation of Women’s Institutes Climate Change Group dealt with what we can do to help the planet whether on an individual level, community level or at a national level. Her approach was practical and helpful. She has experience of extreme weather events having lived in rural Canada for many years. We then heard from Janet Cobb representing RSVP (Restoring Shropshire Verges Project). Janet spoke about loss of habitat for important species and how by turning our verges and other grassed areas into wild flower meadows these corridors can assist small mammals and insects and thereby biodiversity. Finally we heard from Martin Withington, Parish Councillor about his 30 years of creating a garden that is kind to small mammals and insects. With wild flower planting he and his wife have created a beautiful garden with biodiversity at the forefront.
A Working Group has now been set up. Apart from four Parish Councillors there are a further seven parishioners in the Group which has now met twice and a third meeting is scheduled for Thursday 9 March 2023. As a result of the Group’s efforts thus far an Energy Flyer was circulated to all in our Parish in early January and events are planned for 8 July 2023 and 30 September/1 October 2023. The first event is all about Sustainability – a Swish! In fact this is a clothes swap event and we hope for a splendid day with full focus on the 7 R’s: Reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink, refuse, repair, repurpose.
The second event in the planning is The Big Green Day/ Weekend with a busy Parish Hall on Saturday 30 September 2023 devoted not only to how we might do some things better now but also looking ahead with exhibitors advising what might be available in the not too distant future. It is also hoped that some homes in the parish might be open on Sunday 1 October to show our community what can and is being done – solar, heat pumps and the like. Anyone else who would wish to be part of our Working Group going forward should please contact the Parish Clerk. You will be made most welcome
We also propose taking under our umbrella the footpaths in and around Welshampton. We are conscious of the fact that some small amendments need to be made to the directions contained within Welshampton Walks and further, that some of the footpaths are overgrown and need brambles etc cutting back to make for easier walking.
2 links which refer to the presentations given on Wednesday 2 November 2022:
Shropshire Wildlife Trust Talk
