July LEG Newsletter
with a gardening theme ...
Welcome and thank you for reading our Longridge Environment Group July Newsletter.
Vote the Environment
We are at a crisis point, climate and biodiversity are under extreme threat, and with time ticking this will most likely be our last chance for a government to take meaningful action to help secure a better future for us, our children and our planet.
The UK goes to the polls on Thursday 4th July. We urge you to exercise your right to vote and to Vote for the Environment. The Vote Climate site can give you information on the strongest vote for climate in your seat.
July
Hedgehogs will now be having their first litters, giving birth to up to seven hoglets, which are born bald and blind. The mother will continue to forage for food and water for herself - sometimes during the day - and will return to feed milk to her young while they are too small to leave the nest.
Far above, swift chicks are getting ready for the long flight to the Congo, doing press-ups with their wings. Towards the end of the month, they will join their parents in screaming parties racing around the rooftops, before disappearing south. The Almanac. A Seasonal Guide to 2024
LEG Summer Nature Garden Competition
We're excited to announce our new summer competition to celebrate nature and biodiversity and encourage us to make some extra space for wildlife in our gardens. Britain is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, but gardens can be some of our richest habitats. So whatever our outdoor space, garden or window-box, established garden or blank canvas, what we do can make a real difference to wildlife, and every little corner matters.
We want to know what you're doing to support nature and wildlife in your garden this summer, whether growing bee-friendly flowers, creating a new pond to support all sorts of wildlife, or making a hedgehog highway to help hedgehogs move between gardens.
Send us your pictures (maybe a before and after) and tell us what you've done to help wildlife in your outside space, and what nature you've noticed, to be in with a chance of winning some lovely prizes.
Lots of inspiration and ideas here: Lancashire Wildlife Trust - My Wild Garden Guide Build a hedgehog highway! 33 ways to welcome more wildlife into your garden
Email your entry or message us at our Longridge Environment Group Facebook page, (links below) by Sunday 8th September with your name, age and contact details.
Forget to Water Plants? - Meet Olla
It is hard to think about water shortage at the moment with all the rain we have been having recently. However, we should always regard water as a precious resource.
Using terra cotta pots with a little adaption, the Olla watering technique allows plants to receive water slowly and consistently over time and keeps plants thriving throughout any dry period. It is a time-tested watering solution that's been around for thousands of years from ancient gardening practices in North Africa, China, and Latin America. And a great talking point project for the garden.
See the tiktok video here (old candle wax can be used to make the pots waterproof successfully)
Swift Awareness Week 29 June to 7 July 2024
Swifts are on the UK Red List, having suffered serious declines in recent decades. It's estimated that almost 60% of UK swifts have disappeared over the last 25 years.
There are details on how to help swifts on the Cumbria Wildlife Trust web pages and more details on the RSPB web pages.
… be amazed …
Active Sunday News
On our last Active Sunday, a small group met with local councillor Kieren Spencer for a walk around Longridge to discuss ideas for greening up Stone Bridge Roundabout and other locations. Time was also spent on maintenance and weeding around our recently planted trees on the recreation ground.
Why not get involved in our next Active Sunday on 28th July?
Ribchester News
Last month the power of bringing together different parts of our community was truly highlighted with various projects to improve the village environment. Children from St Wilfred’s School along with a team of local volunteers helped paint a mural at the village hall, planted up the bed at the Millennium Garden, dusted the pews at church and made various improvements in our school grounds. This couldn’t have been possible without support from the Parish Council who donated the topsoil and RAGS (the gardening club), So Plants and Booths who kindly donated plants.
Upcoming Events in July
Social Saturday - 13th July
Active Sunday - 28th July
Locations and details on our Facebook and WhatsApp chat groups.
Keep in Touch
A reminder that you can …
And we look forward to connecting at our next social Saturday and active Sunday.
Supporting LEG
For time and other reasons, we are aware that not all can join our activities, so we have made it easier to support us with a donation. Simply use the QR code below and you will be taken to our Stripe page where you can donate. All gratefully received, no matter how small.
Thank You.
