Welcome to the LEG June Newsletter
As we approach June as if in synchrony with the abundance of activity in our gardens and our beautiful countryside, there has been a flurry of generous and enthusiastic activity within LEG. With this in mind, ‘Abundance’ seemed to emerge as a theme for this newsletter - cultivating abundance for ourselves, our community and nature.
So, let us wander through this place, Embracing June's warmth in every space, And allow our spirits interlace, With nature, each other, in grateful embrace
If you haven’t subscribed to our newsletter as yet, please do so using the link below, to keep up to date with environmental news and events.
We have shared below the wonderful nationwide and local events we are supporting, some of the wonderful things our members are doing and how we are connecting as a community and hopefully inspire even more involvement over the coming months.
The Summer Solstice
The 21st of June marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. This is a time when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, and the days are long and bright. It is a time of abundance and growth, both in nature and in our own lives.
By tuning into the changing of the seasons and watching the sunrise, particularly on midsummer's day, helps us deepen our connection with nature, find inspiration, enhance our well-being, and experience moments of awe and wonder.
As in previous years, a number of LEG members have witnessed the sunrise over the Bowland Fells from the Woodhenge at nearby Bleasdale and will do so again this year - weather permitting! If you are interested in joining for an early start then please get in touch (via email)
Addressing the climate and biodiversity crisis one place at a time. (Martin Brown)
Coronation Mini Forest
You may have seen the small mini-forest at the bottom of Berry Lane recently planted by LEG members on Coronation Volunteer Day. The concept, an experiment, is based on the concept of closely planted native trees and shrubs that will increase biodiversity and sequester carbon. On the royal theme, the Coronation mini forest compliments our Queens Jubilee Community Orchard.
It seems to me that we need to rediscover the power of the Forests and Woods to nurture our souls and our spirits (King Charles III)
Watch out for news on more pop ups and mini forests around Longridge. If you have a space you think would look better green, or can get involved in greening dull spaces and creating places for nature, then please do get in touch
Berry Lane Planters
At the moment these are abundant with lovely green herbs - take what you need for free - but make sure you use all you take. A little reciprocal weeding in return is all that is asked (by both us at Leg and the herb plants !)
Noticing Nature
Malcolm Welch informs us of his recent project in the graveyard of St Lawrence’s Church, Lower Lane, Longridge to assess and then improve the value of the graveyard for nature and biodiversity. (Read Malcolm’s Report Here)
Lancashire Community Climate Hub
Four members of LEG joined other environment community groups, councillors, academics and interest groups from across the county at Edge Hill University in many to start shaping a county climate hub. More news soon.
Great Big Green Week - 10-18th June
The Great Big Green Week is a nationwide celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature.
Come and join us for our family balsam-bashing event at the top of John Smith's playing field on Sunday 11th June, and learn more about this invasive plant which outcompetes native plants, leads to soil erosion, alters habitats, and disrupts ecological balance. All are welcome, bring gloves, bring a picnic and join the fun. Check for times and location on our LEG Facebook Page
Also do heck the Great Big Green Week website for other green events locally and around the country.
30 days Wild - June
30 Days Wild is The Wildlife Trust's annual challenge to do one wild thing a day throughout the month of June. You can sign up using the link above to receive a FREE pack either through the post* or via email (see images below). You'll also receive lots of fun activities from the Wildlife Trust throughout the month to keep you inspired!
Three Good Things
If the 30 Days Wild seems a little daunting, why not join other LEG members who will be recording three good things about nature every day in June? This a simple and great way to recognise and connect with the wonderful abundance of nature, just jotting down what we notice, from plants to birdsong, from forests to beaches to our back gardens You can note just three words or a sentence or a poem. We can share our three good things on our Facebook page or on Twitter using the hashtag #LEG3Good
LEG social coffee breakfast
June 10th at 10 am LTD. We are a small group (anything from 5 to 20) who meet informally for friendly green conversations. Why not come along?
01 July - Ribble Valley Citizens Summit for Climate and Nature. Clitheroe
RV Climate Action Network (RVCAN) is working to link up and amplify the impact, of the many local groups and individuals determined to do their bit to take on the global climate and nature emergency we all face.
So if you live, work or study in the Ribble Valley then this is for you. This is our chance to work out what further action we can all take to shape the future of the place we love, here in Ribble Valley.
Imagine Better
Hear from inspirational Rob Hopkins who dares us to imagine a better world, to farmers, businesses and local people who are changing things for the better, and to share your own ideas for action. This is just the start but - together - we can grasp the moment and claim our right to shape our future in the Ribble Valley.
Food and Homes
The summit will be focussing on food - from farm to fork. How do we ensure we produce a secure supply of good, local food? How do we do this at fair prices so that no one in the RV goes hungry? How do we reward our local farmers and growers who produce our food in a way that supports wildlife and clean rivers?
The event will also be looking at our homes - how and where do we build in harmony with nature How do we cut carbon while keeping our homes warm in winter and cool in summer? And our gardens - how do we work with nature and wildlife and adapt to the changing climate?
And, looking forward, to what we can do next - harnessing people power - for a fair and sustainable future here in Ribble Valley and beyond.
23rd June Ribble Valley Schools Summit
We will also be supporting the RV schools summit on 23rd June - along with representatives from Longridge Schools.
Young Guardian Country Diary
There was a wonderful piece in the Guardian over the weekend from Mabel aged 12
Our garden is a tiny patch of green in the urban landscape around. Most gardens up and down our street are paved and walled, an uninviting sight for any wildlife. But wildlife does come to us. The thick ivy hedge at the bottom of our garden is home to two feathered visitors every year. The blackbirds, who we have named Steve and Stevetta, arrive in early spring to gorge on fallen crab apples and start nest-building. Using the “wattle and daub” method, they weave grass into a rough bowl and plaster it with mud. It takes around two weeks to build and the result is an unusually solid nest. After a while we hear chirps and cheeping and know that the chicks have hatched. (read the rest here)
Do we have any young budding nature diarists in our area?. We can publish any short essay here and even help you get into the Guardian. Cool. Why not have a go and email your words to us
Force of Nature
Force of Nature the leading youth-led non-profit transforming climate anxiety into action, is offering a free 3-part programme, Becoming a Force of Nature (BaFoN) for young people (aged 16-35) to feel empowered to step up rather than shut down in the face of the climate crisis, and develop the skills to make a difference. Details here
This newsletter has been put together with support and notes from Maria Gee, Karen Kendal, Malcolm Welch, Louise Yates and Martin Brown. Thank You. If you have stories, news or events to share please do email us, and please do leave your comments on our newsletters.
Such an uplifting read, thank you.