Longridge Environment Group: August Newsletter
with a little reflection and action ...
Welcome to our August LEG Newsletter.
Time Flies and August is Here!
As we find ourselves in August already, it’s hard to believe how swiftly the year has progressed. We see heather starting to flower with its distinctive purple on our local fells alongside bilberries and blackberries are ripening in hedgerows. Flashes of yellow gorse1 give a real ‘pop’ of colour and shine amongst the green even on the wettest of days.
The local weather might not be following the traditional pattern of those scorching August days of our memories – those “dog days of summer” – but instead, reminiscent of April showers and temperatures. This atypical weather prompts us to reflect on the changing climate patterns that are being witnessed across the globe, with shifts in heat, floods, and even summer snow becoming more common.
Changing Climate Realities: A Global Perspective
With each passing day, we’re increasingly aware of the dramatic shifts in weather patterns happening worldwide. Extreme heatwaves, devastating floods, and unusual phenomena like summer snowstorms are reminders that our planet is undergoing significant tipping point transformations. The impacts of these changes ripple through communities, ecosystems, and the way we live our lives.
Urgency and Vitality: A Call to Action
The days of simply reducing our impact on the environment are behind us. Now, we must step up with a sense of urgency and vitality to address the challenges of our time. The situation demands not just small changes but a collective effort to make meaningful shifts in the way we interact with our environment.
A Moment for Change
Let’s pause and think about the influence of our everyday choices. Each purchase, every journey we undertake, and even the renovations we make to our homes have an impact on our environment. This pivotal moment calls for conscious consideration of how we can enhance our practices for the benefit of our beautiful region, our children, and the entire planet.
Every Purchase Counts
From the items we buy to the products we choose; our consumer decisions play a role in shaping the world we live in. Whether it’s supporting local, sustainable options or opting for products with a positive environmental impact, our purchases can collectively drive positive change.
Mindful Travel Choices
Summer travel opens doors to new experiences, but it also has an ecological footprint. We’re encouraged to reflect on our travel decisions, exploring ways to minimize our impact by choosing sustainable transportation options, reducing unnecessary trips, and embracing mindful and regenerative travel practices that give back as much as taken.
LEG NOTES
Climate and Nature Summit
Members of LEG participated in both the Ribble Valley Climate Action Network Schools event and the Climate and Nature Summit held in July. During these events, Lou, Karen and Martin from LEG shared valuable insights. The talks and conversations were incredibly positive and inspiring, featuring updates from various groups not only in Lancashire but also from the wider region.
National Butterfly Count
LEG members took part in the July butterfly conservation count. National figures from the count are still awaited but did you know the Red Admiral, a widely recognized butterfly, has experienced a remarkable 400% increase?
Autumn Potential
As we move into the autumn, we have an exciting opportunity to ‘rewild’ small land parcels or establish micro-forests right here in our local area. We’ll be seeking ideas and relying on your support for this initiative. Watch this space
LEG DATES
Imagine a greener Berry Lane and its surroundings.
What’s your vision? Do you envision more cycling facilities, a re-evaluation of traffic, enhanced pedestrian areas, more or better facilities such as public toilets, temporary pop-up spaces, greater celebration of our trees, an increase in green spaces, ?
Join us on October 21st for an open / drop in dialogue about what a more environmentally friendly Longridge and region looks like to you. Let’s discuss your ideas at the Civic Hall. Look for more information in our September newsletter
Social Saturdays
Join us every second Saturday for a casual social coffee gathering. You can usually find us at the Little Town Diary, starting at 10am. Social dates are this coming Saturday August 12th then, September 9th, October 14th, November 18th and December 16th. See you there.
Active Sundays
We organise many working parties that involve a range of activities. These include supporting local schools, participating in litter picking initiatives, establishing and caring for orchards and pop-up spaces, supporting local school grounds, tackling balsam plants, gathering apples, and tending to the flower planters around Longridge. (Details are usually posted on whatsapp and facebook pages)
We meet on the 4th Sunday of each month for volunteering and active work sessions. Details are posted on facebook.
Films and Talks
Would you support the idea of local environmental talks and films, either online or in-person? If so what topics would interest you? Are you into adventurous stories, gardening insights, bird and nature documentaries, or discussions about climate awareness? Share your preferences with us!
Local Businesses
As previously highlighted in our newsletters, we extend our thanks to the local businesses in Longridge and the surrounding region who support LEG in one way or another. Notable among them are Butlers Cheese, So Plants, Booths, Raymond James, The Health Shop, The Flower Glade, LTD, Tayahs, Oh Sew Crafty, and all the other dedicated Plastic-Free advocates.
We do want to feature local businesses prominently in our upcoming newsletters. This is not only to express our thanks for support but also to showcase your initiatives that contribute to greening Longridge and promoting planetary well-being. Please share your green stories with us so we can promote your endeavours
We are also keen to understand how we can assist you. Within LEG we have a diverse array of skills and experiences that could be valuable for your green and sustainability plans and activities.
Supporting LEG
Like what we do?
We are often asked how to support LEG through donations - so pleased to share that you can now support by clicking and follow the QR code below. All donations will help cover the costs of equipment, green materials, venue hire etc …. Thank you!
Get in contact, Get involved
We would love to hear from you
This newsletter has been put together by the LEG Team. If you have stories, news, images or events to share, please get in touch and please do leave your comments on our newsletters.