May
Welcome to our latest Longridge Environment Group newsletter.
Given the cold and often wet few weeks we have had of late, it is nice to see and hear the Skylark returning on our moors and fells...
Suddenly above the fields you're pouring
Pure joy in a shower of bubbles
Lacing the spring with the blue thread of summer
You're the warmth of the sun in a song
... You're the lift and balance the soul feels
Skylark by Katrina PorteousOur Annual Meeting 11th May
May 11th is our Annual Meeting and we will hold it during our social Saturday at 10 am at the Little Town Diary as we have done in the past. This is your opportunity to shape the coming year of LEG and get involved with what we are doing, in any way that you feel comfortable.
As a constituted organisation we have to annually agree on the positions of Chair, Treasurer and Secretary.
We have a Steering Committee which plays a necessary role in managing the finances, sending out newsletters, managing social media and bringing new members on board. But we need more support and would like to invite any member of the LEG community to join our small but enthusiastic team to help with some of these activities and help shape the future of LEG, it only requires the occasional hour or two per month.
If you would like to be involved please get in touch with us at longridgeeg@gmail.com
Vote the Environment
We have local elections coming up in May and then a general election at some point later in the year. Astoundly some 70% of the world's population will be voting for new governments during 2024 - which could dramatically change both global and local environment & climate priorities.
What is important, is that we use our right to vote. And, as you are reading this newsletter, it is hoped you will question your candidates on environmental issues and #VoteTheEnvironment.
No Mow May
Taraxacum officinale, Dandelion, dents de lions, sun clock, windblown, evening glow, milkwitch, scatterseed, lions tooth
Wild Garden?
Find out how you can help wildlife in your garden and apply for a My Wild Garden Award with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust
Current areas we look after in Longridge
Longridge Environment Group has adopted a few small areas around the town, in which we aim to improve nature and biodiversity. These include some planters around Berry Lane, our mini-forest, the community orchard, areas of John Smith's Playing Field, and a small strip of Longridge Rec. We'll be working on these on our Active Sundays (generally the last Sunday in the month- see below for the next upcoming date), starting with some extra planting and weeding in the mini-forest and planters in May. Come and join us, all welcome!
Plastic Count
The results from the Big Plastic Count were released on EarthDay, and it’s not looking too good. Only 17% of waste is recycled and unbelievably the UK tops the charts for plastic waste per person globally – second only to the US. Read the full results and details here
May Day - Beltane
Beltane and May Day celebrations are increasingly being seen as important opportunities for environmental activities and reconnecting with nature. Beltane marks the midpoint between the spring equinox and summer solstice - a celebration of the greening of the earth and the renewal of fertility in nature. This symbolic link to spring's vibrant rebirth resonates with modern environmental movements focused on renewing our relationship and stewardship of the natural world. Coming in early May, Beltane falls at a time when winter has ended and the natural world is bursting with growth and activity. This makes it an ideal seasonal marker to plan environmental events, outdoor activities, and rituals reconnecting people to the cycles of nature. Ancient Customs of Beltane centred around celebrating nature's fertility through fire festivals, gathering wildflowers and herbs, and celebrating the greening earth. This ancient respect for nature's power resonates with modern eco-consciousness. Many folk traditions around May Day involve decorating with greenery, dancing around maypoles representing trees, and other practices honouring plants and woodland Gods/Goddesses. As environmental movements have grown in recent decades, the timing has made it a natural calendar point to organize events, protests, tree plantings and other activities to raise awareness around environmental issues. Enjoy your May Day Beltane!
May Diary
1st - Beltane / May Day – marking the beginning of summer
11th - Social Saturday and (v short) AGM - Little Town Dairy, 10am
22nd - Biodiversity Day - ideas invited
26th - Active Sunday - Mini Forest and Planter care
Keep in Touch
A reminder that you can …
And we look forward to connecting at our next social Saturday or 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.
