On the 5th May we were pleased to have a stall at the wonderful White Stork Festival, a great opportunity for like minded conservationists and others to celebrate wildlife, especially the return of storks to the area. A number of people of the many there showed interest in our work and becoming members. All very encouraging.
Healthy societies do not pollute lakes, rivers, streams, canals, other waterways and seashores. Not a new idea but one that has been ignored for far too long. Despite peaceful protest and much hand wringing at the unlawful behaviour of our water companies and the inaction of Ofwat, little real progress has resulted. Though water company bosses are now to be held properly to account and plans for investment have been announced (hurrah), constant pressure is still needed to ensure real improvement is made. We can insist as we are having to pay for it. Remind our MPs.
Organised by Fund Britain’s Waterways, just recently a 30 strong fleet of canal boats from all around the country cruised past the Houses of Parliament. They were drawing attention to the need for the government to act urgently to safeguard canals and rivers, which are vital to our health. Some of the craft had come 278 miles, passing through 172 locks, quite an achievement. Why was it not widely reported? A sign of a healthy society is that it pays attention to peaceful protest. Even if we don’t protest we can do our bit by not wasting water (it comes out of the tap too easily) and not using drains for items (e.g. medicines, oils, wet wipes) the treatment works can’t handle.
The need to achieve zero carbon is well known. For ourselves and for the sake of younger generations. So it is encouraging to see that the Let’s Go Zero campaign has helped thousands of schools to inform and inspire pupils about combating climate change. Since 2020 the campaign has helped those schools to make over 80,000 tonnes of annual CO2 savings, financially also very worthwhile. Something to cheer.
On 7th June our work party met at The Glade to clear encroaching vegetation from footpaths for the benefit of walkers. Our next work party is at 10am on 5th July at Hurston Warren SSSI (meet at the Warren off Golf Club Road) clearing highly invasive Himalayan Balsam and bracken. We are well into the Balsam bashing season, having spent Thursday afternoons in June at the work, which continues in July. Gardening clothes, gloves and wellies are suggested, other equipment is provided. A welcome cup of coffee at half time and chat helps the process.
For information about this and our other activities, or on becoming a member, or offering advice, please get in touch with Chairman Mick Denness on 01903 745971, or see our website: www.storringtonconservation.org.uk.
Submitted to the Storrington Community Website using the News Item contact form.