According to Shakespeare, at the funeral of Julius Caesar, Marc Antony said “The evil men do lives after them, the good is oft interred with their bones”. He didn’t say ‘always’; ‘oft’ is sadly right. Many wrongs have repercussions long after the doers have died. Survivors and subsequent generations suffer the consequences, even though the truth about the doers may take time to be seen. This is relevant in our time as we see climate change developing. What will future generations think of us as changing weather patterns cause us and them major problems? It has been known by respected climate scientists for decades that greenhouse gases increase global temperatures. It seems political leaders nationally and internationally lack the will or support to take the necessary action. Because lifestyles will need to change. Never popular. We all bear some responsibility. Especially those leaders who think they know better than the scientists. Grandiose statues erected in their memory will be destroyed in due course as the truth hits. They should take a warning from King Cnut (Canute) who showed his flattering followers in the 11th century that he could not hold back the tide. We cannot control the elements, cooperation with nature is essential.
Al Gore (past US Vice President) made a widely distributed film in 2006 called ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ in which he warned of the dangers of man made climate change. The usual suspects did their best to discredit it. There is nothing in the twenty years since to disprove his warning. Just the reverse.
The reassuring thing is that we can all play a part in reducing the causes of the problem. The roadside appearance of those small bright orange and grey food waste bins is one heartening example. In our District alone about 20 tonnes a day is collected. It would otherwise have gone to landfill. Now it goes to an Anaerobic Digestion Plant (wonderful name, sounds like a mutant triffid) which makes renewable energy and rich fertiliser for local use. Feel virtuous as you put the bin out.
The work party on Saturday on 1st August at Dyke Farm for the annual hay raking and the weeding of newly established hedges. Giving nature a chance. On two Thursday afternoons in July work parties carried out more Himalayan Balsam removal at local water courses, making room for native species. The Saturday work party on 5th September meets at 10 am at Chantry Hill clearing scrub to encourage the precious chalk grassland. More hands make light work, so anyone interested in joining in is greatly appreciated. Just come along, we meet at Greyfriars Stable in Greyfriars Lane. Cheerful company plus a coffee break to be enjoyed as usual.
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/.
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