Storrington Conservation Society – November Report
At the AGM on 27th October Chairman Mick Denness gave a report on the activities of the Society. Mainly positive, with one exception – that of the recent vandalism to the riverbank protection in Fryern Dell. He reminded the meeting of the cost and efforts involved in our work on this project. Repairs will also be very expensive, for which money is needed.
We were fortunate in having Laura Woodrow as our guest speaker on the pressing subject of climate change. In her illustrated talk she mentioned the millions of tons of CO2 per hour mankind is pouring into the atmosphere. This is faster than has happened for 66 million years. As a result summer temperatures for the recent ten years have been warmer than average. Also arctic sea ice lower than for thousands of years, sea levels are rising. Oceans absorb over 90% of global pollution and are warming. All this results in extreme weather, more severe hurricanes, record rainfalls, drought elsewhere and wildfires. Fertile land becomes desert causing food shortages.
Laura explained, all is not doom and gloom. We are exchanging fossil fuels for clean energy. Wind power, solar and hydro are now increasingly used for electricity generation. While it is a worldwide problem, sustainability starts at home. We can reduce energy wastage, recycle, repair, reuse and refill! For local initiatives, go to www.kinderliving.co.uk and www.refill.org.uk.
The work party met on 3rd November at Fryern Dell, continuing the restoration of the Pleasure Garden by removing invasive plants from around specimen trees. The Thursday afternoon group on 15th November carried out conservation at Foxbridge. We meet again on 1st December at 10.00am as usual, again at Fryern Dell. This time clearing the area around the historic pond. The Thursday afternoon group meets on 20th December at 2.00pm also at Fryern Dell.
Whatever the weather, cheerful company guaranteed, new volunteers add to the enjoyment. Don’t hesitate! All are welcome, gardening wear advised, tools provided, and a cup of coffee.
For information about this and all our activities, or on becoming a member, please get in touch with Chairman Mick Denness on 01903 745971, or see our website www.storringtonconservation.org.uk/.