An initial event by LEAF took place at Lymm Hub recently encouraging local residents to “turn over a new leaf” and help reduce their carbon footprints.
An estimated 150 local people visited the stands of nine local groups who have joined forces as, LEAF (Lymm Environmental Action Forum) a new umbrella body in the village, aimed at uniting environmental groups in the area.
Central to the event was a mobile showroom for Hero Renewables featuring renewable energy options including air and ground source heat pumps and explaining incentives such as the RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) Scheme.
Alongside them, there was a display of cars; a hydrogen-fuelled car whose only emissions is water (H2O), a hybrid electric car and a 100% electric car demonstrating its charging arrangements.
Lymm Community Energy shared their achievements since setting up in 2014 including the installation of solar panels on all four village primary schools and LED lighting on three schools plus further community venues.
They also launched the public consultation for a proposed solar farm in Lymm.
The event saw Cherry Tree Primary School produce a giant paperchain and the Friends of Lymm Library Craft Group create a knitted chain. Joined together, these recognised how Lymm came together to Leave No One Behind during the Covid pandemic. They also represented the unity between younger and older members of the community and symbolised how Lymm residents can work together to address environmental challenges.
The Refill Round displayed a range of plastic-free replacements for commonly used household products and explained how their refill system works. Owner Julia commented “It was great to see how much enthusiasm there is for supporting our local eco-friendly organisations”, adding “We need to take positive action on tackling the climate crisis and everyone in Lymm can help – quick and easy ideas are to petition your local MP about the issue, cut plastic consumption and switch to a renewable energy provider”.
The Lymm & Thelwall u3a Climate and Environment Group discussed what people could do to help the environment. The u3a group are encouraging members to recycle ‘hard to recycle’ items such as toothpaste tubes and tablet packaging and they recommend reading the book ‘There is No Planet B’ by Mike Berners-Lee.
Another idea shared by Lymm Transition Village group was “A Library Of Things” – an abbreviation of A LOT because there is a lot we can all do to help save the planet. The library of things is hoping to grow into a lending library to discourage the purchase of “new” equipment for infrequent jobs. Adding a Repair Shop in Lymm to repair minor faults instead of buying replacements would go hand-in-hand with this initiative.
Low Carbon Lymm shared information shown on their website about what you can do about climate change and how to reduce your carbon footprint. There were also exhibits from the Friends of Spud Wood and Oughtrington Community Orchard, including information on Woodland Wednesdays, wood allotments and volunteering in Spud Wood.
The Warrington CEE Bill Alliance was the final stand and handed out postcards for residents to write to our two local MP’s asking them to represent the views and future welfare of their constituents by supporting the Climate Environment & Emergency (CEE) Bill which is currently passing through parliament. Well over 100 postcards were written during the event, which will be sent on to the respective MPs.
LEAF plans to run a series of regular pop-up events at The Hub. Their formal launch will be alongside the postponed Lymm May Queen event on Saturday 25th September 2021.
To obtain further details about LEAF, its partner organisations and projects, or to get involved in supporting future initiatives, please email [email protected] or contact Ray Banton representing LEAF on 07831 271847 or Richard Pearce representing Lymm Sanctuary Hub on 07976 352914.
