Kempston Climate Change Group (KCCG) have been busy over the past few months, as members have come together to clean up the town while working on their own climate-friendly projects, too.
In June, KCCG members conducted two litter picks in Kempston, filling six full bin bags with rubbish. It’s disappointing to see that the public continue to drop litter on pavements, in ditches, verges and green spaces – but a happy prospect to think of the wildlife better able to thrive on account of our work. The sun came out to reward the litter pickers on both occasions and the use of bags, pickers and bin bag hoops provided by the council helped the process along.
More recently, KCCG member Pat was able to secure some more tulip bulbs for planting in local sites, agreed by the group. Tulip planting is always an activity to look forward to, enticing both the youngest and most senior members of KCCG to get involved – the hard work is always worth it to see the flowers popping up!
The actions of the group have recently been recognised by other environmental campaigners across Bedfordshire – a great compliment to our members who regularly give up time for conservation work. The Climate Change Group are hoping to get involved with Bedford Creative Arts’ River/Flow/Connect project, which focuses on the themes of connectivity along the River Great Ouse, and hope to have a presence later in the year at Kempston’s Family Fun Day and the Green Fair at the Church of the Transfiguration.
Meanwhile, a collaboration with the RIPPLE (Restoring & Improving Public Paths for Local Enjoyment) team at Ivel Valley Ramblers may be in the offing. The group regularly conducts the clearing of footpaths and waymark posts, and kissing gate repairs in conjunction with a Council organiser. Given KCCG’s shared concern for maintaining public access to natural spaces – as demonstrated by our brook walks – an upcoming meeting between the two groups is likely to prove fruitful!
As the sun has been making a more regular appearance, several KCCG members have seen their gardens flourish: the Green Man Community Garden has also become a local haven for visitors seeking a bit of quiet in an outdoor setting. The Garden provides a valuable site of connection within the community – notwithstanding the hard work of our own KCCG Green Man stewards, a local nursery group has also been using it to teach children how to water plants. The healing potential of gardening, alongside its obvious environmental benefits, are featured in a current exhibition at The British Library, ‘Unearthed’, which promises to inspire the green-fingered among us.
The next meeting of Kempston Climate Change Group is at 7pm next Wednesday (July 9th) at the Church of the Transfiguration. If you’re interested in joining us, please email info@kempstonclimatechange.org.uk.