Market Overton Climate Action. As a member of our Parish council, I recently volunteered to join a call about an initiative being launched by Rutland CC.  In response to the growing awareness of our climate and natural environment diversity crisis, the plan is to promote action by having each village in Rutland set up a climate action group. This group would look to get involved in practical initiatives and would network with other village groups to participate in broader schemes.  From creating wildlife corridors to developing a local green energy strategy – what each group decides to do is up to them. This group will not be led by the Parish council, but I’m happy to act as a liaison with RCC and get involved wherever possible.  The official message is as follows… 

“Rutland Climate Action is excited to announce its arrival!  The ambition is to establish a network of community climate action groups across the county.  The official launch will be in ‘The Great Big Green Week’, a nation-wide event that is running from 18th September – 26th September https://greatbiggreenweek.com/ 

We need volunteers in each village to get involved, whether this is a part of the lead organising team or as someone who is prepared to help on the day.   There will be plenty of support to get started.

Together we can have a Rutland that enhances and promotes an environment that is great for all, now and for tomorrow.  

‘Rutland the Greenest County in the UK’ – the ambition, the goal not a mere dream!”

The Participation of all age groups is welcomed – and the initial focus is to suggest and run an event for the Great Big Green Week.  My initial thought is to host an evening of talks at the village hall around a wildlife / diversity theme  – perhaps Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust to talk about their 30 by 30 project (30% of U.K. land and sea given over to wildlife by 2030) and how we can get involved, a garden designer to discuss enhancing our gardens for wildlife and creating wildlife corridors (a designer has already offered to do a half hour talk)..it would be great to have some more ideas. 

Time is very short (just 5 weeks until the Big Green Week) so please email me if you’d like to be involved, along with your full name and email address, and I’ll sort out an initial meeting as soon as possible. 

Councillor Philip England (philip.england@gmail.com)