By Jill Stocks
This weekend saw the launch of the latest project from the team at Horsforth Climate Action, with an event held at St James Woodside.
The Horsforth Nature Recovery Corridor launch event on Saturday introduced the community to the latest action from the group, aimed at continuing their work to tackle climate change and promote sustainability in the town and beyond.
As well as information about the nature corridor there was a seed swap, kids activities and a lucky few were able to take away beautiful snowdrop plants to plant at home.
Visitors to the launch were also encouraged to be an active part of the project by signing up to create a wildflower patch in their own garden or outside space, creating a chain of connected wildlife habitats along the proposed route of the corridor and close by.
Jenny Morgan from HCA introduced visitors to the event. She said: “This is an event to promote the fact that we are hoping to create a nature corridor in Horsforth that will run from Hunger Hills down past the senior school, down Broadgate Lane and then onto the Springfields, onto Low Lane Rec. We’ve got a map that demonstrates where it is and we’re getting people’s feedback on it.Â
“If people sign up they can get a bundle that will give them all the instructions and information they need to get started by doing a one metre by one metre square wildflower planting in their gardens or outdoor spaces.
“In addition to that we’ve got kids activities, we’ve got a seed swap and various information about wildflowers and wildflower planting.”
West Leeds Dispatch were the first to sign up to create a patch near the route. The 1m by 1m square patches provide a welcoming habitat for wildlife, providing birds and small mammals with opportunities for feeding.
By the end of the day all of the bundles of stakes had been given out, and it was a great opportunity to engage with people who hadn’t previously known about the work done in the community.
HCA volunteer Shanet Alexander provided a demonstration on how to get started with a wildflower patch, simply done using the stakes provided and a few tools, or using a “no dig” method.
Dr Becca Brunk, from the Sustainability Service at the University of Leeds was on hand to provide information on “Nature Neighbourhoods”, a project in collaboration with Otley2030, Alwoodley2030, Wildlife Friendly Otley and HCA, which brings together local individuals, businesses, community groups and organisations to provide a plan for climate action in the local area.
Dr Brunk told us about her role.
She said: “I work at the University of Leeds in the Sustainability Service and I co-ordinate a programme called the Positive Impact Partners Programme which connects staff and students at the uni with local third sector organisations, community groups and volunteers to do sustainability work together collaboratively.”
The purpose of this current research is to look at how the creation of the nature corridor can influence the variety of wildlife in the area and biodiversity and how it could have an impact socially, looking at how it affects the relationships between people involved, as volunteers, organisations and local authorities.
Attendees at this event were invited to share their thoughts using the interactive map and notecards provided, and also given information on how to share their thoughts online, using the QR code provided to share “Volunteer Reflections”.
Freelance ecologist River Six, who is also involved in the project, also shared information on wildlife corridors, with a display about the projects generally and also similar projects nearby.
HCA holds its AGM this coming Sunday, 1st of March. All are welcome to attend the meeting, and enjoy refreshments, cake and a chat, this Sunday from 2pm to 4pm in the Ballroom above Horsforth Library.
The following Saturday, 7 March, as well as the monthly Repair Cafe at St Margaret’s Parish Centre, there is an International Women’s Day clothes swap and coffee morning at the Old Kings Arms in association with Leeds Women’s Aid.
Adopting the theme of this year’s IWD, “Give to Gain”, the event will also include an upcycling workshop with Jax. Entry to the event, which takes place between 10am and 12:30pm, is free and you can take up to 5 items for exchange.
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