Audlem Climate and Nature Event to be staged in village

Residents and visitors are invited to join in Audlem’s “Climate and Nature Event” on Saturday (September 18).

The event, at the Buttermarket on The Square between 10am and 4pm, is one of many around the country kicking off the Great Big Green Week nationwide campaign.

It aims to highlight the need for urgent action on climate and nature ahead of COP26, the United Nations Climate talks, later this year in Glasgow.

Groups involved include Audlem Carbon Emissions Reduction project (ACER), an initiative of 1st Audlem Guides, Audlem WI, Audlem Wildlife and Ecology Group, ADAPT sustainability group and Audlem Parish Council.

Audlem Methodist Church will welcome visitors to see how renovations are reducing their environmental footprint.

Chris Thornton, from ACER, said: “Climate scientists warn that the COP26 climate summit is the last chance for governments to agree the actions needed to prevent runaway climate change.

“That’s scary, but we can all do something.

“Pop by the Buttermarket on the 18th to see what can be done, write what you will do on the WI’s pledge wall, talk with local politicians about protecting the environment, and have your say about climate actions the Parish Council should prioritise.

“And by the way, the Guides will be giving out free chocolate!”

“With extreme floods and wildfires in the news, the climate and nature emergency can feel overwhelming.

“But scientists say we still have time to stop it getting worse.

“Some things are obvious, like flying less.

“But people might be surprised that what you do with your money can help even more! Come along and learn more about it from green finance advocate John Curran.”

There will be free samples of plastic-free products, a Countdown to Net Zero chart to fill in, tips on making our food, homes, gardens and travel more climate and nature friendly, a petition to sign calling on leaders at COP26 to commit to urgent action now, and a questionnaire to fill in.

Guests invited include Cllr Quentin Abel, Cheshire East’s Climate Champion; Cllr Suzie Akers-Smith, Cheshire East’s Cycling and Walking Champion; Cllr Rachel Bailey, of Audlem Ward; Cllr Dez Winskill, Vice-Chair of Audlem Parish Council; Dr Sharon George, Lecturer and Researcher in Environmental Sustainability and Green
Technologies at Keele University.