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DON’T MISS OUR GREEN IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS ... AND BEYOND In association with . . .
2 NEWS
Friday, December 18, 2009
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Our season’s greetings
W
ELCOME to the winter It’s Our World supplement - part of our green section dedicated to making Merseyside a more environmentally-friendly place
to live. As Christmas gets going we’re looking at ways to make this the best – and greenest festive season yet with tips on making your own home-made Christmas with everything from personalised decorations to crafty recycled cards. On Page 5 we have a special feature on the growth of biofuels in Merseyside and how we could be harnessing the power of sewage to create an alternative to petrol and diesel. Page 11 has a guide to getting the most out of your Christmas dinner – and saving a small fortune in the process. Elsewhere we have our green news (Page 3), the gifts that keep on giving (Page 4), the green grottos – why Santa has had an environmental makeover (Page 6), how to beat the floods this winter (Page 7), Tis the
people like you and me who have to make changes to our daily lives to make the really big things happen. And already we’re seeing this is possible. Bit by bit we’re all playing a part. Since we launched It’s Our World I’ve been overwhelmed by your fantastic green ideas, your ingenious tips and the many inspirational things you’ve been doing to make the world a better place.
Supplement written and researched by JADE WRIGHT
season to be sustainable – great Christmas tips (Pages 8&9), let’s go round again – we’re recycling more than ever (Page 10), make it your business (Page 12), energy saving new year's resolutions (Page 13) and on Pages 14 & 15 you’ll find our definitive guide to the best outdoor events for all the family. We’re also making new year’s resolutions with a green twist. There’s a special look at
the growth in recycling – and how it’s now even easier to make the most of our precious resources. This month we’ve seen world leaders and award-winning scientists meeting in Copenhagen to find ways of halting our energy crisis and dealing with a changing climate. There has been big talk and big promises but eventually, as always, it’ll be
Please do keep your news coming – email me at jade.wright@ liverpool.com or log on to the green blog http://blogs.liverpool echo.co.uk/ecowarrior/ and share your green news with the world.
I’ll feature as much as I can in my weekly pages and in the upcoming It’s Our World supplements, which will appear every three months in your paper. Together we’re making Merseyside a brighter place. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you all.
FOR ALL THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS LOG ON TO ITSOURWORLD.CO.UK
Here’s a picture to warm your heart .... birds at sunset over the fields at Cronton, near Widnes
Picture: ANDREW TEEBAY
Friday, December 18, 2009
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NEWS 3
GREEN fingered Gateacre residents got ● together for a Christmas party to share their love of growing their own at allotments at
Widmore Gardens. Landlord Riverside funded the party for around 40 people and Belle Vale Primary School entertained the gardeners with Christmas Carols. Lee Valley Pensioners joined in the festivities with mince pies and vegetable soup on the menu made with produce from the allotments. In keeping with the green theme Santa popped in with gifts of plants and Christmas hats for the children. “Everyone enjoyed the party,” says Jackie Lowther, Riverside’s community initiatives officer. “It was great to see young and old coming together. We want to encourage more and more people to the allotments. There will be a further seven or eight new allotments available for people in the New Year.” If you are interested in getting involved in the allotments at Widmore Gardens contact Jackie Lowther on 0151 222 6068 or email jacqueline.lowther@riverside.org.uk. Belle Vale primary pupils at Widmore Gardens allotments
Why we’re digging for victory!
Artist John Merrill with Mab Lane community primary pupils
DISABLED people, ● patients recovering from surgery and those suffering
popular and we have a list of people wanting to make the most of it over the forthcoming heart and lung problems are months.” benefiting from a new Leader of Liverpool City community allotment. Council Councillor Warren The plot, in Thingwall Road, Bradley opened the allotment. Wavertree, is aimed at groups He said: “There are so many who might not otherwise have benefits to working on an the opportunity to get their allotment – it’s great exercise, hands dirty, including people you can grow your own fruit and with learning difficulties, vegetables and it’s a great place children and the elderly. to meet new people and relax. Linda Lamb, acting secretary “This new plot is particularly of Thingwall Road Allotment special as it is aimed at those Committee, says: “We’re so who wouldn’t usually spend proud of this initiative - we much time gardening, started applying for grants back encouraging them to improve in March and have slowly their green-fingered skills and gathered more and more reap the many rewards this support and now we can finally pastime can offer. I’d like to put our dream into reality. congratulate the team at “It’s the community who are Thingwall Road for setting this really going to benefit from this scheme up and I’m sure there and seeing the looks on the faces will be a huge demand from of those involved is going to be people to use the site.” worth all the hard work. To find out more about “We’re going to encourage allotment opportunities the groups to grow vegetables, provided by the city council go fruit and flowers and already the to www.liverpool.gov.uk or call plot is already proving really 0151 233 6339.
Warren Bradley with Rosie Gereson, 7
PUPILS from West Derby are ● working with an award-winning community artist to create a range of
sculptures for the new £600,000 Mab Lane Community Woodland. School children from St Brigid’s, St Albert’s and Mab Lane Community Primary schools are getting crafty with artist John Merrill to design three masterpieces that will eventually adorn the 25-hectare green space, close to Stockbridge village and Croxteth Country Park. Taking the environment as the theme John is running a series of workshops with the children which will inspire the site’s landmark works of art and help them continue to celebrate Liverpool’s Year of the Environment. Work is already underway on site to rectify waterlogging problems with a series of drains installed to redirect excess water from the site. And a network of footpaths are being laid to provide access to the woodlands’ natural and man-made attractions. Due for completion in summer 2010 West Derby’s freshest green offering will boast 20,000 new native UK trees many of which will be planted by local school children and community groups. The site will also boast wildflower meadows and a community orchard as well as the larger-than-life sculptures created by John Merrill and the local schoolchildren.
4 NEWS
Friday, December 18, 2009
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Santa, all I want for this I Xmas is ...
T’S the time of year to show your loved ones just how much you care. But present buying doesn’t mean you have to ignore the planet.Gifts don't have to be brand-new, or expensive, to make someone happy. Browse through second-hand shops or search online to find classic accessories, retro furniture, original books, traditional games and toys to help take the pressure off our planet's dwindling resources.
But if you really want something new here’s what’s on our lists...
The Eden Project has a fantastic range of ethical and recycled Christmas gifts – and all profits will be immediately donated directly back into the Eden Charitable Trust. We’ve fallen in love with these cute Christmas crackers handmade in Dorset. They’re the perfect accessory for any table this Christmas. The packaging also doubles up as a postage box so you can send them through the mail as an alternative gift. Each cracker contains a packet of seeds, a hat made from recycled paper, an environmental message about the planet and of course a bang! £12.50 from www.edenprojectgifts.com. While you’re there have a look at Green Glass. They make great looking useful things from recycled beer and wine bottles. Inspired by walking on the beach Green Glass has a fab range of jewellery made from recycled glass that reflects the colours and textures of the beach glass we find washed up on the shore.The rough beaded jewellery is made from crushed, fused glass which results in a slightly irregular shape and wonderfully tactile beads. Their polished glass jewellery is made by pouring molten glass into moulds for an incredibly smooth feel. Bracelets cost from £8.50 and necklaces from £12, www.edenprojectgifts.com. Wrapping paper can add up to a whole lot of unnecessary waste. This Christmas the It’s Our World girls have gone mad for Knot-Wrapping our gifts. This means using vintage scarves to wrap your pressies. Either reuse old ones or go to Lush at www.lush.co.uk. When you place your order add the Knot-Wrap to your basket. They’ll pick out a scarf at random and send it with your order. You can order as many as you need to wrap all your goodies and they look fab under the tree. If you're wondering how many products fit into a Knot-Wrap there is an online calculator. They can then be reused or worn as scarves. A perfect festive forget-me-Knot costs £3.95 from Lush. We’re also loving their hand and body lotion made with skin-softening cocoa butter and almond oil to make your skin feel lovely and with a scent you’ll want to sniff all day long. It’s vegan and cruelty free. And very penny that you pay – excluding the VAT – will go into the Lush Charity Pot Fund. It is then given to animal and environment charities. The hand and body lotion costs £9.95 from www.lush.co.uk.
Eco friendly Christmas gifts include these handmade Christmas crackers and green beads, all wrapped up in a scarf knot
● TREAT the gadget lover in your life to an environmentally-friendly mobile phone with solar power charger. A percentage of the monthly contract payments goes directly to local renewable energy projects. C Mobile (www.cmobile.co.uk) gives £1 a month from each phone contract to local renewable energy projects in your area. All handsets come with a Pico solar-powered energy pack which trap the power of the sun in the day allowing you to charge your phone “off grid” when you get home or on the move. All handsets also come with Energy Star-approved mains adaptors that stop chargers when they are fully charged saving energy and money. Lots more information about C Mobile’s unique phone packages can be found at www.cmobile.co.uk
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T'S free. It's easy to source and it's about as sustainable as it's possible to be. The latest renewable energy source is being heralded as the perfect solution to climate fears – and it's on its way to a road near you. Biomethane is a by-product of treated sewage. Microbes break down the raw material and release the gas which can then be used in slightly modified engines. It emits less carbon and is easier and cheaper to produce than other forms of biogas. Despite coming from sewage it doesn’t smell – it’s almost identical in composition to the natural gas extracted from under the North Sea. It is so colourless and odourless they actually have to add a “gas” smell so leaks can be detected when necessary. And it looks as though biomethane is coming our way thanks to the BIONIC project co-ordinated on a European basis by Merseytravel and active in Spain, Bulgaria, Romania, Sweden and the UK. Merseytravel is helping to bring sustainable, locally produced biofuels to businesses in the North West. Merseytravel and Lancashire County Council are leading efforts to promote the production and use of sustainably produced biofuels which reduce CO2 emissions without impacting on food or rainforests. Diesel buses will only require minor modifications to their engines to run on methane. The only noticeable difference will be how quietly they are to drive.
Friday, December 18, 2009
We’re on the road to a new green superfuel
Merseyside buses could be running on biofuels
As well as biomethane the around £1,500 on an average project is also looking at the mileage, 44-ton HGV it’s use of waste cooking oil to already proving popular. make biodiesel. Merseytravel has been The aim is to work instrumental in co-ordinating alongside local producers to dialogue between countries increase the market for on biofuel technology. “good” biofuels. The organisation was “United Utilities is already moderator of the latest working to extract project BIONIC methane from meeting in Bulgaria sewage and it’ll be last month which powering their fleet culminated in the of tankers from next fifth national year,” says Andrew conference of Leadbetter, Bulgarian energy Environmental agencies. Officer for Neil Scales, Chief Merseytravel. Executive and “It’s feasible that Director General of within a few years Merseytravel, says: buses and other “We’re an large vehicles could organisation with the Neil Scales be powered by environment at our biomethane. It heart so to be makes sense. Not working to shape the only would it otherwise be future of biofuel technology wasted but the reduction in on an international basis is emissions would be a real where we want to be. The aim benefit.” is to bring best practice to the Andrew and the team are region. also looking at ways in which “We’re gaining new used cooking fat could be experiences and harvested from industrial understanding that, as well kitchens and used to make as supporting our work, will biodiesel. enable us to share this on a “There is a producer in broader basis with Knowsley called ReFuel Merseyside businesses.” which is making high quality ● For more information Biodiesel from cooking oil about the BIONIC project and already. They use oil that to find out how you can get would otherwise have to be involved visit the website disposed of – it reduces air www.bionic-project.eu. pollution and lowers carbon emissions by almost 90%.” Modern diesel engines can use biodiesel ● What do you think? Should biofuel be without deployed more widely? Have your say at modification. www.itsourworld.co.uk With annual cost savings of
HAVE YOUR SAY
NEWS 5
6 NEWS
Friday, December 18, 2009
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Green Santa
L
IVERPOOL is so environmentally friendly this Christmas even Santa has turned green. Over at Lewis’s Department Store the elves have been working overtime to build an impressive grotto – and it’s all been inspired by the Year of the Environment theme. If you walk through the wonderland you’ll come across green and blue recycling bins, a recycling centre, litter-picking characters, an allotment area where characters are composting and their very own version of Go Penguins. Living as he does in the north pole old Saint Nick is well aware of the problems of climate change and so now he’s doing his bit to find out who’s naughty or nice to the environment. As parents and children are waiting to meet Santa they can get involved with green activities such as Love Food Hate Waste puzzles and questions about what can and can’t be recycled. Liverpool City Council’s executive member for the environment Councillor Berni Turner says: “I’m
delighted that Lewis’s are embracing the Year of the Environment and have dedicated their grotto to the green theme. “Young people are learning about the environment in a fun way and having allotment plots, composting and green challenges in-store really makes the grotto stand out from any other. “I hope as many people make the most of the attraction and as a result enjoy a green Christmas.” There’s also a Christmas Tree of Love in support of Marie Curie Cancer Care, where you can hang a star for a loved one. The special Christmas tree will be on display in the store throughout the festive season. There will also be festive Boxes of Love for sale for £1 each at checkouts in various departments around the store. All proceeds go towards helping the Marie Curie Hospice, in Liverpool, which provides specialist medical
and nursing care. “We’re delighted to have the support of Lewis’s again this Christmas,” says Community Fundraiser Colette Byrne. “Since 2001 Lewis’s has raised in excess of £9,000 thanks to the generosity of local people in Merseyside. “Their support for Marie Curie Cancer Care is very much appreciated.”
WISHING EWE A MERRY CHRISTMAS! FANCY TREATING YOURSELF TO THE PERFECT SOUVENIR OF LIVERPOOL’S SPECIAL GREEN YEAR? Liverpool City Council has created 35 limited edition, lamb-size, green Superlambananas, which cost £250 each, to help celebrate a fantastic environmentally-friendly year across the region. If you’d like to get your hands on one of these icons you must register an interest by either: • Sending your name and contact details to Superlambanana Draw, The 08 Place, 36-38 Whitechapel, Liverpool, L1 6DZ • Emailing your name and contact details to ourcityourplanet@liverpool.gov.uk All expressions of interest must be received by midday Monday 21 December, and the lucky 35 will then be drawn out of a hat. If you’re selected, you will be contacted and asked to come to the 08 Place to pay for and collect your superlambanana. For more information about Liverpool’s Year of the Environment or to become a green ambassador go to www.ourcityourplanet.co.uk
Along with the Go Penguins, Lewis’s store has a Tree of Love in support of Marie Curie Cancer Care
Be seen to be green! Become a Green Ambassador to help spread the word on good ‘green’ practices in Liverpool during our Year of the Environment. We’re looking for: ● Businesses with fantastic environmental credentials ● Community groups with recycling or other green activities ● Schools with good green initiatives or projects
Whatever your environmental contribution - we’d love to hear from you! Year of the Environment Green Ambassadors will be promoted as case studies on our website and possibly in the media so you should be prepared to have the (energy efficient) spotlight shone on your environmental achievements!
To find out more go to: www.ourcityourplanet.co.uk
Round the World yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur signs up to become a Green Ambassador
Friday, December 18, 2009
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NEWS 7
School puts climate change on the map
Children at Cronton C of E Primary with some of their Go Green artwork
The flood debate
S
CIENTISTS studying climate change are warning we should prepare for wetter winters. Last month we watched in horror as torrential rain led to severe floods in the Lake District. But surely that could never happen in Merseyside... “That could easily have been 100 miles further south,” says Pete Fox, the Environment Agency North West Flood and Coastal Risk Manager. “Those floods were caused by unusually heavy rainfall over a 24-hour period overwhelming the rivers. But that could have happened anywhere there is water. “Our rivers are designed to cope with the everyday level of flow. Just now and again the flow rate increases and covers the floodplain. “Part of the problem is caused when we build new houses in areas that have previously been avoided because of the risk of flood. “There are 21,000 properties at risk of flooding in Merseyside – from the river or the sea. And that number is going to rise. We should be prepared for more of the same.” There are a number of flood warning areas for Merseyside, including around the River Birket at Meols and Leasowe, Arrowe Brook at Upton, the coastline at the Head of the Wirral, the Mersey Estuary at Woodside and the coastline at Crosby, Hightown and Southport – the full list is on the Environment Agency website. Is the problem of flooding getting worse? And if so, why? “We can't pin any one event down to climate change. But this pattern of weather is what scientists have been predicting,” says Pete. “These days a flood causes much more damage than it may have once done. We now have carpeted floors and electrical goods. It's
much easier to mop floodwater off a stone floor than a carpeted one. So the clear-up after a flood is much more lengthy than it would have been.” The cost of being flooded is far higher than the losses incurred by burglary or fire. The average cost of a home flooding is £28,000, compared to £7,300 losses from fire damage and just over £1,000 for a burglary. But far fewer people have taken steps to protect their homes against flooding than against the other threats. “There are things you can do if your home is in one of the at-risk areas,” says
SOME TOP TIPS
HERE are the Environment Agency’s top tips. Bear them in mind when choosing the decor in both your home or business. They make it both easier and cheaper to clean up if you suffer from flood damage. ● Lay ceramic tiles on the ground floor and use rugs rather than fitted carpets. ● Raise the height of electrical sockets to at least 1.5 metres above ground floor level. ● Use lime plaster instead of gypsum on walls. ● Fit stainless steel or plastic kitchens instead of chipboard ones or have movable free-standing kitchen units. ● Fit non-return valves to all drains and water inlet pipes. ● Position any main parts of a heating or ventilation system, like a boiler, upstairs.
KNOWSLEY schoolchildren are adding their voice to a local initiative aimed at tackling climate change. Children at Cronton CofE Primary, in Smithy Lane, Cronton, have designed posters encouraging residents to adopt a “greener” lifestyle. The initiative coincides with the launch of a public consultation across Knowsley on an action plan to help the borough address climate change. The posters, and a robot made by the children from recycled materials, will be displayed at the events – involving householders, businesses and community groups – to discuss the plan. Cronton pupils recently held their own Climate Change Week when they passed on energy-saving tips to classmates.
Pete. “In Cumbria we were able to warn people in some areas 24 hours before the floods came which gave them time to move possessions and vulnerable people.” The Environment Agency provides flood warnings 24 hours a day – updated every 15 minutes. Their website gives free warnings in each of their eight regions covering England and Wales. Pete added: “We have a flood line warnings direct service. But a third of people in at risk areas still haven't signed up.” The flood warnings helped many Cumbrian householders last month. “People who knew they lived in areas that were at risk could prepare,” says Pete. “I spoke to one man who had done some simple DIY and put up a barrier around his front door. “He's back in his house now. But his neighbours on either side who didn't do anything have more damage and wont be able Pete Fox, the to go home until after Christmas. Environment “There are simple Agency North things you can do to West Flood and protect your home.” Coastal Risk Check if you are in a Manager flood risk area at www.environment -agency.gov.uk and enter your postcode to see if your property is at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea. Essential information on what to do before, during and after a flood can be found at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ homeandleisure/floods
Knowsley’s climate change action plan, being developed by the council alongside the Local Strategic Partnership, outlines proposals aimed at supporting job creation, tackling fuel poverty, protecting against severe weather and improving energy security. The actions include both current and new commitments: ● Reducing domestic and commercial carbon emissions by 21.1% by 2021. ● Increasing the amount of renewable energy generated via a “Biomass Hub”. ● Developing a carbon management plan for Council premises. ● Creating new community woodland as part of managing green spaces. ● Diverting food waste from landfill and recycling it as compost. ● Setting carbon budgets including participation in a carbon trading scheme.
climate change: not another place
A colony of penguins has been spotted on a beach in Merseyside – further evidence that climate change is already affecting the UK. Go Penguins bring a serious message to Liverpool: climate change is real and it is happening here. We are seeing the impacts of severe weather now and we are going to have to deal with more frequent and extreme weather events in the future, like heat waves, droughts, storms and flooding. Every business, organisation and individual in Merseyside has a part to play in reducing their contribution to the causes of climate change it is now up to all of us to ask ourselves: What can I do to help reduce the effects of climate change? The Environment Agency exists to protect and improve the environment, and to promote sustainable development. For more information on how you can make a difference to climate change log onto:
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
8 NEWS
Friday, December 18, 2009
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IT’S THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY ... AND GREEN
G
ONE are the days when a green Christmas meant munching on lentils and going without. Today you can enjoy an ethically conceived and beautifully executed green Christmas with sustainable trees, home-made gifts and a carbon footprint that won’t rival sasquatch. Increasingly consumers are asking where their products come from. And in response to this shift in consumer choice the whole concept of a green Christmas has sprung up. From energy-efficient fairy lights to recycled wrapping paper Christmas need no longer be simply an orgy of cheap and nasty decorations and gaudy plastic packaging. Green consumers can have their Christmas cake and eat it – thanks to a host of new eco-friendly services and products...
store. They are helping the Woodland Trust to plant and maintain woodlands throughout Merseyside.
TREE
Rather than buy a cut tree this year try a potted, fairly traded fir? Ask your garden centre for a tree that you can immediately re-plant in your garden. And make sure you water it throughout the festive period. Alternatively, if the roots are damaged or removed, compost it and feed your other plants and trees. For people without a garden recycle your tree. For Liverpool parks tree recycling see our listings section on pages 14-15. There's also tree recycling in Halton. See www.recyleforhalton.com for details.
CARDS
The Royal Mail delivers some 150m cards and packages every day leading up to Christmas according to WasteOnline. This means that around 1 billion Christmas cards – or 17 for every man, woman and child – could potentially end up in bins across the UK come January. Short of sending e-cards – which while they may be green can feel a bit impersonal – try reusing your old ones instead. Simply cut out nice designs and features from the front cover to make new cards. Or use nice paper to stick over the inside fold to write your own message on existing cards. You can do the same with envelopes – stick labels over the address and write over them. Make them yourself or buy 100 for £4.50 from www.ecocentric.co.uk with the motto “Every envelope should have another journey” proudly emblazoned. If you don't have the time Snowflakes, made by green company Kornflake (www.kornflake.co.uk), hand make cards from recycled breakfast cereal boxes with envelopes made from surplus West-End theatre posters. They're £5 for a pack of 10 from kornflake.bigcartel.com. Come January don’t chuck those cards out. Instead plan on recycling them at any WH Smith or major Tesco
GREEN &GORGEOUS Mixed pine cone garlands add touch of class
WREATH
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a white Christmas this year. There’s nothing more enjoyable than getting outside and making your own wreath with trimmed pine branches, holly and wire available from your local florist. You can then add whatever you’d like to your wreath – be it pretty baubles or a collection of heavenly scented cinnamon, star anise and cardamom pods. Then garnish it all with a bow and nail it to your front door. Or for something different try a recycled wreath made by a small artisan project in Mali, £18, which uses
EASY NUT ROAST (Serves 4-6) 1 medium sized onion or 1 small leek, chopped 30ml vegetable oil 2tsp (10 ml) yeast extract in 1/4 pint hot water 8oz (225g) chopped mixed nuts 2tbsp ground almonds 4oz (100g) wholemeal breadcrumbs 1tbsp sage Pinch cayenne pepper Salt and pepper to taste Saute the onion or leek in the oil until soft, not browned. Combine all of the ingredients together – the mixture may be slightly slack. Turn into an oiled ovenproof dish and bake in the oven at 180C/350F/gas mark 4 for 30 minutes until golden brown.
Friday, December 18, 2009
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wrapping paper can be recycled
n and fun too! And the
gree Yes, Christmas presents can be
materials such as recycled tins and cans to create a festive bunch of small boxes, bows, holly leaves and the wreath itself. It might not smell of Christmas. But it’s sure to catch some eyes over dinner (www.biomelifestyle.com).
DECORATIONS
Instead of rushing out to buy generic tree decorations this year why not consider making your own, or investing in some fairly traded, handmade handicrafts instead? Holly always looks great. So trim branches and bring them indoors. Swags of bay leaves and cloves studded into clementines look and smell fantastic. And this year I'll be making my own garlands out of pine cones and teasel heads. Or stick with tradition and plump for a big bunch of mistletoe. Hang it with pretty ribbon and linger under it to see if you get your Christmas wish... You could also try felt decorations. Green company Biome has stocked a range of felt tree decorations – all handmade by a small women’s collective in Kathmandu – which are sure to brighten up any tree (www.biomelifestyle.com).
STAR
If you’re keen to make your own Christmas tree decorations look no further than your backyard or local park. The changing leaves can be collected, dried and arranged into a “star”shape to hang from the top of the tree along with some dried winter flowers and pine cones for a Scandinavian twist.
WRAPPING PAPER
If you feel uneasy buying and binning expensive paper and labels try re-using your Christmas wrap – use it for children’s playing paper, iron it and keep it for next year or give it to your local school. Any damaged pieces can be recycled in your recycling bin or taken to your local recycling centre - just make sure you put the glossy type on your cardboard bin and remove any sticky tape.
PRESENTS
Let’s hope for snow (not too much) this year
NEWS 9
Instead of just buying a gift for the sake of it for your friends and family this year – try giving a gift that may make a difference instead. Get your hubby or wife thinking more greenly with Hugh Bowring’s fantastic Green Living Guide, £7.99, Dennis Publishing. It is stocked with tips on how to go green on a budget. From ideas on how to reduce your rubbish to staying in an eco holiday lodge, your family - and your household bills - will be sure to thank you for such a well-considered gift. Perhaps the wiliest way to teach your daughter how to be more eco, the Green Dollhouse by Plan Toys, £149.95 (www.johnlewis.com or phone 08456 049 049) includes a wind turbine, solar panel, water butt, electricity generator
and recycling bins - all specially designed to teach girls aged three and up about sustainability. Treat the gourmet in your life to a tipple with low “food miles” – British wine. The Primrose Hill line from Chapel Down, in Kent, also employs carbon reducing techniques when producing their crisp Primrose Hill Bacchus (£15.49), refreshing rose (£13.49) and new addition Primrose Hill Brut sparkling (£25.49), all available from Vinea on the Albert Dock. What better way to toast in the new year... And what do you get the person who has everything? How about feeding a starving family in their name? For £7, Oxfam Unwrapped (www.oxfam.org.uk /shop) will give a family the edible equivalent of first aid in a crisis zone – grain, beans, oil, salt and sugar - to keep everyone going until normality is restored. Or for keen gardeners why not give all the essentials for creating a working allotment in the developing world in their name – tools and seeds or training and education – enabling a family to feed themselves and sell the surplus. That's £24 that'll leave you with a warm glow into the new year. If you'd rather reuse something than buy new, or you have unwanted gifts after Christmas, place an ad on Knowsley’s free new swap site – http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ LiverpoolRecycle/ – and you never know, you could have just the thing someone else is looking for.
CHRISTMAS DINNER
This year it seems we're eating less meat than ever. Maybe that's because of the economic downturn. Or maybe it's because we're becoming more environmentally aware. But either way, more of us than ever are embracing vegetarian food. But that doesn't mean you have to spend the whole Christmas holidays explaining why vegans and veggies don’t eat roast turkey. Bake yourself an easy nut roast instead. This, and more delicious Christmas vegan recipes, are available from the Vegan Society at www.vegansociety.com. ● For more on a green Christmas, including our 12 Days of Christmas Recycling, see www.itsourworld.co.uk.
10 NEWS
Friday, December 18, 2009
★★★★
Super Xmas wrap-ing! M
ERSEYSIDE'S households will throw out five extra bags of rubbish over the Christmas period. With everything from cardboard boxes to extra bottles of wine Christmas tends to be a time of consumption. Figures from Wrap (Waste and Resources Action Programme), the government-funded body that promotes recycling, show that England's households will create nearly three quarters of a million tonnes of extra rubbish this Christmas – that's five black bin bags per household, creating 36kg of waste. But by recycling that waste we cut down our Christmas footprints considerably. And it'll give you more than just a warm glow and the knowledge that you've done your bit. Halton Borough Council has linked up with RecycleBank to launch a free voluntary rewards for recycling scheme. Residents in the wards of Daresbury, Grange, Heath, Halton Castle, Broadheath, Hough Green and Halton View can earn on average over £135 in rewards value every year – just for their recycling efforts. RecycleBank rewards residents with points for the amount of recyclable material they put into their blue recycling bin. The Points can then be exchanged for money off goods and services at more than 100 local and national shops, restaurants, leisure and entertainment facilities.
REWARDSTIME ● MAKE sure you don’t miss out on great rewards for Christmas and activate your ReycleBank account today. If you are one of the households eligible to participate in the RecycleBank scheme then here are some of the great rewards you can take advantage of this month: Treat loved ones to a FREE mini facial at Taylor Richards Hair and Beauty Salon when swapped for 150 points Get your meat from the local butchers this Christmas with 15% off £10 or more spent at Sherwin’s butchers Give someone special a beautiful bouquet when you exchange 40 points for a15% off all flowers voucher to redeem at Stathers Full details on the rewards available can be found at www.recyclebank.com.
FOR ALL THE LATEST ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS LOG ON TO ITSOURWORLD.CO.UK
Here in Halton, we currently recycle around a quarter of our household waste, which is fantastic. However, the council is committed to increase this even further. It’s thought as much as 70% of what we throw away can be recycled and doing so makes real sense:
ReCyClIng saves money… reduces pollution… saves raw materials Halton Borough Council provides a kerbside recycling collection service to over 26,000 homes that enables you to recycle the following items in your blue wheeled bin.
• Paper • Plastic bottles • Cans • Cardboard • Glass bottles and jars
Coming Soon
Multi-material recycling collections extended to a further 16,000 homes during July
If you have a blue bin for paper only, we will be visiting areas over the coming weeks with information and the opportunity for you to ask questions about the switchover to multi-material in the summer. You can also telephone us on 0303 333 4300 or email us at recycling@halton.gov.uk More information is also on the web at www.halton.gov.uk
Knowsley is on a winner THE growth in recycling rates appears to have spread around Merseyside. In Knowsley residents have exceeded 28% on its household recycling rate, so the Council is thanking all locals who have made the effort to recycle this year, and is encouraging them to keep up the good work through the festive season. And as an extra “thank you” Knowsley is offering up to sixteen £50 prizes to residents who put their recycling bins out for collection in the two weeks after Christmas. Cllr David Lonergan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Delivery, says:
"Congratulations Knowsley on raising our game. You've made a real difference to our recycling this year. And to celebrate, we’ll be offering residents an extra Christmas treat – £50 prizes for some lucky recyclers. “If we don't get a White Christmas, have a green one instead. You can do something every day this Christmas holiday to make Knowsley cleaner and greener. And if you haven’t started recycling already, then why not make it your New Year’s resolution to start.” ● This Yuletide Knowsley is celebrating the alternative 12 Days of Christmas. See the countdown at www.itsour world.co.uk.
★★★★
Friday, December 18, 2009
NEWS 11
Don’t waste a thing ... it’s just not cool!
TV foodie Sue Perkins is calling householders Merseyside and Halton to join the Freezer Expedition at lovefood hatewaste.com in preparation for the festive season
TOP FREEZER TIPS FROM LOVE FOOD HATE WASTE
● Food can be frozen at any point up to the end of the “use by” date. can ● If you defrost raw meat and then cook it thoroughly, you freeze it again. Just take care to defrost thoroughly and re-heat until piping hot. to ● Freezing fresh foods and home-cooked meals is a great way eat save food for later, sealing in the goodness until you are ready to it – freeze in portions or delicious home-made ready meals. ● Almost any food (including hard cheese, milk, mashed potato, bread, homemade meals and cakes) can be frozen – check www.lovefoodhatewaste.com for more information. ● Cooked food should be cooled before transferring into the freezer. you ● It is safe to defrost food at room temperature, provided intend to eat it as soon as it’s thawed. Or defrost in the fridge overnight and plan to eat within two days. will ● Labelling and dating foods before you put them in the freezer future. the in ‘UFOs’ avoid help potatoes ● You can prepare ahead for Christmas by parboiling your and freezing them. ● If you’re going away this Christmas don’t forget you can freeze any unused milk before you go. to ● If you’re struggling to get your portions right why not go lovefoodhatewaste.com and use our portion calculator to find out exactly how much you need to cook for Christmas dinner.
C
HRISTMAS is a time to eat, drink and be merry. But there’s no reason why it should cost you a fortune if you don’t let anything go to
waste. And by making the most of what you buy you will reduce the amount sent to landfill and help keep Merseyside a more environmentally friendly place. In particular food that is thrown away which could have been frozen adds to the food waste problem. In the run up to Christmas when the freezer comes into its own Love Food Hate Waste campaign is calling on us all to find out what’s inside our freezers. By making meals from what’s already there we can save money, postpone our regular shop and make room for new festive foods, homemade meals and those inevitable leftovers. TV foodie Sue Perkins is calling on householders in Merseyside and Halton to join the Freezer Expedition at lovefoodhatewaste.com this weekend in preparation for the festive season. “The freezer is just like a ‘pause’
button to help save foods – it’s no longer a dark, distant place to me,” says Sue, one half of food and drink history series The Supersizers Go. Love Food Hate Waste spokeswoman Jane Little-Smith adds: “The Freezer Expedition is a journey into the unknown for some of us. Our new findings show that most of us would never freeze traditional Christmas foods if we’ve over-catered, even though freezing means we can choose to eat them later. So Love Food Hate Waste campaign is giving myth busting advice on what we can freeze – and it’s practically everything.” Christmas cake, leftover turkey, potatoes, stilton and even wine can be frozen for another time – saving you pounds, cutting waste and helping the planet. UK households are predicted to spend more than £520m* on Christmas dinner alone this year. So starting the season with more room to freeze our Christmas foods and leftovers should help us all save money and reduce our food waste. Since the Love Food Hate Waste campaign launched two million homes are feeling the benefits of
cutting back on the food they waste saving £400m. A staggering £12bn worth of food and drink is thrown out every year in UK homes. Householders are throwing out on average £480 a year. This increases to £680 per year for families with children – or £50 per month. Food and drink waste is damaging to the environment because producing, storing and getting the food to our homes uses a lot of energy and resources – all of which are wasted when it gets binned. And most of this reaches landfill sites where it emits methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. ● You can watch Sue Perkins at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com taking part in her very own Freezer Expedition and discovering practical tips as she goes along. The website also features a new range of freezable family meals to make at home, many of which can be cooked straight from frozen for convenience over the holidays. * Nielsen Homescan data based on Christmas foods 2008 spending figures.
12 NEWS
Friday, December 18, 2009
★★★★
Sock it to them!
N
O, they're not woolly aliens from outer space. These cute woolly creatures are one of the winning entries in the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce environmental art competition. Jennifer Hall’s Silly Sock Monsters won The People’s Choice award in the celebrations at the Chamber’s green-themed annual dinner. And as well as a loveable appearance the monsters – made out of old socks – also have a practical purpose. Jennifer teaches design and technology at a boy’s school. “They were designed as a textile project to capture the boy’s imagination,” she explains. “They have been a huge success and have encouraged the pupils to think about objects that they would discard in a new and exciting way. “Our future counts on the education of the younger members of society. If we can inspire them now they will produce a cleaner environment for
future generations.” The theme for the competition was Reduce Reuse Recycle, the three key processes for creating a more sustainable environment. The first prize winner was designer Ilsa Parry who featured recently on BBC2’s Design for Life. She submitted a funky light fitting made up of aluminium swarth. “Engineers use up tons of aluminium every year in turning metal using lathes,” says Ilsa. “This product represents how one man’s junk can be another man’s treasure simply by changing the context.” Maresa Molloy, Head of Policy and Information at Liverpool Chamber, adds: “We were impressed with the imaginative and innovative green entries and it was a difficult job to pick the winner. However what we liked about Ilsa Parry’s lamp is that it’s taking a waste material which is difficult to recycle and using it to create a new and attractive product.”
Jennifer Hall’s Silly Sock Monsters won The People’s Choice award in a Liverpool Chamber of Commerce environmental art competition
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LITTLE GREEN BOOK PROVIDES BIG GREEN ANSWERS
As a culmination to the Year of the Environment, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce is launching the Little Green Book. Printed on recycled paper using a green printing process. The book offers an A-Z guide from energy suppliers to business support organisations and funding for innovation if you would like to receive a copy please e-mail your request to thegreenedge@liverpoolchamber.org.uk or download it for free
http://www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk/greenbook.html
Stop wasting around £300 a year with a free home energy check Sunny Solar visits Bleak Hill primary school in St Helens to celebrate new solar panels PUPILS at Bleak funding to help a local Hill Primary school in this way. School, in St Helens, “By switching on proved they are bright these solar panels sparks by officially Bleak Hill Primary switching on their School is teaching the £20,000 solar panels next generation about installed with funding climate change while from The setting an excellent Co-operative. example to other The children were schools, businesses joined by The and homes in St Co-operative’s Helens. We hope this colourful climate will inspire wider change character efforts to reduce the Sunny Solar for the whole community’s launch of the rooftop carbon footprint.” panels which are half Headteacher Ian funded by The Wellens adds: “We Co-operative’s £2m are proud to be Green Energy for among the schools Schools scheme with leading the way on match-funding from renewable energy the Government’s through this generous Low Carbon Building Co-operative scheme. Programme (LCBP). “We are already Michael Fairclough, working hard to The Co-operative’s reduce the school’s head of community carbon footprint and and campaigns, says: switching on these “As a community rooftop solar panels business with a long will instantly boost track record in using our efforts while renewable energy to sending out a strong power our own message about our buildings it makes commitment to sense to bring our helping the experience and environment.”
●
Hello, Dave here. If you’re looking for easy ways to stop wasting energy and money the Energy Saving Trust can help. So, complete your home energy check today.
Call 0800 512 012 or visit energysavingtrust.org.uk/check
NEWS 13
Friday, December 18, 2009
★★★★
Some home truths . . .
W Spruce up for Christmas!
l
Seasons Greetings and ! Peace to all on GreenEarth www.johnsoncleaners.com
11474/1209
HAT are your resolutions for 2010? Lose a few pounds? Exercise a bit more? Spend more time with your loved ones? Well one resolution that's easy to keep – and could save a small fortune – is winterproofing your home. Houses without insulation lose 50% of the heat we put in – wasting energy and clocking up high bills. Householders in the North West currently waste around £420m of energy every year because of poorly insulated homes. At a time when every penny counts it makes sense to make your home as efficient as possible. So what can we do about it? With the exception of very new houses just about every home in the North West could benefit from having three energy efficiency measures. These new year energy resolutions will have a big financial and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission saving: ● Loft insulation (save £150 a year if you have no insulation at the moment) – the typical cost is £250 but grants are available. Call the Wallasey-based Energy Saving Trust advice centre to find out about offers in your area on 0800 512 012. Their service is free and independent so they wont try to sell you anything. ● Cavity wall insulation (save £115 a year) – the typical unsubsidised installed cost is around £500. But with a grant it's about £250 and some people (usually those aged 70 or over) can have it installed for free. ● Replace old-style boilers with new condensing ones. These use the heat from the exhaust gases that would otherwise escape through the flue, in the process turning water vapour from the gas back into liquid water or condensate. Replacing your old boiler with a new A-rated one and fitting a full set of heating controls can cut your heating bills by up to a quarter. ● Fit a hot water tank jacket and insulate your pipe work. By fitting a British Standard jacket around your hot water tank you can save around £35 a year and around 190 kg of CO2. By insulating your primary pipe work (the visible hot water pipes) you can save around £10 a year and around 60 kg of CO2. ● Fit draught proofing to windows and doors and save around £25 a year and around 130 kg of CO2. ● Complete a free Home Energy Check to find out how to improve the energy rating of your home. It could save you around £300 a year off your energy bills. The team will also be able to give advice on grants and offers available to help pay for insulation and improvements. ● Visit www.energysavingtrust. org.uk/check or call 0800 512 012 to arrange it.
Insulating your roof is just one of the many good ways to save money ... and help save energy
DO YOU
CARE
ABOUT THE
If you have a real Christmas Tree this year you can recycle it and help the environment.
ENVIRONMENT?
It’s really simple, if you bring your Christmas tree down to L i f e b o a t R o a d car park in Formby, Sefton Coast and Countryside Service will use your tree in the sand dunes to help trap sand and build the dunes up to allow them to act as a natural sea defence. Bring your tree a n y t i m e a f t e r B o x i n g D a y - the place to drop them off will be clearly signposted. For information visit www.sefton.gov.uk
Lifeboat Road you can also drop your tree off at C r o s b y C o a s t a l P a r k where trees will be taken for If you can’t get down to
use at Formby Point.
Hightown C o m p o s t i n g C o L t d (Orrell Hill Lane,
Alternatively take it to
off the Formby Bypass) where the trees will be composted. Crosby Coastal Park & Hightown Composting Co Ltd will be open
Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 1pm.
DONT FORGET
Take off any decorations
NO
plastic trees please! www.sefton.gov.uk
For other locations for recycling your Christmas tree please visit your Local Council website.
14 NEWS
Friday, December 18, 2009
DIARY December 15 Healthy Family Ramble, Everton Park. Bring along the children and keep fit while enjoying an informative ramble around this park as part of Respect week. Meet 1pm outside St George’s Church, Hayworth Street. Free. 0151 233 3007, www.liverpool.gov.uk/parks December 15 Christmas Tea Dance amidst the Palms, Sefton Park Dance away a Winter afternoon at the Christmas Tea Dance. Entertainment from Neil Allcock and his Trio. 1-4pm. Admission price £8 to include sandwiches, cake, tea/coffee. Book now on 0151 726 9304, 0151 726 2415, www.palmhouse.org.uk December 17 North Wirral Coastal Park Task Day Join the Rangers and the Friends of North Wirral Coastal Park for some conservation volunteering. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Booking essential. Sorry no dogs. Free. 0151 678 5488, www.wirral.gov.uk. December 17 Take a Break, Otterspool Park & Promenade Take a break from the Christmas shopping and join the rangers on a healthy walk around the beautiful park examining the abundance of flora and fauna. Starts 1pm. Meet at the Visitors Centre on the side of the Otterspool Inn, near Jericho Lane. Free. 0151 233 3007, www.liverpool.gov.uk/parks December 17 Winter Solstice at Halewood Park, Knowsley A warming and spiritual story told via various theatrical performances and displays shown throughout the park. A perfect way to get you in the festive mood... 6-7.30pm in Halewood Park. Free. 0151 488 6151, www.knowsey.gov.uk December 17 Christmas Carols in Mesnes Park Enjoy communal festive carol singing from 7-8pm. Wrap up warm. Free. 01925 229 021, www.sthelens.gov.uk. December 18 Cultural Aspects of Trees, Clarke Gardens & Eric Hardy Nature Reserve Discover our long-time relationship with trees and how ancient cultural practices influenced our Christmas traditions. Meet at 1pm at the gate of the car park for the Pub in the Park (Allerton Hall). Free. 0151 233 3007, www.liverpool.gov.uk/parks. December 19 Enchanting Children's Tales, Sefton Park Bring along the family to “Old Nick's Cave” in the newly refurbished Sefton Park and discover some magical characters with tales of Christmas past in the company of the Rangers. Starts 1pm. Meet at the Iron Bridge in Sefton Park. Free. 0151 233 3007, www.liverpool.gov.uk/parks. December 19 Christmas Crafts, Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre Make your own seasonal decorations. 12-3pm. Park Drive, Birkenhead. 0151-652-5197, birkenheadpark@wirral.gov.uk. December 20 Winter Walk, Birkenhead Park Look for the signs of winter on this Ranger led guided walk. Booking essential. Suitable for the whole family. Dogs allowed on a lead.1.30-3pm. 0151-652-5197, birkenheadpark@wirral.gov.uk. December 20 In search of Santa Claus, Calderstones Park Join the Rangers as we get in the Christmas spirit with this search for Santa. Come to the Coach House Archway. Starts at 1pm. Free. 0151 233 3007, www.liverpool.gov.uk/parks
★★★★
GO ON, GET OUT & ABOUT Free. 0151 233 3007, www.liverpool.gov.uk/parks December 22 Environmental Aspects of Devonfield Gardens Join the horticultural journey and discover how even small green spaces can support a wealth of Wildlife. Meet at 1pm at the main gate off Devonfield Road. Free. 0151 233 3007, www.liverpool.gov.uk/parks. December 28 Yuletide Tree Trail, Wirral Country Park Have a go at this easy trail for families. Pick up a leaflet at the Visitor Centre and follow the clues. Find out how our ancestors celebrated Yuletide and the importance of trees in their beliefs. There is a small prize. 11am-2pm. 0151-648-4371, wirralcountrypark@wirral.gov.uk December 28 Newsham Park Christmas Family Ramble Bring along the children and walk off the Christmas excesses while enjoying an informative ramble around this Victorian park. Starts 11am. Meet outside Tuebrook Police Station. Free. 0151 233 3007, www.liverpool.gov.uk/parks December 29 Guided Walk around Mesnes Park Join the rangers for a leisurely walk around Mesnes Park. Starts 10.30am. Free. 01925 229 021, www.sthelens.gov.uk December 30 Treasure Hunt, Otterspool Park Can you follow the trail and find the treasure? Join the rangers on this fun event for all the family and find out. Prizes for winners and certificates for all participants. Free. Meet at 1pm at the Visitors' Centre on the side of Otters Pool Inn, near Jericho Lane. 0151 233 3007, www.liverpool.gov.uk/parks January 1 Christmas Tree Recycling Bring your tree for recycling at one of Liverpool's parks. Alderfield Drive, Speke. Woolton Road. Calderstones Park, Yew Tree Car Park. Calderstones Park, Crompton Lane entrance. Long Lane Recreation Ground. Otterspool Promenade. Sefton Park. Wavertree Park. Newsham Park. Everton Park. Stanley Park. Croxteth Country Park. Sefton Park, Lark Lane entrance. 8am-5pm, until January 18. January 3 Cycle Speke, Hale Lighthouse Come along for a bike ride to Hale Lighthouse. The ride leaves Austin Rawlinson Lifestyles at Parklands at 2pm. At a leisurely pace it heads to Hale Lighthouse and then back past Hale to Austin Rawlinson Lifestyles at around 3.30pm. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. A free bike safety check is available – problems can be diagnosed but not fixed. 0151 233 8303, www.liverpool.gov.uk/cyclespeke
January 3 Up Hill and Down Dale, Heswall Dales Join the Ranger on this walk over Heswall Dales, part of the Wirral Way. Sorry no dogs. No need December 21 to book. Stout footwear and suitable clothing Winter Solstice Celebrations, Calderstones required. 10.30am – 12.30pm. Meet at Dale Farm Park Join the Rangers as they explore our ancient cultural entrance, Oldfield Road, Heswall (off Quarry Road West). 0151-677-7594, traditions in Calderstones Park. Starts 7pm. Meet outside the Mansion House, Calderstones Park. midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk
A winter walk on the beach at Formby brings Lowry
January 3 Rice Lane Treasure Hunt Can you follow the trail and find the treasure? Prizes for winners and certificates for all participants. Rice Lane Tennis Centre, Rice Lane Rec, from 1pm. January 4 Plant Propagation Demonstration, Calderstones Park Explore the world of greenhouse plants and see demonstrations of a number of propagation methods. Coach House Archway, Calderstones Park, 1pm. January 5 Stanley Park in Winter Discover some of the more interesting environmental aspects surrounding the newly refurbished Stanley Park. Meet bandstand, in front of the Gladstone Conservatory, 1pm. January 6 Aspects and features of Lark Hill Gardens History, culture, flora and fauna and much more as we discover Lark Hill Park, Lark Hill Library, Queens Drive, 1pm. January 9 Lantern making, Phoenix Park, Halton Rangers will provide the materials for you to make your very own lantern. 1-3pm, 01928 564472. January 10 Mini West Wirral Walk, Wirral Country Park Join the Rangers for a shortened version of this popular winter walk. Ramble across the countryside of West Wirral to welcome the New Year and blow the cobwebs away. Return suitably refreshed to the Visitor Centre. Stout footwear and waterproofs are required. Well behaved dogs are welcome. Booking essential. 10.30am – 12pm. 0151-648-4371, wirralcountrypark@wirral.gov.uk January 10 New Year in the Valley, Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve A seasonal stroll through the valley of the reserve. Strong footwear and suitable clothing is advised. Suitable for children 8+. Sorry no dogs. Booking essential. 10am – 12.30pm. 0151-334-9851, easthamrangers@wirral.gov.uk January 10 Bird Box Making, Wigg Island Do your bit for the environment and help us to help our feathered friends to an early start at nest building by making your own nest box. 1-2.30pm. 01928 563803
A cocker spaniel puppy enjoys the snow
January 11 The Stanley Park Stroll Discover some of the more interesting environmental aspects surrounding the newly refurbished Stanley Park. Bandstand, in front of the Gladstone Conservatory, 1pm. January 12 The Year of Innovation at St John's Gardens Discover this green oasis in the city centre and its statues of famous people whose innovation impacted on our city. Meet near Central Library on William Brown Street, 1pm. January 14 A Taste of Health, Stanley Park Join the PCT food workers in association with the Ranger Service for an interactive cook 'n' taste session. Help prepare a healthy meal, enjoy a healthy ramble with the Rangers before returning to savour the delicious food. The Lodge, 1 Anfield Road, (Close to the Isla Gladstone Conservatory), 10.30am, Free January 14 Discover St Michael's in the Hamlet Explore this little known green oasis; meet outside St Michael's Railway Station, 1pm. January 15 Environmental Wonders of Otterspool Park and Promenade Be amazed at nature's wonders and discover why looking after our environment is so important Otterspool Park and Prom, meet at the Visitors Centre, on side of Otterspool Inn, 1pm. January 16 The Year of Innovation Bird Feeder Roadshow, city centre Join the experts at the Radio Merseyside performance area and discover how to make Bird Feeders and other ways of improving our environment, Radio Merseyside Performance Area, Hanover Street, 10.30am January 17 Bird Walk for beginners, Birkenhead Park An easy walk to help you identify the birds in the park and take part in the RSPB Garden Birdwatch later in the month. It's a great new hobby to take up for the new year. Bring binoculars if you can and dress warmly. Dogs allowed on a lead. 1.30pm start. 0151-652-5197, birkenheadpark@wirral.gov.u.k January 17 Heathland Restoration on the Dales, Heswall Dales Join the Rangers on this practical task removing young trees and scrub on our heathlands. All tools and training will be provided. Sorry no dogs. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. No need to book. 10.30am – 3.30pm. 0151-677-7594, midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk January 18 Our Woodlands and Our Wellbeing Join the rangers in the 'Year of Innovation' and enjoy a walk through our beautiful woodlands and discuss woodland history and the implications of climate change in the future on the woods and its inhabitants Childwall Woods and Fields, meet at the corner of
★★★★
Friday, December 18, 2009
NEWS 15
Oh, my sweetheart wherefore art thou (or words to that effect). Make a card for that secret love interest in your life, 1-3pm, 01928 568219. February 14 Nest Box Activity Day, Eastham Country Park Find out more about birds and their nests this Valentines Day, how to build a nest box and where to put it. Follow the nest trail through the woods plus lots of art and craft activities. Suitable for all the family. 11am – 3pm, meet at the Visitor Centre . 0151-327-1007. February 16 Which Birds Fly Where?, Royden Park Discover where and when birds fly to roost and/or migrate. Sorry no dogs. No need to book. 10.30am – 12.30pm. Meet at the Rangers Office, Royden Park, 0151-677-7594. figures to mind
A snow blanket at Albert Dock
The winter sun peaks through a canal bridge
Aldbourne Avenue and Woolton Road, 1pm. January 21 Improving Habitats, Dawpool Nature Reserve Help the Rangers to improve the habitats of the rare Dingy Skipper Butterfly and the White-Letter Hairstreak Butterfly, by taking part in a grassland restoration project on this environmentally important site. Bring a packed lunch, boots or stout shoes and a pair of gloves. 10.30am – 3pm. Meet at the Dee Sailing Club car park, off Station Road, Thurstaston, 0151-648-4371. January 21 Birds on the Beach, Ainsdale Join the coastal rangers for an evening slide show and see the birds from the beach in close up. Meet at the Ainsdale Discovery Centre, Ainsdale, 7pm January 22 Starry Starry Night, Ainsdale Join the coastal rangers and Liverpool Astronomical Society for a slide show followed by some star gazing – wrap up warm and hope for clear skies! Meet at the Ainsdale Discovery Centre, The Promenade, Ainsdale, 7.30pm-9.30pm January 23 Bird Boxes, Crosby Library With spring just around the corner, the birds are looking for the ideal place to nest – give them a helping hand and make a bird box for your garden. Meet at Crosby Library, Crosby, 10am-12noon January 23 Woodland Task Day, Eastham Country Park Join the Rangers at Eastham Country Park on their monthly woodland management tasks. Coppicing, tree planting, scrub clearance and path maintenance, followed by hot soup in the Volunteer Centre afterwards. Suitable for ages 14+. 10am – 1.30pm. 0151-327-1007, easthamrangers@wirral.gov.uk. January 23 Lantern Procession and Storytelling, Phoenix Park Wrap up warm and collect your lanterns for a magical gathering of light and stories to lift the soul. 6pm. Call Bob on 01928 564472 for more information. January 23 Towering Trees of Allerton Tower Improve your health and sense of wellbeing as the rangers explore this beautiful park and its magnificent trees. Meet at Allerton Tower main gate on Menlove Avenue, 1pm.
January 24 Mersey Flyby, Pickerings Pasture Starlings gathering in their hundreds on the Runcorn Widnes bridge, gulls in their thousands passing over it. What’s going on? Join the rangers for a talk and walk to discover the facts behind these spectacular nightly gatherings. Booking is essential, call Rob on 0151 425 4706. January 24 Winter Walk, Thurstaston Common/Royden Park Join the Ranger and discover Royden Park, Thurstaston Common and follow local footpaths linking up a circular route. Stout footwear and suitable clothing required. No need to book. 1pm – 3.45pm. Meet at the Rangers Office, Royden Park. 0151-677-7594. January 24 RSPB Garden Birdwatch Day, Sefton Park Palm House Come along and take part in the RSPB Garden Birdwatch and enjoy the beauty of our natural birdlife. Experts from the RSPB will be there to share their knowledge and set up a variety of feeders to attract the birds. Liverpool Liverbirds Wildlife Explorers Group will attend for children 6-12 years, with lots of fun, prizes and activities. 12-4pm. Refreshments on sale. 0151 726 2415, www.palmhouse.org.uk January 27 North West Beach Litter Project, Hightown, Ravenmeols and Birkdale Join the coastal rangers to help survey and collect the litter on the beaches. Please call 0151 934 2967 for more information. January 28 Clothes Swap Party and Fashion Boutique, Sefton Park Join the swanky set at the Palm House for a full packed night of recycled fashion at the ethical clothes swap party. Bring your good quality unwanted clothes and accessories (no shoes please) and swap till you drop! 10 items maximum – bring along before 7.30pm so all clothes are set up ready to start at 7.30pm. Also see Liverpool’s most innovative designers, plus fashion, beauty and hair experts will be on hand to answer any questions and give you helpful hints and tips. Admission includes first drink. 7.30 – 10pm. £5 admission on the door includes first drink from the bar. £5. 0151 726 2415, www.palmhouse.org.uk. January 29 A Taste of Health, Woolton Woods
Join the PCT food workers in association with the Ranger Service for an interactive cook 'n' taste session. Help prepare a healthy meal, enjoy a healthy ramble with the Rangers before returning to savour the delicious food. 10.30am, The Sunflower Centre, Speke Road, Woolton L25 8QA. Free January 29 A Journey around the Planets, Otterspool Park and Prom Join the Rangers on this fascinating tour around the Solar System. An event for all the family run in conjunction with the Liverpool Astronomical Society www.liverpoolas.org. 7.30pm, Visitors Centre, on side of Otters Pool Inn, near Jericho Lane, free. January 31 Crafty Creations, Ainsdale Join the Rangers in the Discovery Centre for an afternoon of crafts with an environmental theme. Meet at the Ainsdale Discovery Centre, Ainsdale, 2-3.30pm January 31 Help Conserve Our Heathlands, Thurstaston Hill Join the Rangers on this practical task removing young trees and scrub on our heathlands. All tools and training will be provided. Sorry no dogs. Please wear suitable working clothing and footwear. No need to book. 1-3.30pm, meet at Thurstaston Hill car park, just north of the Cottage Loaf pu6, 0151-677-7594. February 7 Cycle Speke The rides will leave Lifestyles Austin Rawlinson at Parklands, Speke at 2pm, and will last 2-4 hours. 0151 233 8303 www.liverpool.gov.uk/cyclespeke February 7 Winter Birds, Royden Park Enjoy a morning watching the resident birds at Royden Park. Sorry no dogs. No need to book. 10am-12 noon. Meet at the Rangers Office, Royden Park, 0151-677-7594. February 13 Crafty Creations, Ainsdale Join the Rangers in the Discovery Centre for an afternoon of crafts with an environmental theme. Meet at the Ainsdale Discovery Centre, Ainsdale, 2-3.30pm February 13 Valentine’s Card Making, Rock Park
February 20 Hale Duck Decoy, Pickerings Pasture Visit this 17th century construction, the only surviving example of its type in the north-west and one of only four in the country. 10am. Booking is essential. Stout and waterproof footwear is essential. For further details contact Rob on 0151 425 4706 February 26 Starry Starry Night Join the rangers and Liverpool Astronomical Society for a slide show followed by some star gazing – wrap up warm and hope for clear skies! Meet at the Alt Centre, Lower Alt Road, Hightown, 7.30-9.30pm February 28 Heathland Restoration on the Beacons, Heswall Join the Rangers on this practical task removing young trees and scrub on our heathlands. All tools and training will be provided. Sorry no dogs. Please wear suitable working clothing and footwear. 10.30am – 3.30pm. Meet at Beacon Lane car park, off Telegraph Road, Heswall. 0151-677-7594. February 28 Creepy Insects, Spike Island The creepy crawlies are back at Spike so come on down and face your nightmares. 1-3pm. 0151 420 3707. March 3 Mammals of Sefton and Merseyside, Ainsdale Join the rangers for an illustrated talk by Merseyside BioBank on the mammals of our local area and the work being carried out to produce a Merseyside and West Lancs Mammal Atlas. Meet at the Ainsdale Discovery Centre, Ainsdale, 7pm March 6 Spring Walk, Formby Things are starting to come alive again – new shoots pushing through and wildlife emerging. Join the rangers for an informative stroll through the Lifeboat Road site. Meet at the information board in Lifeboat Road car park, Formby, 2-4pm March 7 The West Wirral Walk - The Real Deal! The rangers set out again on a ramble across the rolling countryside of West Wirral. Visit the Dungeon Woodland, call in at Thurstaston Churchyard to see the Ismays Tomb. Then climb Thurstaston Common one of the highest points in Wirral, before dropping down to Royden Park for lunch. After lunch they set off along the footpaths of Frankby before arriving at Stapledon Woods. From there through to Caldy Hill and then back down the Wirral Way returning to the Visitor Centre at Wirral Country Park. Walking boots and waterproofs are required - and don't forget your packed lunch. Sorry no dogs. Booking essential. 10.30am – 3.30pm. 0151-648-4371
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16 NEWS
Friday, December 18, 2009
★★★★
I’d be lost without chicken. It’s such a doddle to cook and I can keep any leftovers for up to two days in the fridge. And, if there’s some I haven’t cooked, I cut it up into small chunks and freeze it. That way it defrosts in no time. Then, if I need a quick dinner, I’ll throw it into a curry. Tasty. lovefoodhatewaste.com has more tips and recipes to help you waste less food and save up to £50 a month.