ringwood news
Message from the Mayor of Ringwood Thankfully Ringwood has not yet suffered mass numbers of people struck down by the coronavirus however demographics and expert opinion suggest that we may soon experience an outbreak of illness with particular effect on the elderly. The wonderful response to our appeal for volunteers to the Coronavirus Assistance network with over 2,000 signed up to help, makes us well-equipped to care for those who without
doubt will be in need of assistance but prevention must be preferred to infection. We must heed government warnings to avoid risk and act in accordance with official advice – short-term inconvenience must surely be a better option than a result, which may be permanent. Please do all you can to protect yourself and avoid the risk of passing infection on to someone far more vulnerable. Many local pubs, shops and caterers are providing home delivery services to meet all our needs and if we take advantage of these offers, we can reduce contact with others and help those businesses to survive. These are anxious times for local businesses and those who work for them. Please visit the District Council website at http://www.newforest. gov.uk/article/19371/
Coronavirus-Support-forbusinesses for up to date information about the help that is coming. It was very disappointing to see empty shelves in supermarkets. Please buy only in the quantities that you normally would – there will be enough to go round if we all shop responsibly. In anticipation of the planned relaxation of existing restrictions, I have asked the town clerk to arrange for the union flag to be flown in Gateway Square throughout this emergency – as a symbol and a reminder that we are one nation, resolved to overcome the current problems we face and confident in the strength of our community – stay well, be kind, keep calm and carry on.
Nearly 2,000 toads helped across the road Ringwood & Poulner Toad Patrol group has written to thank mags4dorset for raising Toad Patrol’s profile in the mid-February issue of Viewpoint. Due to coronavirus, they have suspended the patrol, but prior to that had a great season with just under 2,000 toads being helped across the road. Froglife has also halted patrols now. “Hopefully with much fewer cars on the road, the remaining toads will be fine. Thank you for your support this year,” said a Toad Patrol spokesperson.
Tony Ring
Join us in protecting our beautiful local environment. By planting 20,000 native trees/hedging and supplementing these with wildflowers in and around Ringwood in 2020, we aim to: • Increase local biodiversity Animal, insect and bird species
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Address the climate emergency
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Improve air quality
Take carbon dioxide (CO2) out of the atmosphere Did you know that a hedge can reduce particulates in the air by 50% or more?
How can you help? Is there an area near you where you would like to see trees, a hedge or some wild flowers? Would you be willing to: • •
Help with the planting? Sponsor some trees, part of a hedge or an area of wildflowers?
Please get in touch, contact: Louise on 07825 048162 e-mail ringwoodraceagainsttime@gmail.com Facebook group: Ringwood Actions for Climate Emergency “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now” - Chinese proverb
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VIEWPOINT April 2020
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