Ringwood RACE against time

By Karen Wyatt-Epapara

Ringwood Actions for Climate Emergency (RACE) started as a group of people keen to make small changes for the environment, and has grown into a charity that is determined to make a difference in Ringwood.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Ringwood RACE has championed a number of projects, events and activities designed to improve the local environment and help the Ringwood community.

I spoke to Mary DeBoos – the original founding member and now chair of the board of trustees for Ringwood RACE to find out what the charity has been up to lately, and what its plans are for the future.

Mary said: “We started as a Facebook group in September 2019, and there was so much interest, we were able to become a charity just six months later in March 2020.

“There was a limit to what we could do during Covid, but one activity we could continue with was tree planting, as we could do this outside and in small groups.”

Ringwood RACE initially set themselves a target of planting 20,000 trees in 2020 – the final total came in at 28,681, which included single trees and hedging. That total has now exceeded 50,000, although there are some concerns that the younger trees may struggle to survive following this summer’s hot temperatures.

Mary said: “Luckily, the trees tend to shoot again from the bottom if cut back, but we’ll learn from this for the future and plant new trees in more sheltered spots.”

One event the charity has been heavily involved with is the Eco Fair, which took place in May at the Furlong and is planned to be an annual event. Visitors to the fair could find out about eco living ideas such as solar panels, recycling and upcycling, and were able to buy from local producers and craftspeople who work in a sustainable way.

Another initiative run by Ringwood RACE is the Ringwood Community Fridge, based at the library. Mary said: “Since we started in May 2021, we have saved over 20,000 tones of food from going to waste. Local supermarkets donate food past its use by date – this is collected by volunteers who then pass on the products as needed and freeze what can be frozen to use later. Local allotment holders also donate any surplus they may have.

“The main aim is to reduce food waste, so anyone can use the community fridge – just take what you know you will use.”

Other activities have included a seed and seedling swap, encouraging people to grow their own fruit and vegetables; sewing workshops, where people are taught to use pre-loved fabrics to create useful items for the household; a clothing swap, with leftover items going to charity; and a summer holiday bug hunt at Poulner Lakes, to encourage families to actively interact with nature.

Mary said: “ We already work closely with Transition Ringwood, Ringwood Carnival, Ringwood Town Council and the local Rotary and Round Table groups, as well as schools in the area. We are lucky to have secured some sponsorship, and have lots of volunteers willing to help out at our events.

“While we are very grateful to everyone who has helped out, we are always on the look out for new volunteers, particularly people who have time to give to help organise events and activities.”

Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Ringwood RACE at ringwoodraceagainsttime@gmail.com.