July Newsletter

​So are we ‘just a bunch of tree huggers’?
There has been a lot of discussion in the press recently about citizens who are concerned about global warming and the loss of biodiversity and the use of the term ‘tree hugger’ as a derogatory term. Just read how it came about and you will understand why there would be such anger. What a sad origin story.

Planting and Growing and Wilding
Huge thanks to Louise and friends of Lichfield Kindness Rocks for creating the lovely ‘Welcome’ stones for Three Tree Triangle. Don’t they look great? And we have added slate signs to Tamworth St plot to explain what is happening there too.
Summer Solstice Evening at Forest Harvest, Yoxall
A most enjoyable evening of being in nature, picnicing, chatting, wood whittling and folk singing was had and will certainly be repeated!  Thank you to Nick Burton for hosting us and showing us around your amazing achievements at Forest Harvest and to the Edwards family for the entertainment.

Friends of Lichfield City Station
A new group has been established to ensure that the station gets some TLC.  The first meeting was held on 17th July and there was a lot of enthusiasm for projects to improve on what is currently there – more planters for flowers and herbs, artwork, more regular litter picking, music, local school involvement etc.  Inspiration was taken from the Wylde Green station group who achieved a lot since they set up 2 or so years ago.  If you are interested in supporting the group then there will be a meet up at the station on Mon 14th August, 7pm to have a look round at what needs dealing with, followed by a drink at the Bitter Suite. Contact Kathy Maskell if you want to get involved [email protected].
The CO2 Bubble
Just a reminder that this representation of a tonne of CO2 will be visiting Lichfield on 2nd August – Beacon Park – from 10am and there will be lots of family fun activities happening alongside in the park. This 10-meter installation that helps people visualize how their daily activities can impact carbon emissions. Staff from the county council climate change team will provide advice and tips to help residents reduce their carbon footprint. Full details can be found here.  It is certainly a good talking point! Transition will have a stand there and we would appreciate some help on the day – get in touch with Pam via [email protected] if you can help. 
​The Apiarist Gin
Keep an eye out for the grand opening (hopefully late August) of a small distillery run by our local beekeeping/honey making/gin and whiskey making business in Lichfield city centre!  We will definitely be arranging a group visit!
 
Learning opportunities, inspiration and handy hints
Watch
 
BBC i-Player :
– “Reporting from the Climate Frontlines”. The BBC's science editor David Shukman tells his story about following climate change across the world.
- “Electric Cars – what they really mean for you” (from Tues 25th July). A look at the current issues relating to driving an EV and the various infrastructure challenges.
 
Read
 
Staffs Wildlife Trust have released a report about the positive impact that nature has on wellbeing.
 
Copper Consultancy produce some excellent research reports about public attitudes towards various environmental topics. Their latest is about attitudes to nuclear power. Read it here.
 
 
 
 
Find out and Feedback
 
A ‘Right to Grow’ initiative - should we follow Shropshire’s lead and do this in Lichfield District? Take a look at what they have been doing and then give us your feedback.
 
Have you watched the animation showing the proposed redevelopment plans for the Birmingham Road site in Lichfield (check their Instagram feed if you have access – not found it on their website yet…)?  A lot to fit in in a very short timescale and not much detail on the ‘sustainability’ aspects of it.  The same goes for the proposed Stychbrook Park Leisure Centre.  Start here on the LDC website…
 
 
Get involved
Community Speed Watch - Volunteers Still Wanted!
Full training will be given and we can agree when we operate so we can fit it around other commitments. Training happens quite regularly at venues around the county. If you’d like to find out more, without committing yourself to anything, please get in touch. Simon Johnson, [email protected]
Community Support
Sessions being hosted by LDC to help people with issues relating to the cost of living crisis – benefits, housing, council tax, recycling advice, volunteering, mental health support etc.
27 July in the reception of Lichfield District Council House, Frog Lane, Lichfield between 9.30am and 11.30am
3 August in Burntwood Leisure Centre café area between 9.30am and 11.30. Full details here.
Green Conversations
Transforming the Trent Valley (TTTV) are running an ‘green’ networking day on 26th July (possibly too short notice for this newsletter)  - 1-4pm, Rugeley Community Centre, Burnthill Lane, Rugeley WS15 2HX for Staffordshire groups to discuss their projects and ideas with one another but please report back if you did make it!
Transition Lichfield would like to run some events for the autumn, to encourage green discussions amongst local residents – a film night or games night of some sort – if anyone would be interested in helping organise?
School Uniform – a message from LCC
Lichfield Back to School Bank is back for 2023! Last year we recycled and reused more than 100kg of school uniform and supported more than 60 families with the cost of school uniform just as the energy price hike began to bite. This year we’re hoping to do even more good with the support of Lichfield City Council who are helping to deliver the project this summer.
We’re again asking for any laundered school uniform which is no longer needed, or has been grown out of, to be donated to the Back to School Bank so that we can distribute as much as possible to families ahead of the new term. Collection points are already in operation in Tesco Extra and the City Council offices at Donegal House, with plans for another 3 more to make donating unwanted uniform as easy as possible. We’ll then be holding four distribution events where families can come along and collect preloved uniform free of charge before the new term starts in September. If you have any preloved school uniform that’s no longer needed, please do consider dropping it off at Tesco or Donegal House so that we can reuse it and help drive down some of the carbon cost of uniform."
 
 
 
 
Spotlight Slot
Woodhouse Farm, Whittington
Just a little plug for them….
The Farm is a brilliant venue for all kinds of gatherings, parties and events:
Weddings; Birthday Parties for adults, children and young people; Anniversary parties; End of Term parties; Rainbows and Brownies gatherings; Choir Practices; Club Meetings; Music Events; Afternoon Teas; Treasure Hunts; BBQs, Hog Roasts, Picnics and much more....
You can self-cater or they can do it for you, including the appropriate licensing.
“We pride ourselves on our flexibility and our ability to create a lovely atmosphere in a rural setting for your special event. Our volunteer activities now include a new Events Group, so get in touch if you'd like to help out” said Annamarie.
If you're interested in holding an event please email [email protected]
They also run a veg box scheme - the 2023-2024 CSA scheme is well under way. Try Before You Buy! If you are interested in becoming a member but are concerned about the commitment, we suggest you have a 4 week trial. The trial costs £13 a week and a one-off payment of £52 is payable in advance. Contact [email protected] to arrange your 4 week trial.
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Dates for your diary
You can also check out the Events listing on the Transition website.
July
30th – 10.30am, Lichfield Re:Cycle community bike ride. Meet at Melbourne Café on Bird St, Lichfield
30th – 11-1pm, Dovehouse Gardens volunteering/open day. Just turn up!  Dovehouse Fields.
August
No Repair Cafes during August.
2nd – Staffs CC CO2 Bubble and LDC Fun Day at Beacon Park, 10-00 until 4pm.
9th - walk looking at the TTTV work on the Burton Washlands and the cattle grazing project, led by Lawrence Oates, mobile 07432 608931
Throughout August - Exhibition of Art and poetry in the Shenstone library coffee shop. Open during library opening hours.
September
2nd - NCT Cloth Nappy Library. 10.00-12.00am, Lichfield District Children's Centre WS13 7PH. [email protected]
2nd – Burntwood Repair & Share Café, 10-1pm, St Joseph’s RC Church, Cannock Road, WS7 0BB
5th  – Transition Meetup at the Bitter Suite pub, 7pm. Email [email protected] if you would like to attend.
9th – Sandfields Pumping Station – the Musical! The story of Sandfields History in words and music performed in a sea shanty style by the Lichfield Lighthouse Company. Tickets: £10 This is a fundraising event in aid of the RLNI and Sandfields pumping station. Booking is via Eventbrite.
16th – Lichfield Repair & Share Café, 2-5pm, Curborough Community Centre, WS13 7NY
22nd – Climate Expo, 10-4pm Keele Hall, Keele University with Chris Packham as the keynote speaker. Orgnaised by the Globe Foundation, Uttoxeter. Book your free ticket here.
October
4th – Chris Baines of SWT will be speaking about Nature Recovery Networks. To be held at the Cathedral. More details to follow.
7th - Burntwood Repair & Share Café, 10-1pm, St Joseph’s RC Church, Cannock Road, WS7 0BB
7th - NCT Cloth Nappy Library. 10.00-12.00am, Lichfield District Children's Centre WS13 7PH. [email protected]
21st - Lichfield Repair & Share Café, 2-5pm, Curborough Community Centre, WS13 7NY
28th - Lichfield Wildlife Group’s fungal foray 2:00 - 4:00 in St Michael's churchyard.  The event will be led by Beverley Rhodes, a most knowledgeable mycologist. £2:00 per per person