Climate Emergency

What are you doing to tackle the Climate Emergency?

• Share Chester Cycle Buddies on Facebook Share Chester Cycle Buddies on Twitter Share Chester Cycle Buddies on Linkedin Email Chester Cycle Buddies link

  Chester Cycle Buddies

  by Cathey Harrington, about 3 years ago
  

  I'm Cathey from Chester Cycling Campaign. I'd like to tell you about our fabulous "Chester Cycle Buddies" scheme to help people who would like to cycle more in Chester.

  We know (because people tell us!) that many people would like to cycle more in and around Chester, but don’t really know how to go about it. You may be unsure about riding on your own, riding in traffic, or where to park your bike. Or maybe you’re back on a bike after some time and need a bit of practice. Or maybe you want to know what’s changed since you... Continue reading

  I'm Cathey from Chester Cycling Campaign. I'd like to tell you about our fabulous "Chester Cycle Buddies" scheme to help people who would like to cycle more in Chester.

  We know (because people tell us!) that many people would like to cycle more in and around Chester, but don’t really know how to go about it. You may be unsure about riding on your own, riding in traffic, or where to park your bike. Or maybe you’re back on a bike after some time and need a bit of practice. Or maybe you want to know what’s changed since you last rode - or you just need a bit of a confidence boost.

  We can help! We match you up with one our members who is an experienced cyclist who can help you with whatever you would like. That might be planning cycle-friendly routes to places you would like to go, riding with you to test out routes and answering any queries you may have. It's free, and you don’t have to be a Campaign member to use Chester Cycle Buddies!

  People are often surprised to learn how easy it can be to get around Chester by cycle (work, children’s schools, shops, city centre, leisure, friends, etc).

  Do click through to Chester Cycle Buddies on our website here . We look forward to seeing you!

  Photo credit: London Cycling Campaign.
• Share Chester students with growing venture named finalists in UK enterprise awards on Facebook Share Chester students with growing venture named finalists in UK enterprise awards on Twitter Share Chester students with growing venture named finalists in UK enterprise awards on Linkedin Email Chester students with growing venture named finalists in UK enterprise awards link

  Chester students with growing venture named finalists in UK enterprise awards

  by Felicity Roberts, about 3 years ago
  

  A team of University of Chester students with an eco-friendly business has been selected as a UK finalist in a competition bringing together the country’s most talented young entrepreneurs.

  The students were crowned Young Enterprise (YE) Start-Up Awards UK finalists after impressing judges at the North West stage of the competition with their carbon-cutting venture, ‘A Wild Life’. The business offers seeded cardboard boxes, as a more sustainable way to package goods. Consumers can plant the packaging which is integrated with flower or vegetable seeds.

  Students Jade McArdle, Eleanor Jones, Demi Evans, Aaron Jones and Josh Sellings will compete for... Continue reading

  A team of University of Chester students with an eco-friendly business has been selected as a UK finalist in a competition bringing together the country’s most talented young entrepreneurs.

  The students were crowned Young Enterprise (YE) Start-Up Awards UK finalists after impressing judges at the North West stage of the competition with their carbon-cutting venture, ‘A Wild Life’. The business offers seeded cardboard boxes, as a more sustainable way to package goods. Consumers can plant the packaging which is integrated with flower or vegetable seeds.

  Students Jade McArdle, Eleanor Jones, Demi Evans, Aaron Jones and Josh Sellings will compete for a series of awards at the final in May, including the title of YE UK Start-Up Company of the Year.

  They are currently in the second year of their undergraduate degree studies in Business Management, International Business Management and Events Management at the University’s Business School. They developed the idea as part of the Entrepreneurial Thought in Action module which is one of the ways students are supported to start their own business and learn the skills of new enterprise management.

  A total of 13 teams of student entrepreneurs competed at the North West final, which took place at University Academy 92 (UA92) in Manchester, with just five teams going on to represent the region in the UK final.

  Student Jade McArdle, Managing Director of A Wild Life, said: “The North West final was a great opportunity for us to not only promote our business, but also ourselves. It was a perfect networking opportunity with people from different areas of business and enterprise.

  “The constant conversation of our business in general chat, to the business interviews meant that we were always forward-thinking on the idea and our business processes which has helped us find ways we can improve, for the next round of the competition and beyond.

  “We are so happy that all of our hard work paid off and that we are through to the UK final.”
  

  Lecturer and Joint Leader of the Entrepreneurial Thought in Action Module, Conor Dangerfield said: “A Wild Life truly exemplified the high standards of our University of Chester student community. While competing against our closest regional competitors, the members of the team excelled in their preparation, creativity, confidence, and business acumen.

  “They were interviewed separately in three stages, denoting their capabilities for market entry, international exports, and their overall strategy in their competitive industry. Their last challenge, pitching in front of everyone, was as consistent as their interviews.

  “They excelled throughout the day, highlighting in-depth knowledge of different aspects of their company and the wider industry.”

  Cheryl Sorensen, Lecturer and Joint Module Leader, added: “Conor and I, the team, and the department are immensely proud that we can say that these students represent Chester Business School.

  “We can now prepare for the next challenge, where the students will compete with the UK’s best and brightest young entrepreneurs.”

  The YE Start-Up Awards UK final will be held at the University of Salford on May 10, 2023, and will welcome student entrepreneurs from across the UK to pitch their business to a panel of respected judges. The winners of the UK Start-Up Company of the Year title will go on to compete in the European YE Awards.

  The North West final took place in February.

  For more information on Young Enterprise, please visit: https://www.young-enterprise.org.uk/.
• Share Schools invited to take part in Chester Community Energy’s 2023 Sustainability Competition on Facebook Share Schools invited to take part in Chester Community Energy’s 2023 Sustainability Competition on Twitter Share Schools invited to take part in Chester Community Energy’s 2023 Sustainability Competition on Linkedin Email Schools invited to take part in Chester Community Energy’s 2023 Sustainability Competition link

  Schools invited to take part in Chester Community Energy’s 2023 Sustainability Competition

  over 3 years ago

  Schools are reminded that they have until Friday 31 March 2023 to enter the below Sustainability Competition by Chester Community Energy Ltd

  To celebrate COP27 taking place recently, Chester Community Energy Ltd is launching its 2023 Sustainability Competition for State-Funded Schools and Six-Form Colleges in west Cheshire. The competition is open to Secondary Years: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 and mixed year groups are able to apply as a team.

  Are you up for the Challenge?

  There are great prizes for the winning team and £500 for your school to spend on sustainability initiatives!

  This is a... Continue reading

  Schools are reminded that they have until Friday 31 March 2023 to enter the below Sustainability Competition by Chester Community Energy Ltd

  To celebrate COP27 taking place recently, Chester Community Energy Ltd is launching its 2023 Sustainability Competition for State-Funded Schools and Six-Form Colleges in west Cheshire. The competition is open to Secondary Years: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 and mixed year groups are able to apply as a team.

  Are you up for the Challenge?

  There are great prizes for the winning team and £500 for your school to spend on sustainability initiatives!

  This is a great opportunity for students to work collaboratively and learn about sustainability, energy conservation and renewable energy, whilst helping your school become more energy efficient.

  All the information you need (including an info sheet for teachers) can be found here: http://www.chestercommunityenergy.org.uk/schools-competition-2023/

  What do you need to do?

  1) Create a team (maximum 5 students). School staff can help out too.

  2) Research how the carbon footprint/energy consumption of your school could be reduced. Look at last year’s winning entry which you can find here: Competition 2022

  3) Submit a project idea (maximum 2 pages of A4) which you think will enable your school to save the most energy or save on carbon footprint.

  About Chester Community Energy Ltd

  Visit http://www.chestercommunityenergy.org.uk/ to find out how we are Working Together For A Sustainable Future.

  Chester Community Energy Ltd is a registered Community Benefit Society which develops and facilitates renewable energy schemes in Chester and the surrounding area. Our aim is to produce renewable energy generation, reduce the carbon emissions in our area and encourage energy efficiency. We raise funds to carry out our work via grants and public share offers.
  The prizes will be supplied from our Community Benefit Fund.

  
  Best of Luck!
• Share Why should our School become a Plastic Free School and what is a Trash Mob? on Facebook Share Why should our School become a Plastic Free School and what is a Trash Mob? on Twitter Share Why should our School become a Plastic Free School and what is a Trash Mob? on Linkedin Email Why should our School become a Plastic Free School and what is a Trash Mob? link

  Why should our School become a Plastic Free School and what is a Trash Mob?

  by Eco Communities, over 3 years ago
  

  
  

  Eco Communities are the local representative for Surfers Against Sewage who certify schools as Plastic Free. We have worked as part of the Plastic Free Communities campaign since 2016, achieving Plastic Free Chester in 2018 and currently supporting, Neston, Tattenhall, Frodsham and Ellesmere Port to achieve Plastic Free Community status with an overall aim of Plastic Free Cheshire.

  We have provided talks and workshops in schools around the region including Northwich, Chester and Tattenhall. And also supported the first Plastic Free School in the region Grosvenor Park Academy, Chester.

  We are asking schools to take action during British Science Week.... Continue reading

  
  

  Eco Communities are the local representative for Surfers Against Sewage who certify schools as Plastic Free. We have worked as part of the Plastic Free Communities campaign since 2016, achieving Plastic Free Chester in 2018 and currently supporting, Neston, Tattenhall, Frodsham and Ellesmere Port to achieve Plastic Free Community status with an overall aim of Plastic Free Cheshire.

  We have provided talks and workshops in schools around the region including Northwich, Chester and Tattenhall. And also supported the first Plastic Free School in the region Grosvenor Park Academy, Chester.

  We are asking schools to take action during British Science Week. From 10-17th March.

  This involves encouraging schools to join others across the whole UK to hold a ‘Trash Mob’ (basically a big clean up and Brand Audit 😊)

  Join us for a Nationwide TRASH MOB this March for British Science Week – Plastic Free Schools – Surfers Against Sewage

  Read more - LINK
• Share The Flood Hub's brand new KS2 Climate Change Education Package on Facebook Share The Flood Hub's brand new KS2 Climate Change Education Package on Twitter Share The Flood Hub's brand new KS2 Climate Change Education Package on Linkedin Email The Flood Hub's brand new KS2 Climate Change Education Package link

  The Flood Hub's brand new KS2 Climate Change Education Package

  over 3 years ago

  The Flood Hub have announced the launch of their second Education Package, which is all about climate change. It contains a number of lessons and resources for schools and young people and aims to increase their knowledge on climate change. It can be found on their ‘Learning’ page here or by clicking on the following link: https://thefloodhub.co.uk/ks2-climate-change-lessons/.

  The lessons are pitched at KS2 level (ages 7 to 11), although a lot of the material included can be adapted for other key stage levels. Each lesson pack contains a PowerPoint lesson, a lesson plan with teacher’s notes and resources such... Continue reading

  The Flood Hub have announced the launch of their second Education Package, which is all about climate change. It contains a number of lessons and resources for schools and young people and aims to increase their knowledge on climate change. It can be found on their ‘Learning’ page here or by clicking on the following link: https://thefloodhub.co.uk/ks2-climate-change-lessons/.

  The lessons are pitched at KS2 level (ages 7 to 11), although a lot of the material included can be adapted for other key stage levels. Each lesson pack contains a PowerPoint lesson, a lesson plan with teacher’s notes and resources such as worksheets, which may be required for in-class exercises or homework.

  Below is an outline about each of the four lessons:

  • Lesson 1 - This lesson helps students to understand the difference between weather and climate. It introduces some of the different global climate zones that there are, and which countries are in them. The final part of the lesson gives some examples of extreme weather which will be covered in a later lesson.
  • Lesson 2 - This lesson is all about climate change, what it is, the causes of it and why it is happening. It covers the greenhouse effect and how it is causing global warming and consequential climate change, as well as some of the human activities that are causing it.
  • Lesson 3 - Extreme weather, rising global temperatures and sea-level rise are just some of the effects of climate change that are covered in this lesson. This lesson will teach pupils all about some of the various effects and make them aware that these effects are becoming increasingly visible year on year.
  • Lesson 4 - This lesson highlights some of the steps that we can all take to reduce the effects of climate change. It includes those which can be taken both at school and at home and provides ideas of how we can spread the awareness of climate change to a wider audience. It also introduces the terms “carbon neutral” and “net zero”.

  The Flood Hub have posted about the launch of the lessons on their social media channels:

  • Twitter: www.twitter.com/thefloodhub
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefloodhub
• Share Students set for regional competition as venture plants seeds of success on Facebook Share Students set for regional competition as venture plants seeds of success on Twitter Share Students set for regional competition as venture plants seeds of success on Linkedin Email Students set for regional competition as venture plants seeds of success link

  Students set for regional competition as venture plants seeds of success

  by Felicity Roberts, over 3 years ago
  

  University of Chester students have impressed judges with their carbon-cutting seeded cardboard box venture to win a place in the regional final of a competition championing young enterprise.

  The team has been chosen to represent the University at the North West Final of the Young Enterprise (YE) Start-Up Awards. They will compete for a host of awards and the chance to go on to represent the North West at the UK Final.

  The students stood out against tough competition with a presentation for ‘A Wild Life’, a business they are developing to offer seeded cardboard boxes as a more sustainable... Continue reading

  University of Chester students have impressed judges with their carbon-cutting seeded cardboard box venture to win a place in the regional final of a competition championing young enterprise.

  The team has been chosen to represent the University at the North West Final of the Young Enterprise (YE) Start-Up Awards. They will compete for a host of awards and the chance to go on to represent the North West at the UK Final.

  The students stood out against tough competition with a presentation for ‘A Wild Life’, a business they are developing to offer seeded cardboard boxes as a more sustainable way to package goods.

  They were selected from six teams who pitched at a University event to: Suzanne Lockwood from Young Enterprise; Irene Gutierrez Pinilla and Jordan Carabine from Bentley Motors; Paul Gillen, who has worked in senior roles for companies including Oadby Plastics, and Robert Dodson, whose extensive business experience includes Sales/Commercial Director at Nice-Pak International.

  All of the students put their business ideas forward as part the Entrepreneurial Thought in Action module, led by Conor Dangerfield and Cheryl Sorensen. The module, in turn, is part of a range of the University Business School’s degrees, and one of the ways students are supported to start their own business and learn the skills of new enterprise management.

  The members of the group: Jade McArdle; Eleanor Jones; Demi Evans; Aaron Jones and Josh Sellings, are second year students in Business Management, International Business Management and Events Management undergraduate programmes.

  They will represent the University of Chester at the regional YE Final on Wednesday, February 22, at University Academy 92 in Manchester.

  Eleanor Jones, Operations Director for A Wild Life, said: “As I do most of my shopping online, I was aware of the amount of packaging that I was receiving. With the desire to become more environmentally-friendly, I developed the idea of sustainable packaging which integrates cardboard with flower or vegetable seeds. This allows consumers to offset their carbon footprint by planting their packaging, allowing new life to grow. I am part of a fantastic team, with each member contributing their own attributes and skills to the project, which has brought this idea to fruition.”

  Fellow student and team-member, Demi Evans said: “As the marketing director and as someone who is more creatively inclined, it's been great to offer my skills to the team by visually representing who we are and what we do. My highlights so far have been creating and designing the branding and visuals - logo, website and social content. Not only have my skills developed from this project but from the amazing team I have been able to work with.”
  
  Student Jade McArdle, the venture’s MD, added: “I am passionate about this project as I attended Young Enterprise last year and was really inspired. Eleanor and myself wanted to work together as our styles complement each other well and that was when we founded the team. Lots of ideas for a brand concept/identity came to me. My mind is naturally creative, so it’s been great collaborating with Demi and her marketing skills to bring everything to life.

  “As managing director, I have learned a lot about running a business and how to manage tasks and our team. I love having the opportunity to create something completely from scratch and see it develop, and use a range of skills throughout the project.”

  A Wild Life was selected after a standout presentation, with the team providing exceptional detail and answers to questions. The judges loved the idea of a sustainable product, designed to tackle climate issues and educate their target market on giving back to the planet.

  Lecturer and Joint Module Leader, Conor Dangerfield said: “This year, outstanding groups have stepped forward with a diverse range of products and ideas. This resulted in a tough choice for judges, in deciding who was going to represent the University of Chester at this year’s Young Enterprise regional event. Both myself and Cheryl are immensely proud of the students who participated and who continue to build their own companies.

  “A Wild Life epitomises the brand that they aspire to enter the market with, every member has gone above and beyond to deliver this from a simple idea to an up-and-coming business venture. This includes difficult negotiations with manufacturers, resulting in an initial sample product, a detailed marketing plan illustrating their brand and values throughout, strategic plans to diversify their product range and well-informed financial projections to support their company’s growth.

  “The Business School and University community should be very proud of all the students involved and the efforts that they have made to represent authentic entrepreneurial endeavours.”

  Cheryl Sorensen, Lecturer and Joint Module Leader, added: “Congratulations to A Wild Life for making it through to the regional finals - and to all of our Entrepreneurial Thought in Action module students for their continued hard work, engagement and commitment to entrepreneurship, and for showcasing their exceptional business ideas which wowed the judges on the panel.”
• Share Love business and the planet this Valentine’s with week-long festival on Facebook Share Love business and the planet this Valentine’s with week-long festival on Twitter Share Love business and the planet this Valentine’s with week-long festival on Linkedin Email Love business and the planet this Valentine’s with week-long festival link

  Love business and the planet this Valentine’s with week-long festival

  by Felicity Roberts, over 3 years ago
  

  University of Chester staff, students and partners are encouraging everyone to love business and sustainability this Valentine’s week with a free future-focused festival open to all.
  
  Set to be kicked off in style by Chester Football Club players and coaches showing their skills and drills, the Festival of Professional Futures runs through the week from Monday February 13.

  The Festival features business events for everyone, including sessions from digital skills and innovation to entrepreneurship, which are expected to be of particular interest to people from businesses and across professions; students and alumni.

  Organised by the Cheshire and Warrington Business Growth... Continue reading

  University of Chester staff, students and partners are encouraging everyone to love business and sustainability this Valentine’s week with a free future-focused festival open to all.
  
  Set to be kicked off in style by Chester Football Club players and coaches showing their skills and drills, the Festival of Professional Futures runs through the week from Monday February 13.

  The Festival features business events for everyone, including sessions from digital skills and innovation to entrepreneurship, which are expected to be of particular interest to people from businesses and across professions; students and alumni.

  Organised by the Cheshire and Warrington Business Growth Programme (BGP) team at the University of Chester, it celebrates the business support services provided by the University. All of the events take place at the University of Chester Business School at Queen’s Park, in Chester, CH4 7AD, apart from two online sessions for those unable to attend in person.

  The Festival’s diverse programme of events offers ‘meet the expert’ sessions, business masterclasses and workshops, as well as networking events.

  Among these are workshops on sustainability, marketing, net-zero and virtual reality, and the chance for representatives from businesses and other organisations to meet future recruits for placements and graduate roles. Students can meet future employers and come away with a wealth of professional skills.

  Tree planting and volunteering in action will also be part of the activities.

  Louise Goodman, Business Development Manager at the University said: “This collection of events brings together University of Chester staff, students and BGP businesses to support business and the community, networking and collaboration, innovation, entrepreneurship, digital transformation and the transition to net zero.

  “We’re looking forward to seeing students, businesses and people from across the community getting set for the future in our week-long celebration of business growth support delivered through the University.”

  The Festival includes the following events:

  Monday February 13

  • Employer in the Foyer - Enterprise Rent-A-Car - 11.30am
  • Chester FC Skills and Drills Session - 1pm
  • Student Enterprise and Business Showcase and Networking - 1.30pm

  Tuesday February 14

  • Hot Topics in International Trade - Ask the Expert (online event) - 12.30pm
  • 'Think Beyond' Business Masterclass - Ask the Expert - 3pm

  Wednesday February 15

  • Work Based Learning Drop-in for Level 5 Students and Business Hosts - 10am
  • Taster: Carbon Literacy, Climate Justice and Careers in Sustainability - 11am
  • Chester Youth Climate Action Network Drop-in - 11am
  • Wild Garden Clean Up Outdoor Volunteers Drop-in - 12pm
  • Community Orchard Planting - 12.30pm

  Thursday February 16

  • Job Search and Interview Preparation - 10am
  • Developing a CV for Maximum Impact - 10am
  • Matching Graduate Skills to Employer Needs - 12pm
  • The Value of Apprenticeships (online event) - 1pm

  Friday February 17

  • Taster: Creative Learning Through Lego Serious Play - 10.30am
  • The Power of Social Media in Business - Ask the Expert - 12pm
  • Virtual Reality for Business - 1.30pm

  All of the events are free, and are open to everyone. To find out more and book a place on any of the sessions, please visit the Festival of Professional Futures Eventbrite Collection web pages at: https://bit.ly/professionalfutures2023.

  Keep an eye on the Eventbrite listings for any updates and additions, including for the weekend of the Festival week.
• Share Graduate among designers of carbon-neutral fashion line championed by the King on Facebook Share Graduate among designers of carbon-neutral fashion line championed by the King on Twitter Share Graduate among designers of carbon-neutral fashion line championed by the King on Linkedin Email Graduate among designers of carbon-neutral fashion line championed by the King link

  Graduate among designers of carbon-neutral fashion line championed by the King

  by Felicity Roberts, over 3 years ago
  

  A University of Chester graduate is one of eight designers chosen by The Prince’s Foundation and a world-leading fashion retailer to create a carbon-neutral womenswear collection inspired by royal gardens and showcased to King Charles III.

  Emma Rose Atherton, who studied a Master’s of Art in Design at the University, has designed and hand-crafted clothes for the responsible ready-to-wear, luxury womenswear capsule collection, recently launched by the charity and YOOX NET-A-PORTER.

  The 13-piece capsule marks the culmination of the second edition of The Modern Artisan, YOOX NET-A-PORTER’s and The Prince’s Foundation’s pioneering flagship training programme - and the first... Continue reading

  A University of Chester graduate is one of eight designers chosen by The Prince’s Foundation and a world-leading fashion retailer to create a carbon-neutral womenswear collection inspired by royal gardens and showcased to King Charles III.

  Emma Rose Atherton, who studied a Master’s of Art in Design at the University, has designed and hand-crafted clothes for the responsible ready-to-wear, luxury womenswear capsule collection, recently launched by the charity and YOOX NET-A-PORTER.

  The 13-piece capsule marks the culmination of the second edition of The Modern Artisan, YOOX NET-A-PORTER’s and The Prince’s Foundation’s pioneering flagship training programme - and the first time Highgrove Gardens in Gloucestershire, next to Their Majesties, the King and the Queen Consort’s private residence, has served as inspiration for a fashion collection. The Gardens are run by The Foundation, which was established and is presided over by the King. Half of the collection’s Recommended Retail Price is being donated to the charity, to support its innovative training programmes.

  Emma, from the Wirral, runs her own size-inclusive label, EROSA, which was recently featured and won an award at Northern Fashion Week. The 29-year-old embarked on The Modern Artisan programme in 2021 after the designers were selected from a competitive international field of students and graduates.

  During the programme, Emma and her fellow Artisans have been given the opportunity to present their work to His Majesty, then the Prince of Wales, at Dumfries House, headquarters of The Prince’s Foundation in East Ayrshire, Scotland.

  The capsule reflects The Modern Artisan programme’s commitment to advancing sustainability in luxury fashion and preserving heritage textile skills. They both also demonstrate the shared ambition of YOOX NET-A-PORTER and The Prince’s Foundation to preserve the planet for future generations. The Modern Artisan aims to position artisanship as a viable and attractive career path for upcoming generations, equipping them with the skills to help shape a more circular industry. The 10-month paid programme supported eight British and Italian now-graduates through the end-to-end process of designing, handcrafting, and bringing a more sustainable luxury collection to a global market.

  The Artisans were supported by industry experts from YOOX NET-A-PORTER, The Prince’s Foundation, and mentoring designer brands, including Gabriela Hearst, Nanushka and Stella Jean.

  Natural and certified materials were carefully selected, with more than 50% repurposed from surplus textile production through partner supplier Maeba International, and the application of circular design principles such as zero waste and data-informed design.

  The collection was crafted by the Artisans in the Textile Training Centre at Dumfries House, where they undertook six months of intensive training in luxury small batch production. Training focused on advanced technical production skills within sewing, pattern drafting and quality control, while also developing expertise to handle wool, cashmere, and silk to ensure garment finishes meet the luxury market standard. The Artisans also learned about the product development process at Fashion Enter in London, and luxury knitwear manufacturing, as they designed four knitwear pieces, the only styles to be produced off-site by UK-based Johnstons of Elgin and Corgi.

  Each piece is also embedded with a Digital ID through YOOX NET-A-PORTER’s partnership with EON, using innovative technology to unlock unique product insights as well as care and repair and resale services. The Digital ID also shares how YOOX NET-A-PORTER worked with environmental consultancy Carbonsink to minimise, calculate, and compensate for the carbon footprint of each garment. Carbon credits support the Artisans’ chosen certified offsetting project: Kariba Forest Protection, which protects forests and wildlife and supports community-based training and upskilling on the Zimbabwean-Zambian border.

  The collection was displayed at a public exhibit at Dumfries House in November 2022 alongside a series of talks from project partners about sustainable fashion. The 2022 edition of The Modern Artisan was launched at a pre-COP 26 event hosted by the UK Government’s Department for International Trade in Milan in September 2021. The Artisans also showcased their skills in 2022 at international craftsmanship exhibit, Homo Faber in Venice, organised by the Michelangelo Foundation.

  Emma said: “I feel so privileged to have been a part of The Modern Artisan. I was encouraged to apply by Delphine Wilson, the Fashion Design Programme Leader at the University of Chester, and am so proud of everything the team achieved over the 10 months. I learned more than I can describe about myself as a designer and maker, and have enjoyed bringing these skills back into my own practice as well as sharing them with Chester students.”

  The collection is available at NETAPORTER.com and YOOX.com, and their respective apps.

  For more information about The Modern Artisan project, please visit: www.ynap.com/pages/the-modern-artisan/.

  EROSA and Emma Rose Atherton can be followed on Instagram at: @erosastudios and @emmaroseatherton.

  * Top left image by by Charlie Urmston. Top right image of designs by Danika Magdelena.
• Share Low Carbon Innovation Forum: Cheshire Food & Drink SMEs on Facebook Share Low Carbon Innovation Forum: Cheshire Food & Drink SMEs on Twitter Share Low Carbon Innovation Forum: Cheshire Food & Drink SMEs on Linkedin Email Low Carbon Innovation Forum: Cheshire Food & Drink SMEs link

  Low Carbon Innovation Forum: Cheshire Food & Drink SMEs

  over 3 years ago
  

  
  

  The Low Carbon Innovation Forum is designed for SME leaders interested in connecting with like-minded regional peers, academic expertise and industry partners to address the opportunities and challenges posed by the Net Zero Carbon agenda.

  Provided through the ERDF-funded Eco-I NW programme, the Cheshire Food & Drink cohort (commencing January 25th/26th 2023) is aimed specifically at Cheshire SMEs in the food & drink sector and wider supply chain industry (food manufacturing, logistics, packaging and visitor economy).
  
  The three-month programme is designed to help Cheshire food & drink businesses to understand the opportunities presented by the transition to a low carbon... Continue reading

  
  

  The Low Carbon Innovation Forum is designed for SME leaders interested in connecting with like-minded regional peers, academic expertise and industry partners to address the opportunities and challenges posed by the Net Zero Carbon agenda.

  Provided through the ERDF-funded Eco-I NW programme, the Cheshire Food & Drink cohort (commencing January 25th/26th 2023) is aimed specifically at Cheshire SMEs in the food & drink sector and wider supply chain industry (food manufacturing, logistics, packaging and visitor economy).
  
  The three-month programme is designed to help Cheshire food & drink businesses to understand the opportunities presented by the transition to a low carbon economy.

  The programme is fully-funded for eligible Cheshire based SMEs and includes three once-a-month SME-focused and designed sessions, beginning with a two-day overnight residential based in Chester. You’ll participate in a range of practical and interactive challenges, workshops and tasks to develop the tools and techniques to explore low-carbon innovation and solutions for your business.

  See programme details & timetables
• Share Westminster Park (the green space, not the housing estate!) on Facebook Share Westminster Park (the green space, not the housing estate!) on Twitter Share Westminster Park (the green space, not the housing estate!) on Linkedin Email Westminster Park (the green space, not the housing estate!) link

  Westminster Park (the green space, not the housing estate!)

  over 3 years ago
  

  From the Spring of 2021, as Covid 19 lockdown conditions allowed, a growing group of volunteers began to meet at the park for a couple of hours on a Wednesday morning. These working parties are a sub-group of the Friends of Westminster Park. Many parks and green spaces now have a Friends Group taking an interest in their patch and supporting the CWAC park staff.

  We began with clearing and planting some of the more formal beds near the café. Then pruning and clearing overgrown hedges and copses. The brambles and woodland on the site of the former council nurseries... Continue reading

  From the Spring of 2021, as Covid 19 lockdown conditions allowed, a growing group of volunteers began to meet at the park for a couple of hours on a Wednesday morning. These working parties are a sub-group of the Friends of Westminster Park. Many parks and green spaces now have a Friends Group taking an interest in their patch and supporting the CWAC park staff.

  We began with clearing and planting some of the more formal beds near the café. Then pruning and clearing overgrown hedges and copses. The brambles and woodland on the site of the former council nurseries and greenhouses on the city side of the park presented both an opportunity and a challenge. We began to manage the hedges and clear the undergrowth, to let in more light and create space. Using the chippings from the material cleared, we made paths through the woodland, making it more accessible and inviting to people big and small.

  Two of us took up the invitation from Chester Zoo for 4 days training to become Wildlife Champions. We learned about nurturing local plants, invertebrates, birds, bats, amphibians, and small mammals, and how to create habitats to protect and sustain them. We also learned about engaging and sustaining the interest and sense of ownership of local adults and children in their green space. The Zoo has an ambitious programme of Nature Recovery, growing and linking green spaces around Ellesmere Port and Chester.

  We have tried to extend and seal the small shallow pond or scrape near the woods, hoping to keep some water in it throughout the year. Our clay puddling efforts are not up to those of the canal navvies! But we are still working on it, and have plans to plant a willow fence around it, and create a sand and pebble beach.

  We have set up bird boxes and bat boxes, palette habitats for invertebrates, and miner bee high rises. And a Story Den for just sitting among the trees. We have planted bulbs, and scattered wildflower seed, making a gloriously colourful river of flowers this summer.

  In 2022, two more of our volunteers completed the Wildlife Champion training. The Zoo then offered a hedge laying course, taken up by one of us, to join the already experienced hedge layers in the group. Hedgerows are such important habitats for local wildlife. There are 506,000 miles of hedgerow in the UK, making it the biggest nature reserve in the country! A diverse and well-managed hedge provides food and shelter for so many species. Winter is the ideal time for cutting and laying hedges, and we have plans to transform some of ours in the park.

  Each green space in our community, no matter how big or small, formal or untamed, contributes to the health and wellbeing of ourselves and our planet. They are green lungs, sucking up pollution and carbon dioxide. They are important sanctuaries for the otherwise dwindling populations of birds, insects, and other creatures. They are good for our souls!

  New volunteers are always very welcome. We meet near the park café area at 10 am every Wednesday. You don’t have to come every week, or to stay for the full 2 hours…but you might just find that you want to!