Climate Emergency

What are you doing to tackle the Climate Emergency?

• Share Cheshire and Merseyside Commits to Green Future on Facebook Share Cheshire and Merseyside Commits to Green Future on Twitter Share Cheshire and Merseyside Commits to Green Future on Linkedin Email Cheshire and Merseyside Commits to Green Future link

  Cheshire and Merseyside Commits to Green Future

  by Grace Marshall, almost 4 years ago

  All 18 NHS Trusts in Cheshire and Merseyside have signed up to ambitious plans to make them net carbon zero by 2040 - including the 3 Trusts working in the borough (Countess of Chester Hospital Foundation Trust, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership Foundation Trust and Mid Cheshire Hospitals Foundation Trust)

  Each Trust has published a Green Plan, key priorities from which are contained within the Cheshire and Merseyside Green Plan which will see opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and improve healthy environments across its estate.

  Developing new buildings which are energy efficient and sympathetic to their local environment, creating nature gardens... Continue reading

  All 18 NHS Trusts in Cheshire and Merseyside have signed up to ambitious plans to make them net carbon zero by 2040 - including the 3 Trusts working in the borough (Countess of Chester Hospital Foundation Trust, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership Foundation Trust and Mid Cheshire Hospitals Foundation Trust)

  Each Trust has published a Green Plan, key priorities from which are contained within the Cheshire and Merseyside Green Plan which will see opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and improve healthy environments across its estate.

  Developing new buildings which are energy efficient and sympathetic to their local environment, creating nature gardens and wild spaces, using less water and paper, and improving the efficiency of heating and energy systems are just some of the plans being put in place to meet the target.

  Other ways of reducing carbon such as encouraging more walking, cycling and sustainable travel for staff and patients, and exploring the use of re-usable equipment are also part of the plan.

  As well as this, hospitals and other sites will look at how they can reduce the emission of damaging anaesthetic gases.

  This is the first time that all 212 trusts in the country have their own roadmap to tackle climate change and meet the NHS’s net zero commitments. The new green plans are expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than a million tonnes in the UK over the next three years – the same as taking 520,000 cars off the road.

  The climate crisis is recognised as a health emergency, which is why the NHS has become the first health service in the world to commit to reaching net zero; by 2040 for the emissions it controls directly, and by 2045 for the emissions it influences.

  Thousands of deaths occur every year in Cheshire and Merseyside as a result of poor air quality and these often disproportionately affect our poorest and most vulnerable communities.

  See the Cheshire and Merseyside Green Plan 2022 here.

  Air pollution has a significant effect on public health, and poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK. It is also recognised that some areas of Cheshire and Merseyside have among the highest levels of air pollution in the country.

  Dave Sweeney, Director of Partnerships and Sustainability for the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership, said: “All Green Plan priorities from Cheshire and Merseyside trusts have been incorporated into an overarching Green Plan.

  “It’s not just the environmental impact that matters; these plans work to deliver improved patient care, save lives, and reduce costs and waste.

  “With air pollution alone contributing to one in 20 deaths per a year, it is clear we are facing a health emergency as well as a climate emergency. Our Green Plan is a testament to our staff’s commitment to tackling climate change, and we are proud to set out the positive actions we will take to reduce our impact on the environment and safeguard the future health of our children and grandchildren.”

  Find out how you can be more green:

  
  
• Share Chester Community Energy Ltd announce winners of their schools' sustainability competition on Facebook Share Chester Community Energy Ltd announce winners of their schools' sustainability competition on Twitter Share Chester Community Energy Ltd announce winners of their schools' sustainability competition on Linkedin Email Chester Community Energy Ltd announce winners of their schools' sustainability competition link

  Chester Community Energy Ltd announce winners of their schools' sustainability competition

  by Chester Community Energy, almost 4 years ago
  

  Chester Community Energy Ltd are delighted to announce that the “The Light Savers” team from Upton-by-Chester High School have won our Sustainability Competition for state-funded secondary schools in Cheshire West and Chester this year.

  The Light Savers, a group of year 9 students, guided by their Head of Geography, provided a fantastic entry for an LED lighting project for one of their classrooms. They also made a very engaging video on the benefits of LED lighting to accompany their entry.

  Chester Community Energy Ltd aims to reduce carbon emissions in our area by developing renewable energy schemes and... Continue reading

  Chester Community Energy Ltd are delighted to announce that the “The Light Savers” team from Upton-by-Chester High School have won our Sustainability Competition for state-funded secondary schools in Cheshire West and Chester this year.

  The Light Savers, a group of year 9 students, guided by their Head of Geography, provided a fantastic entry for an LED lighting project for one of their classrooms. They also made a very engaging video on the benefits of LED lighting to accompany their entry.

  Chester Community Energy Ltd aims to reduce carbon emissions in our area by developing renewable energy schemes and encouraging energy efficiency. Upton-by-Chester High School received £1000 to spend on their winning project. Each member of the winning team also received a £20 gift voucher to spend in Chester and an invitation to participate in a Chester Community Energy Directors’ meeting.

  The prizes are awarded from the Chester Community Energy Ltd Community Benefit Fund. This fund has been set up by our collective membership and is funded directly from the returns from their investments in our solar energy projects.

  And the winning project has already been implemented - Cool and energy-efficient lighting!

  
  
• Share Family Bike Ride to Chester Zoo on Facebook Share Family Bike Ride to Chester Zoo on Twitter Share Family Bike Ride to Chester Zoo on Linkedin Email Family Bike Ride to Chester Zoo link

  Family Bike Ride to Chester Zoo

  by Ian S, about 4 years ago

  Celebrate National Bike Week with the Chester Cycling Campaign by joining our family cycle ride to Chester Zoo on Sunday, June 12th!

  Members of the Campaign will be offering a guided, circular cycle ride via Chester Zoo’s Nature Park area as part of Cycling UK’s National Bike Week. The ride departs from outside the Northgate Arena at 10:30 sharp on Sunday 12^th June.

  The route is 8 miles in length and is virtually flat. We will be riding at a pace that suits all on quiet(ish) roads through Upton and back along the (traffic-free) canal towpath. Families are welcome... Continue reading

  Celebrate National Bike Week with the Chester Cycling Campaign by joining our family cycle ride to Chester Zoo on Sunday, June 12th!

  Members of the Campaign will be offering a guided, circular cycle ride via Chester Zoo’s Nature Park area as part of Cycling UK’s National Bike Week. The ride departs from outside the Northgate Arena at 10:30 sharp on Sunday 12^th June.

  The route is 8 miles in length and is virtually flat. We will be riding at a pace that suits all on quiet(ish) roads through Upton and back along the (traffic-free) canal towpath. Families are welcome to attend but do be aware that younger children need to be able to take on this distance.

  The Zoo offers a 15% discount to those arriving by cycle. Folk are welcome to take advantage of this offer but, please be aware, the ride leaders will return to Chester after a short break at the Nature Park area.

  We look forward to seeing you and welcoming you on this celebration of cycling!

  Use the link below to book your free tickets. Note that tickets are required for all those attending, including children. Members of Chester Cycling Campaign will supervise the ride but riders will retain ultimate responsibility for their own safety and that of accompanying minors.

  Book Places for Your Family Here
• Share Watch out for out Litter PIck Hubs coming to the region in June on Facebook Share Watch out for out Litter PIck Hubs coming to the region in June on Twitter Share Watch out for out Litter PIck Hubs coming to the region in June on Linkedin Email Watch out for out Litter PIck Hubs coming to the region in June link

  Watch out for out Litter PIck Hubs coming to the region in June

  by Eco Communities, about 4 years ago
  

  
  

  We have been litter picking in the region as part of Plastic Free Chester for the last few years. We are now supporting Plastic Free Cheshire and so want to branch out. Of course lock down stopped group picks, but it was fantastic to see lots of Womble Groups starting or growing during this period. At the moment you need top purchase your own equipment or loan it from the Street Scene team. The team are travelling to deliver odd litter pickers to residents seems to go against the aims of reducing our Carbon Footprint, so we applied for funding... Continue reading

  
  

  We have been litter picking in the region as part of Plastic Free Chester for the last few years. We are now supporting Plastic Free Cheshire and so want to branch out. Of course lock down stopped group picks, but it was fantastic to see lots of Womble Groups starting or growing during this period. At the moment you need top purchase your own equipment or loan it from the Street Scene team. The team are travelling to deliver odd litter pickers to residents seems to go against the aims of reducing our Carbon Footprint, so we applied for funding from Cheshire West and Cheshire Council to create Litter Pick Hubs.

  You can now borrow equipment from one of our hubs which we are rolling out in the region. You can also join one of our group litter picks which have now restarted.

  So far we will have hubs in some of the Chester Parks, Sykes Cottages, Exsqeeze Me in Handbridge, Just Footprints in Chester and Frodsham, Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove in Upton and more to be finalised. Want a hub near you email office@sustainablecheshire.uk

  If you want to read more and keep updated on our hubs - Read more

  Photo Jim Holmes
• Share Hedgehog Watch on Facebook Share Hedgehog Watch on Twitter Share Hedgehog Watch on Linkedin Email Hedgehog Watch link

  Hedgehog Watch

  by Sacha@CWaC, about 4 years ago
  

  20 May 2022

  Chester Zoo is encouraging local residents to Act for Wildlife, by taking part in this year’s Hedgehog Watch. The project highlights the plight of hedgehogs, whose numbers have steeply declined in recent years.

  The local community is being asked to survey their back garden (or private green space) using motion-activated cameras. The images captured will enable the zoo to build up a picture of how hedgehogs use green spaces, and the habitat features that are required to help hedgehogs thrive.

  Visit Chester Zoo’s website for more information about Hedgehog Watch and find out how you can get... Continue reading

  20 May 2022

  Chester Zoo is encouraging local residents to Act for Wildlife, by taking part in this year’s Hedgehog Watch. The project highlights the plight of hedgehogs, whose numbers have steeply declined in recent years.

  The local community is being asked to survey their back garden (or private green space) using motion-activated cameras. The images captured will enable the zoo to build up a picture of how hedgehogs use green spaces, and the habitat features that are required to help hedgehogs thrive.

  Visit Chester Zoo’s website for more information about Hedgehog Watch and find out how you can get involved.
• Share Help us to Create the Cheshire Cup - phase one Chester on Facebook Share Help us to Create the Cheshire Cup - phase one Chester on Twitter Share Help us to Create the Cheshire Cup - phase one Chester on Linkedin Email Help us to Create the Cheshire Cup - phase one Chester link

  Help us to Create the Cheshire Cup - phase one Chester

  by Eco Communities, about 4 years ago
  

  
  

  
  

  We can't keep creating this single use cup waste. We need a reuse system that works and we think Cheshire deserves this.

  What we propose is deposit return style scheme, where a deposit is paid for the reusable coffee cup, a small deposit say £1 is paid for the cup itself. The take away coffee and cup can be taken off the premises, but the cup can then be taken back to the same café the next day or handed into another participating café for a new clean cup or refund. Read the full story and how we propose to... Continue reading

  
  

  
  

  We can't keep creating this single use cup waste. We need a reuse system that works and we think Cheshire deserves this.

  What we propose is deposit return style scheme, where a deposit is paid for the reusable coffee cup, a small deposit say £1 is paid for the cup itself. The take away coffee and cup can be taken off the premises, but the cup can then be taken back to the same café the next day or handed into another participating café for a new clean cup or refund. Read the full story and how we propose to fund this, with phase one being Chester. Click here
• Share World Bee Day 2022 on Facebook Share World Bee Day 2022 on Twitter Share World Bee Day 2022 on Linkedin Email World Bee Day 2022 link

  World Bee Day 2022

  by Miss Roberts, about 4 years ago
  

  We had a fantastic World Bee Day in year 3 at Victoria Road Primary School. Everyone was fascinated with the life of bees from their wiggle dances to their pollen laden legs. We made wildflower bee bombs to take home and surveyed our school grounds to see if we can make our school a more bee friendly place. Such a good day.

  We had a fantastic World Bee Day in year 3 at Victoria Road Primary School. Everyone was fascinated with the life of bees from their wiggle dances to their pollen laden legs. We made wildflower bee bombs to take home and surveyed our school grounds to see if we can make our school a more bee friendly place. Such a good day.
• Share Ditch the car – help the climate and your health. I did. on Facebook Share Ditch the car – help the climate and your health. I did. on Twitter Share Ditch the car – help the climate and your health. I did. on Linkedin Email Ditch the car – help the climate and your health. I did. link

  Ditch the car – help the climate and your health. I did.

  by Patrick Eakin, about 4 years ago

  And I’m a GP. Having not cycled since primary school, it was remarkable how little time it took me to get back on a bicycle and then before I knew it, I had sold my car and the bicycle was my primary mode of transport.

  I always had excuses for not doing it before: How would I visit patients? What about the traffic? Rain?

  But, with a second-hand bike picked up by my wife, I cycled into town a few times. First, just to catch the train, then to do some shopping. It was so simple; work was the next... Continue reading

  And I’m a GP. Having not cycled since primary school, it was remarkable how little time it took me to get back on a bicycle and then before I knew it, I had sold my car and the bicycle was my primary mode of transport.

  I always had excuses for not doing it before: How would I visit patients? What about the traffic? Rain?

  But, with a second-hand bike picked up by my wife, I cycled into town a few times. First, just to catch the train, then to do some shopping. It was so simple; work was the next logical step.

  Very quickly I realised all my preconceptions about cycling were wrong, and the barriers to changing in my mind just needed to be challenged.

  What was and still is most enjoyable, is the gentle ride home in the evening, exercise done, no need to worry about traffic jams.

  Why not try it yourself?

  
  

  Dr Patrick Eakin

  GP

  
  

  A longer version of this article (with photos!) can be found at: News latest - Cycle North Cheshire
• Share The importance of bees on Facebook Share The importance of bees on Twitter Share The importance of bees on Linkedin Email The importance of bees link

  The importance of bees

  about 4 years ago
  

  World Bee Day, Friday 20 May 2022, is a great opportunity to consider what we can all do to make our outdoor spaces better for bees.

  Gardeners have noticed that there is less of a buzz in the air because bee numbers have been falling dramatically in recent years. Experts are worried that this trend might continue and, if it does, it could have serious implications.

  Bees visit flowers to collect nectar and pollen, which they use as food for themselves and the larvae in their hives or nests. By moving from flower to flower, bees are important pollinators of... Continue reading

  World Bee Day, Friday 20 May 2022, is a great opportunity to consider what we can all do to make our outdoor spaces better for bees.

  Gardeners have noticed that there is less of a buzz in the air because bee numbers have been falling dramatically in recent years. Experts are worried that this trend might continue and, if it does, it could have serious implications.

  Bees visit flowers to collect nectar and pollen, which they use as food for themselves and the larvae in their hives or nests. By moving from flower to flower, bees are important pollinators of many garden and wild flowers.

  Insect pollination is also essential for the cropping of most fruits and some vegetables. Without the bees, there would be significantly less food for people to eat. Honeybees don't just make honey - they pollinate more than 90 of the tastiest flowering crops we have including apples, nuts, avocados, asparagus, broccoli, celery, squash and cucumbers. They also pollinate sweet and tart crops such as citrus fruit, blueberries, cranberries and strawberries.

  Bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats and hummingbirds, are increasingly under threat from human activities. Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival of our ecosystems. Nearly 90% of the world’s wild flowering plant species depend, entirely, or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with more than 75% of the world’s food crops and 35% of global agricultural land. Not only do pollinators contribute directly to food security, but they are key to conserving biodiversity.
  
  The Council has started delivering it’s five-year Wildflower and Grassland Strategy action plan, with 45 mini native wildflower meadows being created across the borough this summer. You can read more about the Council’s plans on the wildflowers webpage, including details about the ‘Cheshire’ seed mix being that has been created for this project. Residents are also able to purchase the wildflower mix to use in their own gardens.

  You can help

  Go organic: Putting insecticide on your plants might get rid of the insects that eat them, but it also poisons bees. Try using a natural insecticide like putting ladybirds on your plants that will eat the bugs but will not harm the bees. If you want to keep using chemical pesticides, use them sparingly and don’t spray open flowers. Spray in the evening when bees are less active.

  Use friendly plants: Bees like to have lots of different, nectar-rich flowers planted close together. They also like varying heights, nice smells and sunny sheltered spots. Bees can only see certain colours and, because of this, are attracted to some flowers more than others. Ideally you should have something in flower every month to give bees something to feed on throughout the whole year.

  The best plants for bees are lavender, chives, thyme, mint, rosemary, borage, cornflower verbena, campanula, hellebore, ice plant, greater knapweed, viper's bugloss, sea hollies, poppy, buddleia, hebe, comfrey, Japanese quince, foxglove, aquilegia, winter-flowering honeysuckle and heathers.

  Quench their thirst: Bees need to drink. They are too small to be able to drink from ponds or bird tables so putting a little water on a small plate is the best option.

  Become a beekeeper: Visit: www.bbka.org.uk to find out how.

  Make a bee home: Some species of solitary bees like to nest in small tunnels or holes in the ground or sandy banks. Making a home for these single bees gives them an ideal place in which to lay their eggs. The Countryfile website has a useful guide to help you create one.

  
  
• Share Why 2,000 homes in Ellesmere Port could help solve our climate crisis on Facebook Share Why 2,000 homes in Ellesmere Port could help solve our climate crisis on Twitter Share Why 2,000 homes in Ellesmere Port could help solve our climate crisis on Linkedin Email Why 2,000 homes in Ellesmere Port could help solve our climate crisis link

  Why 2,000 homes in Ellesmere Port could help solve our climate crisis

  about 4 years ago
  

  An area of up to 2,000 properties in Ellesmere Port has made the shortlist (of two) to be the UK’s first ‘hydrogen village’.

  Ellesmere Port could be home to the UK’s first ‘hydrogen village’ in a project that’s critical to helping solve the global climate crisis.

  Up to 2,000 properties in the Whitby area of the town would stop using natural gas for heating and cooking, and instead use hydrogen.

  The proposal, put forward by gas distribution network Cadent and British Gas, and supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council, has been confirmed by Ofgem in a shortlist of two... Continue reading

  An area of up to 2,000 properties in Ellesmere Port has made the shortlist (of two) to be the UK’s first ‘hydrogen village’.

  Ellesmere Port could be home to the UK’s first ‘hydrogen village’ in a project that’s critical to helping solve the global climate crisis.

  Up to 2,000 properties in the Whitby area of the town would stop using natural gas for heating and cooking, and instead use hydrogen.

  The proposal, put forward by gas distribution network Cadent and British Gas, and supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council, has been confirmed by Ofgem in a shortlist of two locations hoping to be the first to use hydrogen on this scale.

  The chosen location will start being supplied with hydrogen in 2025.

  Hydrogen can be supplied through the existing network of gas pipes. Unlike natural gas, it produces no carbon emissions when burned in a boiler to heat properties.

  If Ellesmere Port is picked as the ‘hydrogen village’, every property in the selected area within Whitby will get free boiler upgrades, to new hydrogen-ready versions. This means residents continue using boilers they are familiar with today.

  There is a guarantee too that, for the duration of the two-year programme, residents will pay the same to use hydrogen as they would pay for using natural gas.

  A lower carbon future

  Marc Clarke, Head of Hydrogen Consumer, Cadent, said:

  “This is a really exciting project that puts Whitby in Ellesmere Port right at the heart of a lower carbon future for the country as a whole.

  “Previous projects have clearly shown hydrogen’s potential, and now, with this scheme, we are showing how hydrogen can be used at scale to cut emissions from heating and cooking.

  “We already know that Whitby has an unparalleled geographic location for hydrogen. The North West is already on track to produce the low carbon hydrogen required for the scheme from Ellesmere Port’s HyNet project, and we have been undertaking work over the past few years to ensure the region’s pipes are ready to take hydrogen.”

  Cadent and British Gas have written to all residents whose properties would be supplied with hydrogen, to explain the programme in more detail. Every property in the area will be surveyed and residents will be consulted throughout.

  Emerging hydrogen economy

  Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said:

  “We’re already in a unique position to have the HyNet development on our doorstep, providing an opportunity to use hydrogen as a source of energy, not only to power industry in our area but also our homes. It will also provide significant job opportunities in a new, expanding sector, for people both locally and further afield.

  “With the hope that the full 2025 village programme will be awarded to our region, the Council and Cadent will be working closely to create a strong community programme, with residents in Whitby, Ellesmere Port and throughout the borough. Residents will be engaged and empowered to co-produce this project throughout the process.”

  Currently, the average UK household emits over 2.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year – mainly by burning natural (fossil) gas for heating, hot water, and cooking. Replacing natural gas with hydrogen is one option for tackling this challenge.

  The recognition of Ellesmere Port as the potential location for the hydrogen village is the latest in a series of developments that are defining the North West as a leader in the emerging hydrogen economy.

  One of the best-known projects is HyNet at Ellesmere Port’s Stanlow Manufacturing Complex. This will produce, store, and distribute low-carbon hydrogen from the mid 2020s, as well as capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions from industry in the region.

  Visit the Hydrogen Village website for more information.