https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/ Local Voices OpenACS 5.0 Tue, 16 Apr 2024 15:44:32 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=51951066 https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=51951066 When I worked at Bangor University I became the representative for Wales on the steering committee for the UK “OPen Air Laboratories” programme (OPAL) which ran between 2007 and 2019, and was supported mainly by the Big Lottery Fund: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/opal/about/ This ‘citizen science’ project enabled children and adults to get hands-on with nature while contributing to important scientific research. OPAL designed a suite of field and desk-based activities suit... Tue, 16 Apr 2024 15:44:32 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=50727858 https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=50727858 A large number of families were attracted to our WaterCAN stall at the Mistletoe Fayre, many of whom braved the cold to enter our competition 'My favourite sustainable gifts at Christmas time'. Congratulations to Hana and Albie whose winning suggestions, bulbs to plant and a bug hotel kit, were both practical and nurturing of our environment.  We will be in touch to present you each with a £10 gift voucher to be spent  Sam Long's fruit and veg at her pop up stall in Dibden... Thu, 07 Dec 2023 20:51:28 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=50703758 https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=50703758 Hythe's Mistletoe Fayre took place on one of the coldest days of the year so far. With temperatures hovering just above freezing, we filled our flasks with hot tea and took to the streets to talk about the WaterCAN network group. We were very pleased to invite the Surfers Against Sewage representatives to have a stall next to us too. This stall was manned by Lee Attrill and Mark Hassard-Short (South Coast rep, West Wittering). By the end of the day we all knew a lot more about nurdles (hunts r... Mon, 04 Dec 2023 17:59:16 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=50632322 https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=50632322 The recent panic about water shortages prompted us to explore options for emergency water storage. While household water butts offer capacities ranging from 100 to 220 litres at a cost of £69 to £80, a more cost-effective and larger alternative is the IBC tank. These 1000-litre containers, originally used for commercial transport of food liquids like cooking oil and sauces, can be acquired second-hand on platforms such as eBay, Gumtree, or local magazines for a reasonable price, ty... Tue, 28 Nov 2023 18:02:05 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=50469160 https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=50469160   Below are the summarised findings and actions from the workshop. Community Energy New Forest was agreed  with the strapline 'Local Energy for Local People'. As a longer vision it will “Provide sustainable and renewable energy solutions which positively impact our New Forest communities”. this organisation is a developer / delivery route for community owned renewables in the District (which is resource / skills intensive) whilst still allowing individual communiti... Sat, 11 Nov 2023 17:11:51 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=50253394 https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=50253394 The Eling to Holbury Cycle Route was shown at the Waterside Transport Schemes Meetings held some months ago in which the Waterside Cycling Action Group (WCAG) was able to discuss our doubts concerning certain aspects of the route   One major concern which WCAG have been highlighting to Hampshire County Council (HCC) for the last three years is the existence of a roundabout at the junction of Nash Road, North Road and Water Lane which can still be seen (with a comment) on the drawing ... Sat, 21 Oct 2023 15:33:04 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=50057404 https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=50057404 WaterCAN members recently met with Laura Wilson of Community Energy South (CES). CES was established in 2013 with the aim of supporting community energy groups in South- East England. They are currently collaborating with the New Forest District Council (NFDC) and other local authorities in Hampshire to promote community-led projects focusing on renewable energy development, energy efficiency and the reduction of fuel poverty. One notable project under this partnership is the West Solent Solar... Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:08:57 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=50057303 https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=50057303 While a lot of gardeners may be dreading the upcoming colder months, autumn is actually the best time to plant flowers for warmer weather to keep gardens looking vibrant as well as have some stunning spring plants in 2024. Summer is almost at an end and the last thing most gardeners are thinking about is what their garden will look like in six months time. However, September until November and the best time to plant bulbs while the soil is still warm and gives plants time to develop while esta... Mon, 02 Oct 2023 11:53:31 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=49425264 https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=49425264 The Waterside Climate Action Network (WaterCAN) is a recently formed community group aimed at bringing together local groups involved in projects aimed at environmental protection and enhancement, with the intention of sharing information and experiences in order to benefit the wider community and encourage further initiatives.   The recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) sets out the current situation in stark terms: "There is a rapidly closing window o... Thu, 03 Aug 2023 20:35:39 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=49425212 https://e-voice.org.uk/watercan/blog/one-entry?entry_id=49425212 Since joining WaterCAN, we have all been thinking about what simple changes, we can all make. I know I definitely want to  reduce the amount of both black bag and clear sack refuse collected from my house. This is how I have succeeded and found there is better ways to shop than just supermarkets.  I now shop, almost entirely from my village and its small local businesses.  I can walk and collect goods.   Having to carry them home makes you thin... Thu, 03 Aug 2023 20:17:47 GMT