This group is for anyone who is concerned about the future of our precious planet.

We aim to provide a programme to suit all interests, including greener energy, protecting the natural environment, reducing waste, saving resources and many more. We also aim to have a mix of talks, group visits and practical activities.

All welcome!

Environmental Concern Group Programme 2025-26

Date	Topic
8 September	Beavers of the Wyre Forest A family of six beavers was released into an enclosure in Wyre Forest in April 2024. Wyre Forest Ranger, Graham Haw, will tell us about why this project is important and how the beavers are progressing. Video of the release of the beavers
13 October	Walk to Beaver Enclosure, Wyre Forest John or Suzanne will lead a walk through the Wyre Forest to visit the area of the beaver enclosure. Please note that a certain level of fitness is required for this walk. Places to be booked in advance. Meeting location will be provided.
10 November	Incredible Edible A revolution started in 2008 in Todmorden that aimed to bring together communities through local food. Spare pieces of land were turned into herb beds and places to grow fruit and vegetables for anyone to pick. Find out about this exciting movement and discover what is happening in our local area. Video about how Incredible Edible started
8 December	Green Christmas Join in with discussions about some hot topics. Take part in the quiz. Try out some greener gift-wrapping ideas. Please bring a plate of vegan food to share.
12 January	Using Renewable Energy at Home Can wind turbines be used in a domestic setting? What is it really like to install and use solar power, a heat pump and electric cars? Come along to hear some personal experiences (good and bad!). You will have the chance to add your own experience and / or to ask questions.
9 February	Visit to SVR Hydrogen Engine The Severn Valley Railway has been working in partnership with organisations like the University of Birmingham to develop greener alternatives to the traditional railway engines. They have succeeded in developing a hydrogen-powered shunting engine. We will be given a behind-the-scenes presentation of the engine. Meeting details will be provided. Places must be booked in advance.
9 March	The State of the River Severn Trevor Ponman will provide an update from CARP on the level of pollution in the River Severn, how the campaign is progressing and what we can do to help.
13 April	Water Sampling Following on from Trevor’s update, we will be carrying out our own investigations into the health of the River Severn. Meeting location will be provided.
11 May	Visit to Sunset Field By kind invitation of Henry Beakbane. Henry will show us the 7-acre field that he and his partner have gradually developed over 16 years. There are mature and newly-planted trees, streams and pond, bee colonies, forest garden area and wildflower meadow areas. Due to very limited parking, we will arrange car-sharing in advance.
8 June	Why do we have climate change? Understand how humans have caused climate change over time by participating in activities, brief presentations and discussions. This meeting will be free of charge and open to others as part of SustFest 2026.
13 July	Tour of Dropping Well Farm Nature Reserve Worcestershire Wildlife Trust recently acquired the farm and are in the process of turning it into heathland. We will be given a guided tour of the site and an explanation of the work that is happening there. Meet at 10am at Blackstone Picnic Site.
August	No meeting