Conservation events across Cornwall for awareness fortnight

THERE are a range of fun events taking place across Cornwall until September 28 to encourage you to make positive changes to become more climate friendly.

The events have been co-ordinated by Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Cornwall Friends of the Earth and the Cornwall Community Climate Forum with events being held by many different organisations.

Action to tackle climate change can take many forms, from leaving the car at home more often to growing your own food.

Climate Friendly Fortnight events have something for everyone including plant swaps, tree planting, guided bike rides, free bike servicing and beach clean events.

Some of the activities organised include:

A talk by Robert Perez on Thursday at 7pm at the WI Hall, Webber Street, Falmouth. Robert Perez worked on the film Power of Community which looks at the relocalisation of Cuba's economy.

On Friday there's a Wildlife Bike Ride at Elm Farm for the Over 50s starting at 10am.

Taking place at the Bike Barn at Elm Farm, Cambrose, near Redruth, a guided nature ride along the coast to coast trail. Bring a drink and your own bike or hire one (plus free helmet hire) from the Bike Barn (see www.thebikebarn.org)

The event costs £2 and booking is essential.

The Bike Barn at Elm Farm is also offering free bike safety-checks throughout Climate Friendly Fortnight.

On Saturday in St Merryn there is a Tree Day. Hosted by the St Merryn Climate Friendly Parish you can help plant trees. There is also a plant swap at St Bartholomew Church, Lostwithiel.

Also on Saturday is 'Let's Help Clean Cornwall' a children's event at Manningham Wood, near Illogan from 11am to 12.30pm.

Prizes for the most creative use of rubbish and most artistic rearrangement of natural resources!

Organised by Fox Club and Friends of Manningham Wood for Clean Cornwall Week. Suitable for children of all ages, with adult help. Contact 01872 273939.

Then at the RNLI building on seafront, East Looe there will be a beach watch and beach clean at 1pm.

Help clean the beach, recycle the waste and earn a hot chocolate as a reward!

Organised by Looe's Marine Heritage Project to mark Beach Watch Weekend, contact: 07917 7655.

On Tuesday, September 23, take part in a Conservation Day in the Luxulyan Valley, near St Austell.

BTCV practical conservation day, carrying out different woodland management tasks within this spectacular woodland World Heritage Site.

Everyone welcome, but booking necessary. There will be pick-ups from Tuckingmill Valley Park at 9am and Truro Railway at 9.30am – usually back 4.45pm

For more info and to book a place on the minibus call 01209 610610.

On Saturday, September 27, there is another Conservation Day but this time in Camelford where BTCV will be clearing areas of a pond to create a better wildlife habitat; also opening up pond drainage channels.

Everyone welcome, but booking necessary with pick-ups from Tuckingmill Valley Park at 9am and Redruth Railway at 9.10am.

To book call 01209 610610.

For a full list of the Climate Friendly Fortnight events in your area see www.climatefriendlycornwall.org.uk or call 01872 273939.