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Tomorrow the In Our Nature programme is moving over to a new website. We'll continue to share useful climate action tips, inspiring stories, and events and activities across Manchester, but we'll have a slightly new look!
Thanks so much for following In Our Nature so far. We've got 3 more packed years of In Our Nature still to go and we'd love to stay in touch.
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In February 2022, Manchester-based photographer Rebecca (Bec) Lupton began a project called Green City Photos, with the aim of documenting local environmental projects across the city. Through her storytelling and interactions with various groups, Bec’s photographs have encapsulated a network of climate activism on a broad scale, as she’s sought to document and facilitate a network of Manchester residents who can collectively become more than the sum of their parts.
We caught up with Bec to ask how the project got started, where it’s headed and what she’s learnt along the way…
How did your Green City Photos project get started?
There were probably a few different things that triggered me wanting to do it. I’d just finished one ten year long project and I thought it would be really nice to do something totally new, and something that was more fun and positive. The previous project had been about motherhood and when I started it I had young kids of my own who are now grown up. It was a key part of my life, but it was starting to become a bit less relevant for me.
I started thinking about it around the time that they were thinking of bringing in a congestion charge, which I thought would be a really positive thing for what it could potentially do for Manchester. And then when I saw that actually the majority of people in Manchester seemed really against it, I thought “oh no!” There seemed to be these two camps of people who were either engaging with the environment and then people who were totally disconnected. So, I thought can I use my skills as a photographer and storyteller to show that there doesn’t need to be a big disconnect, and that there isn’t much of a difference between those groups. I thought it would be really nice to show people with images and stories that small changes can be made in people’s lives to improve the environment.
The project is very people focussed, was that an intentional choice?
In all the projects I’ve done over the years, I’ve realised that the best way to connect with people is to see them as equals and have conversations with people over longer periods. It’s a slow process but it does seem to work. Projects like this tend to trickle along and they don’t really cause much of a ripple, but the more people you meet and the more people you introduce to each other, then the roots of the project spread further. And then it sort of comes full circle and I realise that there’s this whole network that exists. It’s about helping that network come together and realise that there’s this big community that together can be quite a strong body.
Who is your intended target audience?
I’ve kind of been holding back a little bit with the actual images because I’ve still not come to the conclusion with what I want to do with them afterwards, and I didn’t want to overshare them on Instagram just in case I do an exhibition or something like that. So Instagram is more like sharing a work-in-progress or an online sketchbook. The people who I wanted to reach were definitely a younger audience and an audience who might accidentally come across it. But with the nature of algorithms, I’m basically preaching to the converted at the moment. So, the people who’ve reached out tend to already be doing quite a lot and know about things that are already happening in Manchester. So that’s my next challenge, to diversify my audience and make the connections with people who aren’t engaged. At this stage of the project it’s more about discovery and research, and after a year of taking photos I’ll start to think about what I can do with these images and how I can reach those people who I want to show the work to and make this subject less scary or foreign to them.
People can sometimes be a bit dismissive about the power of individual actions when it comes to climate change, what are your thoughts on that?
Part of me originally questioned how big of a change we can actually make as individuals, so I’ve been interested in seeing if these kinds of initiatives will make a difference. And part of me is still approaching it quite tentatively because these things are difficult to measure and I’m not a scientist. But I feel like we can’t just sit around and observe what’s going on when we know that we’re doing things that are bad for the environment, and our culture is so led by consumerism. I can see that even if we weren’t making a huge difference, we really need to change our culture and the way we behave, and I don’t think anyone can argue against that. You can make the argument that the big companies and corporations need to be held to account, which is true, but they’re not the only ones to blame are they? I think each individual has to accept that they’re a part of it and that they continue to be part of it.
Another interesting thing about this project is that I’ve begun to focus on mental health and wellbeing and nutrition, which I didn’t think would end up being a huge part of it. I’ve witnessed all of these ways that people have improved their lives, and in every project that I document I meet happy people who have lovely social lives and they’re eating healthily and they’re learning. To me it shouts out that whether these are small things or tiny little bits of the puzzle, when you see all of these individuals together it becomes a huge thing that’s really important. There’s always a tinge of worry about the future and the environment, and those discussions come up. But I always come away feeling really positive and really happy, and I think this is probably the most selfish project I’ve ever done because I come home and I’m always in a great mood and I say: “I wish I did that every day”.
What are your next steps in moving the project forward?
I’ve got at least another three months left. I’m still not sure if I’ll finish it in February or if it’ll continue in a more organic way after that. I think from about Spring I’d like to start some sort of exhibition. Sometimes when I meet these people, I sort of forget that I’m a photographer, so the images become secondary and it becomes more about the people I’ve been meeting really. I think there’ll be some sort of consultation with them to see what they’d like to do and to see how they’d benefit from me continuing the project. Someone said that if we could make a map of all the projects and groups, that would be beneficial. I’d quite like to display the images in places where you wouldn’t usually expect to find them, whether that’s in shop windows or in a free newspaper or something like that. I’d like to do something beyond the network that’s already been made.
I definitely feel like I’m a facilitator in all this, I’m not an important person other than in how I can bring people together really. I think it’d be great to get people to chat to an audience about what others do in their communities and have more of a social gathering to give people ideas and inspire them, and share what they’ve learnt from their journeys. A lot of the people I’ve met have only been doing these things for the past year or two, so a lot of it is new to them and they’ve made changes in their lives which can be really inspiring. I think for most people, they have a really simple motivation that they want to do something locally, or meet people, or learn about growing food for example. And the environmental impact can be quite low down on their list of motivations. These groups then become really close, almost like families, and members develop their own specialisms and they become so proud of the spaces they’ve created, which are sort of sacred to them. I don’t think they realise that there are sometimes almost identical little spaces near them, and I’m not sure that they realise the benefit of reaching out to others.
What does climate action mean to you?
I think maybe five years ago, if you’d have asked me that, I’d have said it was protesting, and doing quite visible and pushy activism, writing letters to politicians and things like that. And I still think that is climate action and that there’s a place for it. But I think it’s important to balance that out with positivity, and show how you can make small changes in your life that don’t have a negative impact. Just looking within what you’re doing and seeing what’s an achievable change you can make. I don’t think we need to make ourselves feel terrible all the time, but it’s very easy to take the easy route sometimes. Climate action to me is all those small, subtle changes that people have made by identifying what is achievable and understanding what they can do.
If you’d like to learn more about Green City Photos or reach out to Bec, head to her Instagram page here.
Sustainability is at the heart of to everything Forest Green Rovers do. Here are some of the ways they are changing the game by bringing climate action centre forward...
The World’s only vegan club
Forest Green Rovers are all about vegan food and less waste (the players even take vegan food to their away matches). They work with Quorn and Oatly to share delicious vegan food at their matches and have introduced a wash and re-use system for all their cups and chip trays this season.
Cutting emissions from travel
Football involves a lot of travel, for both teams and fans, and it’s a one of the biggest sources of carbon emissions. FGR teams use electric coaches and minibuses and they organise group travel for fans to away games. At home, fans are encouraged to cycle or use the park and ride to get to matches.
Bringing nature home
FGR’s organic pitch not only captures rainwater and recycles it back for when they water it, it’s also managed without chemicals and pesticides and has a wildflower boarder to boost biodiversity. They even have their own beehive!
Reducing energy and plastics
FGR have solar panels that provide 20% of their annual electric needs and the rest comes from renewable sources and carbon neutral gas. They also work with the Sea Shepherd campaign to stop plastics from entering the ocean, by avoiding single-use plastics and using refillable bottles.
To find out more about Forest Green Rovers and their sustainability initiatives, head here
Hunting for presents can be time-consuming and expensive. Who knew being thoughtful could be so exhausting?! We've pulled together our favourite sustainable gift ideas to help you have a greener, savvier, and easier gift hunt this year. Take a look for some inspiration and homemade gifts sure to make anyone's Christmas.
1) Treat filled jars
Use old jam jars and stuff them full of all things sweet, whether it’s sweets or home-made jams and chutneys. Or, for a savoury tooth, pack them with spices, pretzels or nuts. Stick a bow round the jar and you’re done!
2) DIY Beauty Scrubs, facemasks and more
Homemade face masks and scrubs are easier than you think to make at home, using basic ingredients you probably already have. Make your own natural cosmetics (there are plenty of super-easy recipes out there), find empty glass containers to store them, and share your favourite ones as a gift. Attach a note with the ingredients and recipe so they can be made again when the jar is empty!
5 DIY BEAUTY PRODUCTS YOU CAN MAKE YOURSELF
3) Make your own Christmas card
This is a great activity to do with kids. It’s easier than you think, and you don’t need any special skills – fold some good quality paper, find some inspo on Pinterest (we won’t judge if you copy), glue some autumn leaves from your doorstep… the possibilities are endless and they’ll put a smile on your loved one’s face! Save any cards from this year and recycle them into gift cards for next year. Cut a gift card shape from the front of the card and punch a hole. You can usually get 2 –3 gift tags out of one card. You’ll be thanking yourself next year, we promise.
4) DIY pressed flower photo frame
Pressed flower frames don’t require too much effort but make a beautiful and thoughtful gift. Have a look at this blog or this video to get the run down on how to make your own.
5) Cosmetic and toiletries
Whether it’s haircare, skincare or beard care, everyone loves to be pampered. Sadly, many beauty gifts go unused each year. Avoid the waste and ask your loved ones which brands and products they like before buying them cosmetics or bath bits. Lots of people have wish lists and products they’d love to receive. If you want to go down the homemade and DIY route, you could even try making your own bath bombs. This is a great activity to do with children as a gift for teachers or grandparents. Make sure to check about allergies beforehand!
6) Gift an experience
Want to cut the waste whilst gifting this year? Well, our research found that people often prefer to receive experiences over presents. Check out this vlog on zero-waste gifting to get some fab tips, from theatre tickets to massage vouchers!
7) Plants not pants
Plants, plants and more plants! Why not gift someone an indoor plant this Christmas? They’ve been proven to reduce stress levels and it shows that you have faith in someone’s ability to keep something alive. Plus, they look pretty! Head to your local garden centre to find the perfect match.
8) Gift the joy of reusables
Kit your friend or family member out with a reusable cutlery set, coffee cup or water bottle - or some funky food boxes and sandwich wraps. These reusable gifts can also help save people money throughout the year with the majority of cafes now offering a discount if you bring your own mug; they're gifts that keeps on giving. Check out these 6 tips to reduce single use plastic for some inspiration!
9) Get thrifty
Scouting charity shops and vintage stores is a great, thrifty way to find unique gifts. There’ll be something for everyone, whether that’s a cap, some killer boots, preloved books or trinket trays and mirrors. Have a hunt and see what you can find, they’ll love the thought that goes into gift thrifting. If you’re buying for someone who loves platforms like Depop, head to their account and look at their recent likes and surprise them with something they’ve already had their eye on.
Here are some suggestions of top spots to pick up some thrifted gems in MCR:
10) Shop local and small
Search for “ethical, fair trade and handmade gifts” to find one-of-a-kind presents made by people who care about sustainability and quality. Etsy and Trouva are a great place to start. If you’re ordering anything online, order as much as you can in one go and get them sent to collection points that are in walking distance from your home to reduce pressure on delivery staff and reduce the amount of air pollution from vehicles on the road. If you’re shopping in person, make a hamper of local products for your loved ones and check your maps to see which boutiques, delis and bookshops are near you.
When searching for gifts, always start by asking people what they want. It doesn’t mean you know them less, it means that you’re taking the time to be thoughtful and get something they’ll truly love and use. Get creative, experiment with making things yourself and if you’re looking to buy, look for products that are handmade, locally sourced or come from smaller, independent sellers.
Ta-da! Christmas gifts, sorted. Got some ideas we should add? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using the #InOurNature hashtag.
How did Future Fashion Fair start out?
I came onboard at the end of July 2021, literally to just do a swap shop which is all I wanted to do, having worked for Slow Fashion Movement before. So I came down and somehow managed to get roped in to running a whole event and then Joe came on later in September and we ran our first event on the 25th and 26th of November 2021.
My background is in fashion, I went to MMU and studied Fashion Buying and Merchandising and became more interested in sustainability halfway through the first lockdown. I started volunteering for Slow Fashion Movement during that time, and then it grew from there. Straight after the first event, we decided we’d run another one - a Christmas Market - which we ran in November last year and that went brilliantly.
We’re now looking at doing two big events per year, and making it a big celebration of everything that we do. The whole point is basically to build a community in Manchester around sustainable fashion and then educate those people. And it’s not just people who come to the fairs, we want to branch out and include as many people and diversities as possible. The more people that know the more money people will save too from things like this.
What are some of the challenges you’re facing currently when it comes to engaging Manchester in sustainable fashion?
Being where we are, there are a lot of different cultures. It’s a very diverse area to be in, and we’ve always thought that we want to bring all of those people together because at the end of the day the more diverse a community is the better and there’s a greater understanding, but it’s definitely a challenge.
We’re trying to talk to the right people and getting the right people to come down and see what we’re doing, we had a meeting with someone from a local Sikh temple who’s really interested in what we’re doing. One of the ways that we bring people to the fair is that we try and have a wide variety of clothing brands here. We had Cultureville here, they’re a great brand. So we try to include as many different diverse cultures within our fairs as possible because we want their customers to come down and engage with other cultures and so on.
People often seem surprised at the connection between fashion and climate change, why do you think that is?
Unfortunately some people just like ease! But I think the more we teach them, the more they’ll understand and be able to see it from other people’s point of view. One thing that I find amazing is how when it’s not in your line of sight you tend to care less about it. Seeing where a garment comes from isn’t really in our line of sight, and to compare it to the food industry, with the amount of plastic packaging for things like fruit and veg, people can see the plastic around those things and they know it’s going straight in the bin. But when you buy a polyester t-shirt, people don’t see that as plastic because it’s a form of material and people just don’t put two and two together.
How would encourage people to be more sustainable with their clothing choices?
I think that trends are constantly changing and they evolve all the time, and it’s why people buy so much more because they want the new thing. It’s out with the old and in with the new. I think making sure you aren’t throwing your clothes away is a massive thing, and selling them online or giving them to a charity or a swap-shop is a good start. And then just simply asking questions about where these things come from, because we ask where most other things come from, and the brands need to be more transparent with what they’re doing around that too. As much as it is on the consumers, a lot of brands have the power to change what the views of the consumers are, so it works both ways.
What are some of your key goals for the next few years?
We want to build the fair to get way more people coming down. We want to branch out and help to build communities around Manchester, we’d like to start working with hotels and consulting with fashion brands to help them understand more, and building up our name and what we do. I think the next year is really going to change things. We’d also love to go into schools and start teaching kids. We actually went into a school in Levenshulme and it was mad how much they already knew about sustainability, and the kids now are learning so much about sustainable goals. We’re really keen to go into more schools around Manchester and teach them more about slow fashion. I’m not looking to make millions or anything like that, I just want to have kids coming through who are doing what I’m doing and having the ability to live in our world without these problems.
Future Fashion Fair are running their Purple Saturday Winter Market on the 26th of November, which you can find more about here – and for more info, head to Future Fashion Fair’s website.
Earlier this year we hosted a social media competition where we invited people to tell us who they’d like to nominate as their “community hero” - someone in their local area who has gone above and beyond to benefit others in their community. One of three winners, Victoria has run the independent Chorlton Bookshop for over 35 years, and alongside her voluntary group she plays a key role in protecting and developing local green spaces for everyone to enjoy. We caught up with Victoria a few weeks ago to learn more about the brilliant work she’s been doing and why green spaces are so important to her….
How long have you been here for now (at the Chorlton Bookshop)?
About 35 years now!
How long have you been active with greening work in the local area?
Probably since the campaign to protect Turn Moss came about, so about 4 years ago now. When it came under threat, they thought that massive areas of it would be fenced off and that people would have to pay to access it. It’s a beautiful open space, and to be able to go on there doesn’t cost you anything. It’s so open that you can do whatever you want on there. You can play sports, you can walk your dog, it’s full of birds and wildlife. It’s amazing when you consider how close it is to quite a condensed urban area. It’s a wonderful place and it links up with Chorlton Meadows so you can go over to Stretford and go on the transpennine route. I’ve known it for years since I was little, I was raised in Sale and my dad’s route to work was on Hawthorn lane which is the old backroad that used to link Stretford to Chorlton. So I remember it from being a little girl, and it was agricultural and open fields then, and I knew it very well. The thought that people wouldn’t be able to use it for years and years, I didn’t want to sit back and let that happen. r
What are some of the benefits you experience by protecting green spaces?
Well it’s about protecting it and encouraging people to use it. We get kite festivals and that sort of thing as well, we get people from all sorts of backgrounds just enjoying the space and enjoying the fact that it’s free. We’ve done things like put benches up and we’ve put a toilet in that can be used if we have events on. We also have a very active Facebook group, and Twitter and Instagram pages, so we all sort of talk to one another. So many people don’t know it’s there. A teacher said to me when I first started volunteering that she had children in her classes who had never been to a nature space that didn’t have a fence around it, and I thought that was awful for kids not to be able to just run about and choose what they’d like to do. If you’re feeling fed up you can prescribe your own walk, you don’t have to follow a path.
How do you associate what you’re doing with climate change?
We do consider climate change in any of the plans that we have. We try to discourage all of the footballers from driving their cars to games. The trees that we plant, we really thought hard about what varieties to plant, looking at native species. The land is mostly landfill so we were looking at trees that could cope with polluted ground. We have a Manchester Poplar as well, which is Manchester’s rarest native tree. They cope with water and pollution, the same as alders will cope with water, so we planted loads of alders and we’ve taken cuttings from our black poplar and planted about thirty new black poplars which cope really well with air pollution and flooding.
What advice would you give to people who’d like to get involved with green spaces?
I suppose they can always contact us! Most of the parks also have friends groups who run regular sessions and you don’t really need any skills. We’re also very friendly! If you were thinking of getting involved in any local groups I’d have a look on Facebook and try to get out and do a little bit of volunteering. There are loads of people with expertise who’ll be able to give you some basic training, but it doesn’t take much at all really. We’ve got people who’ve never picked a spade up or used shears or anything. Enthusiasm and being able to cope with a bit of rain, that’s all it is really!
Know someone in your local community who you'd like to shine a light on? Let us know by emailing oliver@hubbub.org.uk - and you can find out more about Victoria's Turn Moss group by visiting their Facebook page here.
Manchester, looking for a scare this Halloween? Here goes: 39.9 million pumpkins will be bought this Halloween, and of these, a whopping 22.2 million pumpkins will go to waste, left uneaten. That’s £32.6 million worth of edible food!
Why? Because after carving, many-a-pumpkin’s innards and guts are simply thrown away. Their purpose as the infamous jack o’ lantern overshadows their true purpose – dinner! The gourd news is, now 3 in 5 people (59%) know you can eat your carving pumpkin.
Whether you’re venturing to the streets or staying at home this year, we’ve got everything you need for a safe, spooky and sustainable Halloween packed with treats. We've got pumpkin recipes, activities for kids and 5 tips for using up your pumpkin!
Eat your pumpkin
We’ve got plenty of pumpkin recipes to help you use up all the different bits, from a traditional pumpkin soup and roasted seeds for snacks, to a more adventurous coconut pumpkin cake, and even pumpkin kimchi! Sweet or savoury, we just want to see them eaten.
Pumpkin houmous: https://www.hubbub.org.uk/pumpkin-houmous-on-sourdough-with-garlic-mushrooms
Pumpkin risotto: https://www.hubbub.org.uk/marks-risotto-of-pumpkin-and-parmesan
Pumpkin Quesadillas: https://www.hubbub.org.uk/pumpkin-black-bean-and-caramelised-red-onion-quesadillas
How can you get involved?
All you really need to do to take part is eat your pumpkin! Check out some of our pumpkin-licious recipes above. And below are some ways you can take it further... if you dare!
Getting dressed up this Halloween?
Check out some DIY costume ideas that won't spook the planet.
Want to save more money on food?
Find out how you can make the most of the food you buy so that you don't have to spend more than you need to.
Hungry for more? Sign up to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram and Twitter!
Football is an integral part of the cultural fabric of Manchester and is home to Manchester City and Manchester United: two of the biggest football clubs in the world. To City fans, Manchester is blue. To United fans, Manchester is red. We wanted to set fans of both clubs a challenge to show that Manchester is green too (or at least that it could be, with some simple changes).
Earlier this year, we set two groups of Manchester City and Manchester United fans a three-week challenge to eat more plants, cook more from scratch and waste less food. These fans were invited to join closed Facebook groups with 30-40 others and participate in a variety of challenges until the final day of the Premier League season.
Each week followed a different theme: Cooking from Scratch, Plant-Powered Eating and More Taste Less Waste. Every week, there were simple tips, ask the expert sessions (one week with Forest Green Rovers), cook-alongs and a weekend ‘matchday challenge’ where fans could put their new skills into practice and compete to win prizes.
Everything was framed in football terms: plant-based swaps became tactical substitutions and quick recipe ideas became half time meals. The passion fans have for their clubs created a sense of community and, when people saw others like them sharing recipes and inspiration, they wanted to join in. The challenge also encouraged many to step out of their comfort zone and try something new.
“I love bacon butties, pies and steak, I’m not really the kind of person that would normally go for this”. Carl, Newton Heath, Manchester United fan – reduced meat consumption from 5 or 6 days to 1 or 2 days a week.What were the full-time results?
Want to get involved?
What can football clubs do?
• Read our full report to find out our three key takeaways for clubs who want to be early adopters in promoting sustainable and healthy diets.
We’re delighted to announce that £2.5 million of funding from The National Lottery Climate Action Fund has been awarded to support In Our Nature support people across Manchester to take climate action at home and in their communities for another three years.
This funding will be used to build on the successes of In Our Nature so far, delivering over 50 community-led projects to help residents in Manchester reduce carbon emissions, save money, and learn new skills.
“This National Lottery funding for In Our Nature presents an opportunity to make a huge difference to the everyday lives of Manchester residents. Not only will the projects tackle climate change, but many will also have the added benefit of helping people save money in the face of the rising cost of living crisis.” Samantha Nicholson, Director at Manchester Climate Change Agency
About In Our NatureIn Our Nature is an ambitious community-led programme that engages and empowers people across Manchester to take practical and meaningful action on climate change.
Our ambition? Build a movement of people taking meaningful action on climate change across Manchester.
Why? Because the solutions to climate change are #InOurNature, and change starts right here, at home, and in our communities.
In Our Nature brings together a delivery partnership made up of Manchester Climate Change Agency, Hubbub, Groundwork Greater Manchester, Amity CIC, The Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, who will work alongside Manchester City Council’s Neighbourhood Team.
Get involvedThanks to the new National Lottery funding, we’ll be working throughout Autumn alongside a network of experts, individuals, and grassroots organisations to connect with communities and groups who would like to collaborate on projects in the new year.
These projects will provide direct support for diverse communities across the city and help to share inspiring stories, amplify community-led projects, and share easy tips to help people take meaningful climate action at home and in their communities.
Want to get involved? From community gardens and allotments, to cultural events and workshops, there’s plenty of ways to take climate action across the City. Follow us on social media to hear about upcoming opportunities to get involved - Twitter Facebook Instagram
Want to collaborate? In Our Nature is all about collaboration, and if you are a member of a community group, local organisation or business, we’d love to hear from you! Give us an email at inournature@hubbub.org.uk
Want to stay up to date with what we get up to? Sign up to our monthly newsletter for updates on what’s happening in the city, our project news, as well as practical tips for everyday climate action.
Taking climate action is #InOurNature.
In 2020, the Manchester Climate Change Partnership developed a high-level strategy for the city to focus action that would help deliver on its carbon budgets and its 2038 zero carbon target.
We've been supporting Manchester Climate Change Agency develop an update of the 2020 document. The update details the actions needed to achieve the city’s first milestone of a 50% cut in its direct emissions. It focuses that work around several action areas – buildings emissions, transport emissions, renewable energy generation, indirect emissions on the things we buy and the things we throw away, food emissions and nature-based solutions that can support carbon reduction.
We want to hear your views on what needs to be done on climate change and your own personal climate actions. Please take this short 2-minute survey to assist Manchester Climate Change Agency as the city moves forward with climate action - www.manchesterclimate.com/content/mcca-framework-conversation
Gary started the Clean & Green Castlefield group during the pandemic after wanting to tidy up litter in the local area.
From there, and with the help of Castlefield Forum, the group has now grown into a fully-fledged eco-squad with lots of enthusiasm from the local community. The group’s latest project, a garden at the edge of Castlefield Bowl, illustrates the group’s desire for more green spaces in the city centre and the positive impact they can have on local people.
Speaking on the benefits of green spaces and gardening in the city, Gary said:
“As an individual, I feel that doing this is my best way of taking climate action. It’s about getting people involved, doing a little bit of gardening, being aware of where food comes from and tackling issues such as littering. You learn as a community through community activism.”
“These little pockets of space might not mean much if you look at them individually, but if there were hundreds around the city centre that would really help with climate change. An appreciation of local action will inevitably lead to more action on a regional, national, and international level too.”
“I’d happily admit that I’ve suffered from depression and anxiety as a lot of people do, and it’s not talked about enough. Butthis definitely helps me and gives me that boost. Both in the sense of gardening and doing community work, it makes me feel good. I know one or two people have enjoyed it as a bit of escapism, even if they’ve just come along to dig a few holes and speak to people. These spaces can be really productive too, they can produce vegetables and fruits and herbs, and increase the number of pollinators in the city centre.”
Clean and Green Castlefield run regular litter picking and gardening events which are open to anyone wanting to get involved, so check out their profile here to see what they’re up to!
New to cycling? Looking for more opportunities to explore all that Manchester has to offer?
These resources should help you to be on your way whatever the weather!
5 Cycling Groups To Know...
If you haven't cycled much before, here are 4 ways you can get started...
1 - Bike rentals
2 - Buying second-hand
3 - Inclusive cycling
4 - Getting your bike repaired
And finally, our favourite spots to cycle around Manchester...The sunshine has landed in Manchester, and with the sun comes picnics, festivals and lots of single use plastic, so why not take part in Plastic Free July? Plastic Free July is a global initiative to inspire all of us to reduce plastic pollution. To help us get started, we've shared our 5 top tips for help you reduce and reuse.
1. Get a reuseable water bottle
Every year in the UK we use approximately 13 billion plastic bottles, and only 7.5 billion get recycled! Switching from disposable plastic bottles to a water bottle that will last will save you money when you’re on the move too.
2. Coffee to go please!
Did you know less than 1% of coffee cups we use in the UK get recycled? Due to a tricky mix of plastic film inside of the cups they need a special recycling facility that isn't widely available. Stay grounded and switch to a reusable coffee cup today.
3. Bag of tricks
The environment bagged a winner when the plastic bag charge was introduced in England, as it led to an outstanding 85% decrease in use. Try and keep a bag for life or tote in your car or bag so it's always at hand.
4. Use Clean Cutlery
Used only for a few moments, your single use fork, knife or spoon can take over 200 years to decompose! Why not try a spork, or if you’re feeling fancy, how about a metal straw for enjoying drinks when you’re out?
5. Reuse, Reuse, Reuse
It might seem like reusables are more expensive but you only have to buy them once, so they will start to earn their keep after a few uses. The bathroom can be a great place to start, where you can switch to a bar of soap rather than a bottle, and swap shampoos and cleaning products to refillables.
Want to start shopping plastic free? There are refill and zero waste shops popping up all over Manchester! Check out this map to find your nearest one .
You might have guessed it’s climate change, but what exactly is going on? Warm air holds more moisture (think steamy bathroom post-shower) and cold air is drier (think chapped lips in winter). As the planet warms as a result of increased levels of CO2 and greenhouse gases (global warming) more water is evaporating from the sea and land, into the air.
So the air is getting wetter, so what?
More moisture in the air causes heavier rains and fiercer storms - in July last year more rain fell in one hour in parts of London that normally falls in one month. Evaporation of water from the land also dries out the soil. When water falls on hard, dry ground, it runs off it instead of absorbing into the soil. This increases the risk of drought and flooding.
In the past decade, Manchester has experienced several notable floods, and flooding continues to be Manchester’s most prominent extreme weather and climate change risk. Across the world, particularly in the global south, the countries that have contributed the least to emissions could see the largest and most dramatic changes in their weather patterns and suffer the greatest damages.
Just how weird will the weather get?
We don’t really know, because the planet has never experienced this before! A city in a heat wave one day can suddenly snow and have sub-zero temperatures the next day (Denver, Colorado in September 2020). Climate projections suggest that Manchester will face increased heatwaves, hotter summers and wetter, warmer winters (MCCA, 2021).
As global emissions rise, the frequency, extremity and timings of extreme weather patterns will become even more unpredictable – so reducing emissions is key to slowing down the impacts.
Want to take action on climate change? There are lots of things you can do. Get started with these impactful actions - that will also save you money!
Whether you fancy a city break, a relaxing beach trip or an escape to the wilderness, the UK has tonnes of places to explore that are only a bus or train ride away! More people than ever are choosing a staycation over a trip abroad, and it's one of the immediate and impactful ways for an individual to reduce their impact on the environment.
What's your favourite staycation spot?This week we are giving away a £200 voucher prize to celebrate UK holidays and the benefits of ditching the plane. For the chance to win, all you need to do is send us a photo of your favourite staycation spot - it could be the beautiful view from your tent, a walk through the Lake District, or your family on a rainy day at the beach!
Send us your photo to inournature@Hubbub.org.uk and the winner will be chosen at random on Monday at 10am. Good luck!
Want some travel inspiration to make the most of your weekends in Manchester?
Taking climate action together is #InOurNature
Thank you to everyone who came to visit us at the Manchester Flower Show over the jubilee weekend and tried out our new “Ready, Steady, Save” installation! We had a brilliant time chatting with everyone about our love of food, and sharing tips about how to make food go further.
We hope you’re getting on with your pledge, whether it’s keeping the lids on when cooking or storing your bread in the freezer to make it last longer.
For those who didn’t make it, here’s a roundup of our top tips we shared on making good food last, saving money in the kitchen and helping the planet along the way:
For more photos and videos from our time at the flower show, be sure to visit our Instagram.
Thank you to everyone who attended the launch of Newton Heath's new Community Garden!
Last Sunday (22nd May 2022) we held an afternoon party at the site of Newton Heath’s newly proposed community garden in the grounds of the local cricket club on Mabel Street. Over 100 people came down to play some games, plant seeds and have a chat with us about what a community garden could mean for them and what it might look like.
The community garden project is a collaboration with Sow The City and Winning Hearts and Minds, who have been consulting residents for the past year in a bid to ensure that the space accurately reflects the needs of the local community. The proposed space currently only houses four large, raised beds, but once cleared will be big enough for a community allotment and possibly a small orchard too.
Want to Get Involved?As the garden nears its design stage, we’ll be helping to organise a bunch of workshops around varying topics at the cricket club – such as cooking, building your own planters and repairing your clothes – to continue making use of the space before the garden is built. If you’d like to get involved in the project, you can search In Our Nature Newton Heath on Facebook – or click here – to join our online group of residents and stay in the loop!
Are you hoping to undertake a sandwich placement for the 22/23 academic year? Apply for one of the 13 roles offered by The Carbon Literacy Project - a Manchester-based, climate change education and action charity.
What is The Carbon Literacy Project?
The Carbon Literacy Project is a multi-award-winning and globally unique climate change learning-and-doing project. They offer everyone who lives, works or studies a day’s worth of Carbon Literacy training - covering climate change, carbon footprints, how you can do your bit, and why it’s relevant to you.
Founded in Manchester in 2012, Carbon Literacy went on to be recognised by the United Nations at COP21 in Paris, in 2015, as a TAP100; one of 100 ‘Transformative Actions Programs’ worldwide that could materially change the way we deal with climate change.
Since then, The Carbon Literacy Project and it’s Carbon Literacy Community has been growing at an ever-increasing pace - currently certifying around 500 individuals as Carbon Literate per week! This has been aided by, and has, in turn, enabled the steady growth of a small but dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and volunteers-turned-staff. In recent years, this has included placement students like Nicole who has spoken highly of this “invaluable” experience.
Upcoming Placement Opportunities
For the upcoming 22/23 academic year, The Carbon Literacy Project is offering a whopping 13 placement roles, spanning their Operations, Communications, Finance and Sector Toolkit Teams.
These placements present opportunities for students across a wide range of disciplines to gain valuable experience in the rapidly expanding environmental sector. Students will gain relevant knowledge and skills, towards a desired career path, all while becoming an asset to a young, exciting and impactful organisation.
It's worth noting that The Carbon Literacy Project is a small charity with no core funding. This means that their placement opportunities are currently unable to be formally paid.
That being said, there are a number of ways these placements have been made as accessible as possible. The option to work from the Manchester office, in a hybrid capacity, or fully remotely, enables individuals to not need to travel regularly, or find accommodation and move in a new city. When travelling into the Manchester office reasonable public transport (including bike mileage) travel expenses, and a receiptless lunch allowance is provided.
The Carbon Literacy Project is also actively seeking funding to introduce a grant scheme for their Placement Interns, and have so far secured funding to support one of these roles. They continue to work to secure further grant funding for these roles, so if you know of any avenues which might help The Carbon Literacy Project to advance this work, please get in touch with them at info@carbonliteracy.com.
Explore the 13 different placement roles on offer via the ‘Volunteer With Us’ page of The Carbon Literacy Project website. Applications are due to close on 2nd June, and they look forward to receiving yours!
We're inviting anyone from the local community to come along and get involved in some fun planting activities and games. The party will celebrate Newton Heath’s first community garden, located at Newton Heath cricket club on Mabel Street. We’ve been working with local residents, keen gardeners and the Winning Hearts and Minds team to develop this new green space, and we want to hear your thoughts and ideas of what it will look like and how you want to get involved.
Growing together in Newton HeathWe’ve been working with residents across Newton Heath to get them growing at home. From small balconies, to vegetable patches and wildlife ponds, together they’ve been able to help each other learn more about gardening and growing, develop their skills and benefit from healthier lifestyles.
Here's what James, a beginner gardener had to say about getting growing for the first time - “We wanted somewhere to grow plants and attract wildlife. It’s great having a team of people that give you the oomph to do it, and the know-how too. You feel like you’ve really achieved something, you’re not just sat in the house. It’s your space and you’re making it better.” - James.
We recently made a little video showcasing how Dave, one of the residents involved, has used his space to encourage his hobby of cooking, which you can find here.
Do you live in Newton Heath and want to get involved?We’ve created an online space for residents in Newton Heath to share growing tips, gardening progress updates, resources, and skills. Click here to access our Facebook group and join the club!
This year Earth Day is highlighting how we need to act (boldly), innovate (broadly), and implement (equitably). And it’s going to take all of us taking action each and every day - Businesses, governments, and citizens. A partnership for the planet.
1) IndividualsWe all have the power to create positive change in Manchester and as the old saying goes, anytime is a good time to start! Check out these 5 pledges you can take today . From buying second-hand, to cycling more, all of our actions add up to help make a difference. Trust us, it's easier than you think!
2) BusinessesBusinesses have a crucial role to pave the way in tackling climate change. This will require long term commitment and strategy, but can be lead by small, short-term actions. Here are 5 actions Businesses can take this Earth Day (and every other day).
3) Write to your MP or Councillor to push for government actionWith local elections coming up, now is a great chance to have your voice heard and inspire your MP or Councillor to take action on climate change.
Writing an email or letter to them is an important way to show public demand, push for change and with it being Earth Day there’s no better time - we’ve done the hard work for you! Use this template to email or write to your MP today.
Want some more ways to help tackle climate change?Whilst we can’t solve climate change on our own, together we can make a huge difference. Check out our "tips for change" page for resources and inspiration for you to live more sustainably, whilst having fun, saving money and getting outdoors.
We're looking for people who love football and food, to take part in 3 weeks of fun, footie-themed food challenges and competitions starting on the 29th April - and in return you'll get £100 in cash and the change to win loads of fun prizes.
As part of Manchester is Green you'll be added to a Facebook group where you'll get gentle coaching from us alongside tips, inspiration, and expert advice on plant-powered eating, wasting less food and cooking from scratch.
Want to get involved? Signing up is easy.All you will need to do is fill in this survey and we'll send you all the info - https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NDNDMMS .
See you at kick off on 29th April! 😎
I started the role of Climate Change Neighbourhood Officer for south Manchester just under a year ago and it has been one of the busiest and most exciting periods of my career so far! I sit within Manchester City Council’s South Neighbourhood Team who cover a remit of 14 wards across the south of the city.
It’s my job to provide support and guidance to members of my team, to ensure that we are delivering relevant and impactful climate action on a local level. We’ve been working closely with Councillors, voluntary organisations, partners and residents to produce local climate action plans for every single ward. These plans set out the key climate priorities that matter to each area; working with local expertise to build on strengths and unblock barriers to action.
We recently held climate emergency events in Chorlton and Chorlton Park to launch their ward climate action plans and ask for some much-needed input from the local community. At the Chorlton event held at Edge Theatre, we heard a series of lightning talks from local climate champions including Our Streets Chorlton, Unicorn Grocery, Manchester Climate Change Youth Board and more. At the Chorlton Park event held at Chorlton Central Church, we had interactive stalls covering themes from sustainable fashion to growing your own fruit and veg, with free vegetarian and vegan food provided by Cracking Good Food who are a social enterprise with the aim of eradicating food poverty and increasing food sustainability in Greater Manchester.
Upcoming events in South Manchester
We have even more exciting climate events coming up across south Manchester. On Monday 21st March our Burnage climate emergency event at Burnage Academy for Boys will be opened up to the public, to pitch their climate project ideas for the chance of winning some climate funding. On Wednesday 23rd March, we’re hosting a Wythenshawe-wide climate evert in Wythenshawe Town Centre , with a pop-up cinema showing David Attenborough screenings, and cooking lessons from Wythenshawe food charity Blossom. Come along or get in touch to tell us what you want to see on your local climate action plan!
Live in South Manchester and want to get in touch with Nina about climate action? Email inournature@hubbub.org.uk with your details and we will put you in touch with her.
Want to learn how to cook better, whilst saving money and helping the planet? Sign up to take part in Manchester Is Green!
We're looking for 50 Manchester City fans and 50 Manchester United fans to take part in 3 weeks of fun, footie-themed food challenges and competitions.
As part of the challenge you'll be added to a Facebook group where you'll get gentle coaching from us alongside tips, inspiration, and expert advice on plant-powered eating, wasting less food and cooking from scratch.
Those who are selected will also receive a £100 Love2Shop voucher along with the chance to win spot prizes 🎁
Want to get involved?To sign up, all you will need to do is fill in this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NDNDMMS .
Many of us think that living sustainably can be expensive, but you can help the environment without having to spend a penny. In fact, how we save, invest and spend our money has a huge impact on our carbon footprint, often without us even realising it.
As savers, consumers and pension holders we can influence the future through our investments, letting our money do the work for us. Not only will shifting your savings, current account, pension or investments have a huge impact on your carbon footprint, but it also sends a strong message to the financial markets that things need to change.
Here’s how you can make an impact1. Power to your pension
Did you know that greening your pension is 21 x more effective at reducing your carbon footprint than giving up flying, going veggie and switching energy provider combined? It shocked us too!
Each year, the average UK pension member unknowingly finances 23 tonnes of CO2 emissions through the businesses their pension invests in. There’s £3 trillion in UK pensions – imagine the impact this could have if it was invested in renewable energy, community projects or ethical companies? Pensions aren’t something that most of us control directly so to get started, have a look at Make Your Money Matter’s resources on how to talk to your employer about the impact of your pension.
2. Support your local
Shopping locally helps boost the local economy, reduces the distance your items have travelled, and protects local jobs. Have a look at labels to see where the things you’re buying were produced, and if you can, opt for locally produced food, clothing and items. Check out this list of independent shops, craft and farmers markets you can support in Manchester.
3. Move your money
Not all banks are created equal. In fact, your bank may be investing your money in fossil fuel companies, arms, tobacco and more. The good news is that switching banks is pretty straightforward and allows you to use your money to support causes you believe in. There's a growing number of ethical alternatives out there, allowing you to choose to use your money to support causes you believe in - see how your bank is performing here.
4. Purpose over profit
Finding it hard to tell a green brand from a greenwashing brand? Look out for respected accreditations such as Fairtrade, Soil Association or B Corp. (check out the growing number of UK B Corps here).
Want to learn more?Read...
This article by the BBC on Why your banking habits matter for the climate
Watch...
This video from Reuters that explains why pension funds are such big investors into fossil fuel companies, whether you have any control over where your money ends up, and is investing in renewables even an option?
Listen...
To this podcast by Outrage + Optimism featuring activist and filmmaker Richard Curtis, to hear about Make Money Matter and the importance of pensions.
In partnership with Pride in Ageing at LGBT Foundation, Manchester Art Gallery have launched a brand new pocket park as part of their Derek Jarman ‘Protest’ exhibition. The space is located within the grounds of the Manchester Art Gallery on Mosley Street and was designed and planted by members of the LGBT Community from across greater Manchester.
This week we met with the green-fingered group of volunteers who have been working together to get the park ready for it’s launch on the 11th February. The team have worked alongside the gallery curator, the artist Juliet Davis-Drufayard, landscape architects from Exterior Architecture and the community team at RHS Bridgewater to develop a design and planting scheme for the new urban garden space.
The park has been launched to celebrate gay rights activist Derek Jarman, his own garden in Dungeness and tell a story about some of our local LGBT+ communities. Not only is it a beautiful space to relax and reflect, it also contains a number of innovative urban solutions to combat the effects of climate change in the City!
With help from IGNITION and The Royal Horticultural Society, the garden will encourage biodiversity, use sustainable planters and other elements to conserve water and provide ideas to encourage green initiatives at home.
We caught up with Lawrie Roberts, the Pride in Ageing manager at LGBT foundation, about the park and the journey of how it was created.
We were really excited to produce this garden as part of the Derek Jarman protest exhibition. The idea was to recognise and celebrate Derek Jarman’s own garden in Dungeness and to produce a Manchester version of that garden that really speaks to the influence of Derek Jarman in the lives of our LGBT community.
We recognised that Manchester has lots of little pockets of green space in the city centre but we really wanted to transform a space outside Manchester art gallery that currently isn’t very green into something really green and exciting.
We started this project in January 2019 and we wanted the garden space to be ready for the next summer, but the timeline moved because of the pandemic and we ended up having a lot of discussions about the garden and what we wanted it to achieve.
The environment and climate change has definitely become an important theme for the group and volunteers during the last year or so. We really wanted to make this a space that also has some innovation around climate change as well as to tell a story and reference Derek Jarman.
The new Jarman-inspired pocket park will be open from Friday the 11th of February , so why not go take a look and spend some time in Manchester’s newest urban garden the next time you’re in the area!
Want to find out more about the pocket park?
Head over to the Manchester Art Gallery’s blog page and check their zine “ Let’s get Botanical! ” to read more about the story, the people involved and their inspiration behind the park.
In the summer of 2021, over 100 residents from across Manchester came together over 7 weeks to take part in the city's first ever Community Assembly on climate change.
This was a unique opportunity for residents to learn, share and together come up with solutions for how we can tackle the climate crisis. Together the residents developed local action plans for their areas and a mandate for the city.
Watch the video below to find out more about the Assembly and hear from local experts, organisers and those who took part about how we can all play a key role in shaping the future of our city.
Do you have ideas and thoughts about how the City can help tackle climate change?
Our online portal has lots of ways for you to share your ideas. Here’s how:
‘Tis the season to celebrate, and often the most sustainable choice is also the cheapest! Making the most of what you have, getting creative and not wasting a scrap! If you're looking for a way to create Christmas magic without a huge price tag, we've got some ideas.
1) Eat your leftovers!
We throw away a whopping 270,000 tonnes* of food during Christmas including 2 million turkeys and 74 million mince pies**. Make the most of your food this festive season by planning what you need before time and making sure you save up your leftovers. They’ll keep in the freezer or you can munch on them in the potato filled limbo between Christmas and New Years Eve.
2) Buy secondhand
With so many brilliant secondhand spaces like Ebay, Depop or even Facebook marketplace there is a huge amount of choice in quality second hand gifts. Shopping second hand can get you one of a kind pressies at a fraction of what you’d spend in a last-minute shopping spree.
3) Make your own gifts
Giving homemade gifts is a beautiful way to show someone you care (and show off your new skills). We love homemade preserves like Kimchi and oils which are super easy to make. Check out these 5 edible thrifty gift ideas.
4) DIY decorations
When it comes to decorations you can never go wrong with the trusty box stuffed in the attic or under your bed with festive decorations of Christmas’ gone by. If you want to try something a little different this year, dried orange slices and cinnamon tied together on a string make for unbeatable decorations that smell great and come without any plastic or waste. For more inspiration, check out our sustainable decoration tips.
5) Shop for the person you’re buying for
This is a golden gift giving rule, to make sure your present is well used and well loved try to find something you know the person will really like and if you’re not sure, ask them to point you in the right direction.
6) Love local
If you do want to buy something new see if you can support local and independent businesses in Manchester who need our help more than ever this year. From books to jewellery you’ll be surprised what you can find locally, if you can’t get out to the shops try going to Etsy and filtering gifts for ‘handmade in the UK’.
7) Be savvy with online orders
With people less likely to hit the shops this year, we’re likely to be doing more of our shopping online for food and presents. Try consolidating your orders: keep a list of things you need to buy and purchase in one go. Choose click and collect options where possible to reduce air pollution from the amount of time delivery vehicles spend on the road. Make sure you recycle or repurpose packaging when you can to reduce waste.
8) Ditch the wrapping paper
Paper wrapping can be difficult to recycle especially if it’s glitter or shiny. A great alternative is brown paper which you can jazz up with potato prints and string or give fabric wrapping a go. Furoshiki is the Japanese art of fabric wrapping which inspired companies like The Fabric Wrapping Company who sell beautiful fabrics and show you how you can wrap them. You can also use scrap fabrics and scarves if you have some at home!
9) Give back to your community
If this year has shown us anything it’s how important our community and the people who keep it going are. Give back this year by donating to your local community fridge , donating your old phone to help people who are digitally isolated at part of Hubbub’s Community Calling Campaign or supporting a local charity.
10) Rediscover your own wardrobe
Give your favourite outfits a replay this year and wear your favourite festive outfits again instead of buying something new. If nothing in your wardrobe is singing to you try swapping with friends or family for a brand new look without spending anything. Look on rental platforms or second hand sites if you need inspiration from further afield.
We hope you have a wonderful holiday and we look forward to seeing you next year!
The In Our Nature team x
Manchester is getting colder...and with energy costs at an all-time high, it’s more important than ever to make the most of our energy!
Here's 5 ways to help you save money on your energy bills and get your home winter-ready. All whilst staying cosy at home and doing your bit to tackle climate change!
1. Dial down 1 degree - Did you know 22% of the UK’s carbon emissions come from how we heat and power our homes? Your thermostat can make a big difference to your bills. 18 degrees is the recommended temperature for corridors, and 21 degrees for rooms you’re sitting in. If your thermostat is set higher than that, try turning it down by one degree. It will reduce your carbon footprint by 300kg and save you up to £55 a year!
2. Switch to LED - Lightbulbs are small but mighty, making up 15% of your home energy bill. It’s common sense to switch lights off when you don’t need them, but you can save up to £41 a year on your energy bill by switching to LED bulbs too!
3. Bleed your radiators - Trapped air can make radiators less effective, stopping them from keeping you as warm as they could. Removing air from your heating system or "bleeding" your radiators is a great way to get them ready for winter. Check out this youtube video for a simple step-by-step guide on how to do it yourself.
4. Tackle draughts - Tackling draughty spots in your home is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to save energy and money. Foam or brush strips will block up gaps in windows, or get crafty and make a draught excluder for doors. Stuff a pair of tights with scrap materials and add some rice to weigh it down, cut off an old trouser leg, put the tights inside it and sew up either end.
5. Consider a smart meter - A smart meter shows how must energy you are using in real time, helping you reduce your energy usage or save energy by switching off appliances altogether. Already got a smart meter? Download the Loop phone app ! It's your perfect energy saving assistant and works together with your smart meter to help you understand your electricity use and show you easy ways to use less.
Keen for more help and advice for your energy bills? Download our energy toolkit! It's packed top tips on what temperature to set your thermostat, how to make your own radiator foils and information about where to go to for support if you are struggling to pay for your energy bills.
Click this link to download it and print it out at home, or send it to friends and family to make sure they are winter-ready.
With the cold weather and snow hitting Manchester this week, it's been hard to get outside and experience nature. Why not listen to it instead?
As part of the In Our Nature pop-up shop in October, we collaborated with sound artist and nature beatboxer Jason Singh to create an Augmented Reality sound installation. The experience featured "the sound of Manchester's nature", a song made using technology that transformed the biodata of an Oak tree in Alexandra Park, Manchester into musical notes. The song also features spoken word artist Reece Williams, from Young Identity.
If you missed the immersive experience at our pop-up event, there's no need to worry. The song is now available to listen online here - we recommend you listen to it using headphones to gain the full nature experience!
Want to hear from Jason about the project and how he created the song? Watch the video below.
Jason Singh - "People and nature are an endless source of inspiration for me. This project has been a wonderful exploration of poetry, technology, landscape and nature. Manchester is huge part of my life and I truly love both the wide range of people that inhabit all parts of the city as well as the landscape that makes Manchester what it is. "
Our ambition: break down some of the barriers preventing communities, including school kids, the Kurdish community, Muslim women and young ex-offenders from engaging with environmental issues, using nature to inspire climate action.
Read all about the four successful projects and their plans below. We can’t wait to help bring these projects to life and to see the impact that they have in their communities!
1. ‘Play and Grow’ project by Mothers Against ViolenceProviding opportunities for young ex-offenders to discover alternative ways to make a positive contribution to their local community, building green skills and spending time in nature, while receiving mentoring support.
The Play & Grow Project was developed in consultation with local services and local people, looking at the impact of the pandemic on local communities. As MAV UK begins to open services again, we will use our newly fitted outside terrace to expand outside areas of our community hall, and create a living moving garden space, where we have naturally grown vegetation. Young people will lead the project with the help of our volunteers. The funding secured for this project will allow our young people to visit local green spaces and outdoor areas, to learn, see and feel the values of a clean, safe outdoor spaces.
The aim is for young people to bring these experiences back to our local community, creating a green outdoor play and learn space which will support the learning of nursery aged children. Find out more about Mothers Against Violence’s work at https://www.mavuk.org/ .
2. Community Garden at St Chad’s Primary SchoolSt. Chad’s RC Primary School is located in inner city Manchester with limited outdoor space, in an area with only 3% occupied by trees.
There is green space within the school grounds, but it is currently overgrown, so this project is about turning neglected land into outdoor learning opportunities, encouraging children and families to take part in activities to welcome wildlife back by revamping the ponds and natural habitats, plant trees and an organic garden maintained by a gardening class, as well as upcycle materials to encourage recycling and reusing.
In addition, we have a piece of land next door to school that we wish to develop to encourage our families to grow fruit and vegetables by adding raised beds and a greenhouse. This will be accessed after school and during the holidays and would encourage community involvement in sustainable living.
As this is a huge project that we are undertaking, we are aiming to start the gated garden project in autumn 2021 and the community garden in spring 2021 ready for the planting season. Visit http://www.st-chads.manchester.sch.uk/ for more information about the school.
3. Garden of Love’ project by the Flowhesion FoundationGrowing food is an impactful action for the climate, and a powerful way to celebrate the myriad cultures living in an area.
The ‘Garden of Love’ project will help local Pakistani women and residents to create a publicly accessible communal herb and fruit garden in the grounds of the British Muslim heritage centre. The women will create the garden in memory of lost ones during Covid-19 but also learn key gardening, planting skills.
We will also deliver a range of free education sessions in Urdu and Punjabi where women will learn how to grow vegetables and fruits at home on a shoestring budget. Visit https://flowhesionfoundation.org.uk/ for more information about their work.
4. ‘Plot to Plate’ by Manchester Urban DiggersTaking part in greening activities can tackle social isolation and build a stronger sense of community. The ‘Plot to Plate’ project, in partnership with Manchester Urban Diggers, will bring the local Kurdish community together to produce culturally appropriate crops affordably and sustainably, while serving as a testing ground for a new approach to creating growing spaces which reflect the diversity of Manchester communities.
In Spring 2022, we will be providing a space for the Kurdish community living around Platt Fields Park to get involved with their local community by growing and cooking their own food on Platt Fields Market Garden. We're really excited to exchange cultural knowledge around plant varieties, growing techniques and especially excited to taste some yummy Kurdish food! Visit https://www.wearemud.org for more information about their work.
We're constantly reviewing and refining the In Our Nature programme and as part of this we have launched an online survey to get feedback on the communications campaign. We'd love to hear what content you like and what you'd like to see more of so please take 5-10 minutes to complete our online survey. We're also h osting an online focus group to get more feedback from residents on the content and messaging. Follow link below to sign up.
Share your thoughts on how we can all help to reduce our carbon emissions and what is stopping you from doing more.
The Manchester Climate Change Agency has launched the first stage of a city-wide consultation to learn more about the actions you, residents and communities, are taking to reduce your carbon emissions, and what support you need to do more. This information will inform the city’s new Climate Change Framework and Action Plan 2021-2025 (called Framework 2).
This consultation is in 2 stages - this first questionnaire is live now until 27th September 2021. The second will go live in October - sign up to our mailing list to be notified when it goes live.
There are two questionnaires depending on whether you're an individual or completing it on behalf of your business. Follow the links below to have your say!
If you want to provide further details , discuss your response or find out more get in touch with info@manchesterclimate.com
Want to make a positive change in your community, meet people in your local area, learn new skills and have fun?
We're hosting a bunch of exciting events and workshops for Great Big Green Week , from transforming a courtyard into an urban oasis, creating a community allotment to recording Manchester's first nature soundtrack. The events will be happening across Moss Side and Rusholme from the 17th September to the 22nd September.
Click here for more details about the events and workshops and how you can get involved!
From what we wear to our furniture and electronics, all of our "stuff" has an impact on the environment. That’s because a lot of energy and resources go into producing, transporting and disposing of the things we buy and own.
By repairing, reusing or recycling our things we can give them a new lease of life, saving us money and helping the environment at the same time.
That's why this month we're sharing ideas, hacks and inspiration for how we can all reduce, reuse, repair and recycle more , from where to buy second-hand in Manchester to celebrating Manchester's community heroes putting the circular economy into practice.
We'd love to hear your top tips too! Follow us on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation & click here to dig straight into our top tips.
Introducing…(drumrolls) your neighbours Wayne the wasp, Herbert the grey heron, Leon the ladybird, Sasha the starling, Daphne the dandelion and Pip the peregrine. They are all native species of Manchester, looking for your attention.
Check out the QR codes on the signs to build Leon a party pad, help Wayne buzz around and record where you've spotted a starling!
Send us a photo of any signs you spot to our social media channel @InOurNaturemcr , we’d love to see them!
Last week was the launch of the first #InOurNature Community Fridge...and what a launch it was!
The Hungry Be Fed Community Fridge is run by Wendy and her team of superstar volunteers at Keeping it real 24/7.
Community fridges are a tried and tested way of stopping food ending up in the bin. It's an amazing space that anyone can visit to access and share surplus food that they're not going to use, including donations from local food businesses, producers, households and gardens. It's also a place to meet new people, access healthy food, save money and get involved with community climate action.
Want to visit? It's open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1-5pm at 232 Claremont Road in Moss Side.
Want to learn more about Community Fridges or open one in your area? Head here to find out more!
As part of the In Our Nature programme, we're supporting groups across Manchester to open their own Community Fridge through the free Community Fridge Network. Support includes free guidance, health and safety templates, design assets, peer support, as well as discounted fridges and freezers!
If you are interested in setting one up, or know a local organisation who would be email us at communityfridge@hubbub.org.uk.
Want to make a change in your community, meet people in your local area, learn new skills and feel great?
Join a local volunteering event or workshop on Great Big Green Week, as a chance to connect with nature while benefiting the wider community by creating better, greener, more welcoming spaces for all. The events will be happening across Moss Side and Rusholme from the 17th September to the 22nd September.
Click here for more details about the events and workshops and how you can get involved!
Got questions about In Our Nature? Get in touch inournature@hubbub.org.uk
Want to inspire people to take climate action, but not sure where to start or how to talk about environmental topics? Look no further.
We've created lots of downloadable templates, social media content and materials to help you spread the word about In Our Nature and inspire others to take positive climate action. Find it all here .
How to talk about climate action
Over the coming months we’ll be creating a series of handy guides filled with top tips on how to talk about key themes such as nature, food, fashion, recycling, energy and water, money and more. We're excited to share our first guide which brings together top tips on how to talk about nature and lots of ready-to-share content.
Whether you're part of a Neighbourhood teams, communications team, a community engagement officer or anyone responsible for planning communications and engagement activities, this is the guide for you! Check it out here .
Got questions about In Our Nature or want to collaborate? Get in touch inournature@hubbub.org,uk
This month we are focusing on food!
Our food and how it’s grown and produced can make a big difference to the environment. This month we’ll be sharing tips and inspiration on our social media channels to help you eat in a way that’s good for you and the planet. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to stay updated and find out more.
We'll be partnering up with the Veg People, chefs from Cracking Good Food and putting a spotlight on Manchester's community heroes to help you get eating more seasonal and locally grown fruit and veg. Here's how you can get involved!
Join our seasonal cook along live!
Chef Ngwafu from Cracking Good Food will be hosting a seasonal cook along on Monday 23rd August on our Instagram page . She'll be showing us how to make a delicious jollof rice, full of seasonal veggies, as well as a seasonal salad. Come cooking with us! Check out the recipe here to get your ingredients ready.
Cooking competition!
Starting on Friday 20th August - it's challenge time. Cook a seasonal dish over the week and share a snap with us (by email inournature@hubbub.org.uk or on our social media channels @InOurNaturemcr) to be in with a chance of winning two places at Cracking Good Food Urban Foraging Adventure and an 'Eat It All' Zero Waste cook book.
This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of our city. With your ideas, thoughts and input we can create a city that's greener, healthier and more connected.
What’s involved?
If you sign up, you’ll come together with other people across Manchester over a seven weeks to hear from experts and discuss issues such as transport, energy, food and agriculture and fashion.
You’ll work with others to turn your ideas into a manifesto outlining what action should be taken in the City and beyond, which will be presented to Manchester City Council and brought to COP26 – the international climate conference taking place in Glasgow in November 2021.
How do I sign up?
Fill in this form before 5th august to take part! The workshops will run from 9th August – 26th September . There will be free food and tea/coffee and you’ll also receive a £25 voucher for taking part!
Want to know more? Read all about the Community Assembly here.
Got a question or an idea for the programme? Email us at inournature@Hubbub.org.uk. We'd love to hear from you!
Did you know that 33% of the UK’s carbon emissions comes from transport? 🤯
How we get around can make a big difference to our carbon footprint. By walking and cycling more, flying less, sharing your journeys and using public transport, we can make a big impact on the environment.
Not only that, travelling greener can help you save money, improve your wellbeing, and help protect the health of everyone in Manchester at the same time! Win, win, win!
Check out our video below to see the fun, greener ways you can travel around Manchester!
Want inspiration to get started? Head to our tips page for inspiration and advice on how to travel greener in Manchester.
Are you part of a Manchester based community, youth or voluntary group? Has your group got an innovative project idea to help your community come together to take positive action on the environment?
If the answer is yes - apply for a community project grant and bring your group's ideas to life. You'll be helping us on our mission to unlock the potential of households and communities to respond to the climate emergency.
What are we looking for? We are looking for projects that take an innovative, community-led approach to tackling a local environmental issue, which also delivers social and financial benefits to their local community.
Who can apply? We can award grants to a variety of non-profit and voluntary groups such as community groups, youth clubs, schools, resident and neighbourhood associations, community interest companies and social enterprises.
Successful groups will receive…
Want to get started? Great news!
Check out our In Our Nature Community Grant page to read more and begin the application process.
Application deadline: 23:59 on 31st July.
Got a question about the grant process? Get in touch inournature@hubbub.org.uk .
We’re buzzing to unveil this fantastical ‘Sensory Structure’ in Moss Side Community Park (M14 4SL) today, an interactive installation that invites the residents of Moss Side to vote on what they’d like to see, hear, smell, taste and touch as we make Moss Side greener, with the opportunities to add your own ideas too.
To celebrate the launch, we’re giving away free herbs to help you get growing at home. Pop down before 6pm to grab yours!
The installation is open daily from 9am - 3pm until Friday 9th July. We also have some exciting FREE workshops coming up, delivered by the wonderful Sow the City:
These events are all drop-in, so arrive any time while the event is on.
What happens next?
The ‘Sensory Structure’ is kicking off our Nature Takeover project, aiming to bring nature closer to people living in the area by integrating pockets of green and wildlife habitats in unexpected places and transforming disused patches of land and inspiring people to connect with nature through arts, design and creative tech solutions. We will use the insights from the installation and workshops to inform the focus of the Nature Takeover. Find out more here .
From nature....to fashion!
This month we'll be shining a spotlight on the clothes we wear and share tips and inspiration for lowering the environmental impact of our fashion choices, including what we wear, how we look after our clothes, and how to make the most of what we already have. By making simple changes to how we purchase, look after and care for our clothes, we can make a huge impact on the environment - and save money too.
Visit our tips page on fashion to read more, or tune in to our social media channels where we'll be sharing new content throughout the week!
We're inviting residents in Hulme, Moss Side, Rusholme, Newton Heath and Miles Platting, Levenshulme, and the Northern Quarter to join a local community climate action group and work together to plan and deliver projects in your community.
You'll be supported by Amity CIC to unlock your potential and build connections with peers. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of your community and the In Our Nature programme. It's open to everyone, with no experience needed.
Sounds good? Express your interest in this free programme by filling in this short form before 21st June https://bit.ly/ION_CommunityGroup
Watch the video below to hear more about the Inspired Community Action Programme from Katie Finney at Amity CIC
We’re excited to announce that with support from Co-op and Marcus Rashford, Manchester’s first Community Fridges were launched this week by Know Africa in Wythenshawe and Co-op Academy in Failsworth, with plenty more in the pipeline.
Join the sharing revolution
A community fridge is a space where everyone can share surplus food, including donations from local food businesses, producers, households and gardens. They are a tried and tested way of stopping food ending up in the bin and bring people together to access healthy food, try something new and save money.
Want to help share food, make friends and support your community?
As part of the In Our Nature programme, we're supporting groups across Manchester to open their own Community Fridge through the free Community Fridge Network. Support includes free guidance, health and safety templates, design assets, peer support, as well as discounted fridges and freezers!
If you are interested in setting one up, or know a local organisation who would be, check out our page on Community Fridges here and email us at communityfridge@hubbub.org.uk
Do you live in Levenshulme, Rusholme, Hulme, Moss Side, Northern Quarter, Miles Platting or Newton Heath?
Amity CIC are looking for residents that want work together to deliver local climate projects in their communities.
Your local community group will be supported group sessions to understand how to bring out the best in yourself and others and develop new relationships with neighbours and local partners. This is an opportunity to work together in a local community climate action group, access support and inspiration from peers across Manchester and contribute to how this programme evolves. In taking part you will learn and develop whilst playing an active role in co-creating the community and environment you want.
Find out more and get involved here: http://bit.ly/ION_CommunityGroup
Are you part of a Manchester community group or organisation?
Got a creative, innovative idea for helping your community take action on climate change?
Apply for up to £10k from the #InOurNature Community Grant to bring your project to life.
Find out more and apply here - http://bit.ly/ION-Communitygran t
Applications close 31st July
We're so excited to let you know that In Our Nature has launched 🎉
Together we will trial positive, creative ways to make it easier to live, work and travel in ways that are good for you, your community, and the environment.
Why? Because the solutions to climate change start right here, at home and in our communities, it’s #InOurNature 💚
To help you get started, we’ve updated our Commonplace - the online hub for the programme - with some exciting new content for you to check out:
Have a browse, tell us what you think and don’t forget to share the news with your friends, family and neighbours.
Keen for more? Follow @InOurNatureMCR on social media for everyday inspiration, tips and advice.
Join our upcoming Taster Sessions to understand more about how you can participate in the programme and what the programme can do to support you and your neighbourhood to make positive changes to reduce your carbon footprint.
The sessions will include a presentation about the programme and the ways in which you can participate, alongside some examples of community climate action. We will also be asking for your input on getting a group together in your local area and making sure the programme has community-led action at its heart. We hope that this relaxed session connects and inspires you with what’s possible in your community.
The taster sessions are open to people living in the following Manchester areas:
The sessions will take place on Zoom
In the hope as many people as possible can make it, the Taster Session is happening twice:
To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/zero-carbon-communities-taster-session-tickets-145688972639
We're excited to share the proposed name and look and feel for the programme, and can't wait to hear your thoughts and feedback.
Over the coming months we'll be putting together lots of content including social media cards, videos, infographics and downloadable resources for community groups, and we need your help to make sure the name and look and feel resonates. The name survey will be open until 31st March , but there will be lots of opportunities to help shape the programme throughout.
Click here to have your say on the programme name and visuals.