Green Matters April to June 2011
Recycle on-the-go in parks
The Council is installing 80 new on-the-go recycling bins across the borough.
The bins have two compartments, one for recycling and one for litter, allowing passers-by to recycle their newspapers, plastic bottles, drinks cans, glass bottles and cartons.
The first bins were rolled out as part of a trial in Hackney Central, Stoke Newington and Shoreditch last Spring. It was a big success, with over 40 tonnes of material recycled in them last year.
The bins proved a big hit with the public, with almost all of residents asked, saying they wanted to see more of them around Hackney.
For the first time, the bins are also being installed in parks. They can already be found in the newly refurbished Hoxton Square, and will soon be available in other parks.
New bins are also being placed in Stoke Newington High Street, Lower Clapton Road, Hackney Road and the south end of Kingsland Road.
20 June 2011
Junk? What rubbish
The latest Give or Take day saw more than 100 people donating bric-a-brac or eagerly snapping up unwanted 
items.
The event on 11 June, at St Monica's primary school, N1, was the second Give or Take day this year. Three more are planned for September, October and November. Organised by the Council's recycling team, it saw around a tonne of potential landfill being given a new lease of life. Residents can give or take a wide range of items, including books and toys, bikes, tools, paint, clothes, furniture, kitchenware and small electrical items. Other residents also went home with a sofa bed and a TV.
Wee Lee said: "I came today to donate some things after a clear out. I'm going home with some movies and cooking tools I needed, which is really useful as I am unemployed at the moment. Can we have more Give or Take days please? I really appreciate them."
Another popular freebie was paint, donated by Community RePaint East London. Run by not-for-profit organisation, Forest Recycling Project, the scheme collects and redistributes paint from recycling centres.
More information
For details of future events keep an eye out for ads in Hackney Today, or email: recycling@hackney.gov.uk; for paint info call: 020 8539 9076; or visit: www.frponline.org.uk
20 June 2011
Fund your green dreams
The Council is running a free workshop about the grants and funding available for biodiversity and green space projects.
There are a huge range of funding bodies out there, and this is an opportunity to find out how to get started and apply for some cash to get an eco-friendly idea off the ground. The workshop is aimed at park user groups, wildlife groups, and other Hackney based community organisations.
Projects that could win funding include those to create wildlife areas in parks; food growing; and encouraging new groups to access green spaces. The evening will include advice about the types of funding available; a presentation from community and voluntary sector support organisation HCVS on top tips for funding applications; and local case studies from groups that have successfully bid for cash.
The workshop will be held on 18 July, from 6.30-8.30pm, at Hackney Town Hall, Mare Street.
For details of future events keep an eye out for ads in Hackney Today, or email: recycling@hackney.gov.uk; for paint info call: 020 8539 9076; or visit: www.frponline.org.uk
20 June 2011
Make Hackney nature count
Residents are being asked to count animals, insects, birds and plants to help inform decisions about how parks are managed and planning applications determined.
The Council works with environmental records centre Greenspace Information for Greater London (GiGL) to collect data, and records will also feed into London-wide and national databases, helping to monitor how wildlife is doing across the UK.
Hackney has worked with GiGL to produce a biodiversity audit and so far over 30,000 species have been recorded. This includes a number of rare or protected species, including nine types of bat, the black poplar tree and the rare black redstart - a robin sized bird.
The Council would like to know what wildlife people spot in gardens, parks, canals and other spaces, and is particularly keen to increase records of reptiles and amphibians, such as snakes, frogs and toads.
For info and to start recording visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/recording-wildlife-in-hackney
20 June 2011
Recycle on-the-go in parks
The Council is installing 80 new on-the-go recycling bins across the borough.
The bins have two compartments, one for recycling and one for litter, allowing passers-by to recycle their newspapers, plastic bottles, drinks cans, glass bottles and cartons.
The first bins were rolled out as part of a trial in Hackney Central, Stoke Newington and Shoreditch last Spring. It was a big success, with over 40 tonnes of material recycled in them last year.
The bins proved a big hit with the public, with almost all of residents asked, saying they wanted to see more
of them around Hackney.
For the first time, the bins are also being installed in parks. They can already be found in the newly refurbished Hoxton Square, and will soon be available in other parks.
New bins are also being placed in Stoke Newington High Street, Lower Clapton Road, Hackney Road and
the south end of Kingsland Road.
20 June 2011
Nappy happy
The Council joined forces with Hackney Real Nappy Network to offer a series of fun activities for more than 100 babies, parents and carers in May.
The most successful event during Real Nappy Week, which ran from 16 to 22 May, was a baby and maternity clothing swap at the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, where parents could donate real nappies and swap them for a bigger size or different model, or just pick up some second-hand nappies. Babies loved the chance to join some teddy bears sporting real nappies for a picnic.
A fashion show got everyone talking about the great variety of models and shapes of real nappies, and the baby models had a great time socialising. Hannah, mum of nine-month-old Otis, said: "Otis likes real nappies because they are good for his bottom and good for the planet."
A workshop where parents could learn to make their own wet bag or washable wipes also proved extremely popular.
The Council offers a £54 voucher to residents who wish to use real cotton nappies. Parents and carers can use their voucher to buy nappies from participating businesses across London, or to get started with a nappy laundry service.
More information
Call: 020 8356 6688; visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/greenerliving-real-nappies; or: www.hackneyrealnappy.net
6 June 2011
Let yourself get nettled
A charity is urging Londoners to take a fresh look at nettles - before pulling them up as troublesome weeds.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) wants to remind people the plants are a valuable resource for birds, animals and insects.
Flying insects and aphids feeding off the nettle patches in turn help support ladybirds and migrating swifts or swallows, as well as sparrows seeking protein for their chicks.
In late summer, nettle seeds are food for many birds, such as house sparrows, chaffinches, and bullfinches. Nettles are also a magnet for other insect-eaters like hedgehogs, shrews, frogs and toads. Certain moths also like nettles, as do many of the UK's most colourful and best known butterflies, such as the small tortoiseshell and peacock. Their larvae feed in groups in silken tents woven at the top of nettle stems.
The RSPB suggests cultivating nettle patches in sunny corners of gardens or green spaces, and thinking twice before removing them - trimming or mowing can easily manage them. For curious cooks they can also be used in soups and stews instead of spinach.
More information
For more info visit: www.nettles.org.uk
6 June 2011
Going wild in Clapton Square
Clapton Square is becoming a wildlife haven in the heart of Hackney, thanks to the efforts of local volunteers.
Clapton Square User Group members raised money at a Halloween event last year to buy materials to make bat boxes for the square. Local furniture-maker and user group member, Dan Gritten, made six homes for the furry flying mammals, which will now be put up by parks staff.
Bats usually roost in cracks and crevices in trees or buildings, but the renovation of parks and houses in recent years means there are fewer places for them to call home. Therefore the extra places to live provided by bat boxes are really valuable.
London Wildlife Trust staff also joined volunteers on 25 May to create four insect loggeries in the square. They will provide homes and food for insects, which are then eaten by birds and bats.
The user group has also recently held a number of planting days, resulting in the creation of a community herb bed, pumpkin patch and a row of sunflowers. They meet from 11am to 1pm on the first Sunday of each month for gardening, discussions, plus tea and cakes. New members are always welcome.
Clapton Square is one of Hackney's 12 Green Flag award-winning parks, the national standard of excellence for green spaces.
More information
To join the user group, just turn up on the day or email: neil@nbpictures.com; to get involved in Council parks projects call: 020 8356 3438; email: kate.mitchell@hackney.gov.uk; or visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/biodiversity
6 June 2011
Back to earth
More than 150 people turned out for the Council's free compost day on 7 May.
Residents carried away seven tonnes of compost to improve their soil or to grow vegetables in their gardens, on balconies, or in communal grounds on estates. The compost was made from food waste collected in Hackney through the Blue Bin recycling service and processed at a composting facility operated by London Waste Ltd. Gardeners came from all over the borough and were particularly interested by a demonstration of the 'Worm Café', a subsidised wormery which residents can buy through the Council. They were also able to pick up handy tips from Doctor Compost.
A resident from Cecila Road, E8, said: "I think it is very nice to see how all the food waste and garden waste we have recycled gets back to us as beautiful compost. Our garden is going to look great thanks to this."
The event, hosted by the Petchey Academy, was organised with help from Hackney's Green Champions network as part of International Compost Awareness Week. Green Champions are residents who help the Council promote greener living in their neighbourhood.
More information
For info on composting; to get a wormery discount code; or to apply to be a Green Champion call: 020 8356 6688, or visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/wasteprevention
23 May 2011
A hard day's work for the beetles
Bugs and insects on Stoke Newington Common have a new habitat to explore.
A group of boys from the Sonshine Club helped Council staff and Stoke Newington Common User Group (SNUG) to create 'insect loggeries' on the common.
Loggeries are made by sinking a pyramid of logs into the ground to provide a habitat for insects, such as the rare stag beetle. These insects then form part of the food chain for birds and other wildlife.
The Council is putting loggeries in a number of parks to provide homes for wildlife. Many insects and bugs need dead wood either for food or shelter, but urban parks often don't have enough to support such an array of insect life.
The Sonshine Club is a Charedi Jewish organisation that provides healthy, out-of-school activities for young people. The Council arranged for tools and logs to be on site for the project and two SNUG volunteers taught the young people how to construct loggeries and use tools safely.
More information
To get involved in future projects call: 020 8356 3438; email: kate.mitchell@hackney.gov.uk; or visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/biodiversity
23 May 2011
Who lives in your back garden?
IF it croaks, flaps, cheeps or snuffles in the garden, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) wants to hear about it.
The organisation's 'Make Your Nature Count' survey takes place from 4 to 12 June, and it is calling on people to count their garden wildlife during this period.
Gardens are teeming with wildlife in June, and the RSPB is keen to hear about birds, as well as creatures such as badgers, snakes, bats and toads. Who knows what taking part might reveal about each garden.
Last year nearly 100,000 people took part across the UK. The results helped build a picture of wildlife in British gardens and identify which species are thriving and which might need support.
In last year's survey, sparrows were the most common bird, seen in 75 per cent of gardens, followed by starlings, seen in 54 per cent. Young blackbirds were recorded in 37 per cent of UK gardens. Cats (79 per cent), foxes (26 per cent) and hedgehogs (23 percent) were the most common garden mammals, with moles in fourth place, appearing in seven per cent of gardens.
23 May 2011
Birds of prey, sir, what are you counting them for?
Would you know a magnificent bird of prey if you saw one fly past?
To celebrate its 30th anniversary, London Wildlife Trust is asking people across London to count kestrels, in order to help gauge the city's current population and find out where they live.
London Wildlife Trust launched its first 'Kestrel Count' in 1988. This year's survey will allow it to chart any changes in kestrel numbers over the last 23 years. The population in London declined during the 1990s, but the picture over the last decade has been unclear.
In the original survey, kestrels were spotted in every borough with an estimated total of 400 pairs nesting in London.
To find out how to identify a kestrel, and to register those spotted visit: www.wildlondon.org.uk
23 May 2011
London Green Fair
On 4 and 5 June, Londoners are invited to The London Green Fair at Regents Park - a free festival that reflects the green aspirations of London and and celebrates its green achievements. It's an enjoyable and engaging day out for people from all walks of life, and features a wide range of activities including live music, fashion workshops, interesting speakers, ethical markets, stalls and much more!
The event is entirely green itself - it's powered by renewable forms of energy including Hydrogen, wind and solar, and recycled chip-fat - and to find out more, just visit the London Green Fair website.
19 May 2011
Your own patch
A gardening project in the heart of Hackney is running a series of practical horticulture workshops.
Staff at St Mary's Secret Garden have seen a rise in enquiries from residents about how to get started.
Garden Manager, Paula Gent, said: "People phone us up to ask when is the best time to sow tomatoes, or how to earth up potatoes, and we give advice and practical help where we can.
"So long as there's space in the greenhouse, locals can bring in pots of seeds to germinate and ailing plants for a short stay."
In the last few years many people have begun trying their hand at growing their own vegetables - the sale of vegetable seeds has been outstripping that of flower seeds for the first time since the Second World War.
Paula added: "You don't need an allotment or garden to grow your own. You can grow herbs and salad in pots or window boxes, and if you have a balcony you can grow beans, tomatoes - all sorts of things."
'The Urban Vegetable Patch' workshop takes place on 21 May and 'Plants for Free: Propagation' on 4 June. Both run from 11am to 3pm and cost £50, or £30 concessions. There is also a free 'Grow Your Own' day as part of Adult Learner's Week, on 14 May, when a lunch picked from the garden will be on the menu.
More information
The garden is in Pearson St, E2. For info call: 020 7739 2965; or visit: www.stmaryssecretgarden.org.uk
9 May 2011
Beautiful bean trees
An international charity teamed up with the Council to plant some new trees in Hackney last month.
Trees for Cities held a planting ceremony on the corner of Chart Street and Pitfield Street. It marked the completion of the project, which has seen eight Indian bean trees (catalpa bignonioides) take root in the area. The Council-backed project was funded by Thames Water, Rothschild Bank and Firmdale hotels.
Tree for Cities manages projects across the UK, as well as internationally in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Nairobi, Kenya; and Ica, Peru. It was set up in 1993 with the aim of improving the urban landscape through tree planting, community-led design, education and training initiatives.
More information
For further info call: 020 7587 1320; or visit: www.treesforcities.org
9 May 2011
Changing environmental views
A group of young volunteers have celebrated their first year of working to tackle climate change and help reduce London's carbon footprint.
The 140 members - including 25 from Hackney - of the London Climate Change Youth Ambassadors programme have given thousands of hours of their free time to work on projects that have ranged from planting trees and developing community gardens, to inviting local people to make environmental pledges. The 16 to 25-year-olds attended an event at the London Film Museum, SE1, on 20 April to mark their achievements.
The ambassadors have revamped Hackney Community College roof garden, planting seasonal herbs and vegetables, and built a 'bug hotel' to increase biodiversity. They also made a film to help raise awareness among students about climate change. Cassandra Cheng said: "I wanted to educate people that making small personal changes that are easy and don't take up much time could make a very big impact. We have also gained new skills and I have learned to make short documentaries and work as part of a team."
The programme is managed by environmental regeneration charity, Groundwork London, and sponsored by technology and industrial multinational Johnson Controls, and v inspired, a youth volunteering organisation.
More information
For more info call: 020 8985 1755; or visit: www.london.groundwork.org.uk
9 May 2011
Fruit & Veg power
Unwanted fruit and veg from three of Hackney's street markets is to be used to create green electricity.
Waste food from Hoxton, Broadway and Ridley Road markets will be collected by specialist recycling company BiogenGreenfinch.
The markets currently throw away almost a thousand tonnes of waste food a year - equivalent to 56million strawberries.
Up until now unsold food has had to be sent to landfill, where it adds to environmental pollution.
Rotting food gives off methane gas, which is 25 times more destructive than carbon dioxide. In the new programme, methane is captured to generate electricity while all that is left is a liquid fertiliser.
Larry Julian, Chair of Ridley Road Market Traders' Association, said: "My family has had fruit and vegetable stalls on Ridley Road market for generations. It's amazing to think that our unwanted cauliflower leaves and cabbage stalks can now be turned into electricity."
Apart from the massive environmental benefit, not sending the waste food to landfill will save Council Tax payers money.
Cllr Feryal Demirci, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: "At Hackney Council we are always looking for ways to make the borough greener. Turning food waste into electricity really helps us in our sustainability agenda."
Richard Barker, Chief Executive of BiogenGreenfinch, added: "Anaerobic Digestion is the Government's preferred method for getting rid of food waste because all the science shows it creates the most benefit. We're delighted to be teaming up with Hackney Council."
18 April 2011
Youth and energy
Dalston's Arcola Theatre is urging teachers and pupils to get involved in its Energy For Schools programme.
The Arcola - which aims to become Britain's first carbon neutral theatre - officially launched the programme during Climate Week from 21-27 March. Over 150 young people from across London got a chance to find out more about the science behind living greener lifestyles in a fun and interactive way. Pupils from Clapton Girls' Technology College were among those taking part in activities over the week.
One Year Eight participant said: "It was an amazing workshop that demonstrated the fascinating science behind renewable energy possibilities. I would love to come back and do it again."
There was a chance to build wind turbines, build and race hydrogen powered cars, and to create mood lamps and artwork using a range of recycled materials. Workshops are tailored to the curriculum and can be delivered in the classroom or at the theatre.
Arcola is aiming to offer the programme to more than 1,000 children over the next 12 months.
More information
Call: 020 7503 1645; or email: owen@arcolatheatre.com
18 April 2011
Profitable hedge fun
Volunteers from Well Street Common User Group have helped Council staff to plant a hawthorn hedge.
The group turned out on 3 April to plant the hedge along the Meynell Road side of Well Street Common, E9.
The Council has also removed an old bollard fence to make the site more attractive and easier for people to enjoy.
The hawthorn hedge, although it will take time to develop, should become valuable for wildlife. It provides food through nectar and berries, places for birds to nest, and a natural 'corridor' to allow wildlife to move around the common.
The hedge planting is part of the Council's commitment to creating more areas for wildlife across the borough.
Residents can get involved by joining Hackney's Biodiversity Partnership.
More information
For more details or to get involved call: 020 8356 3438.
18 April 2011
Muddying around
Residents had a fine, muddy time transplanting three fruit trees from allotments on the Beecholme estate to North Millfield Park.
The pear, almond and cherry trees were moved to make way for a new greenhouse for the Beecholme and Casimir Community Growing Project which has helped improve the estate.
Tenants and Residents Association members arranged the handover with help from local tree care group, the Tree Musketeers, which donated tree stakes and guards; and the Community Tree Nursery on Hackney Marshes, which lent tools for digging and staking.
Council officers and parks staff also helped out by delivering the stakes, guards and a pile of wood chip mulch.
Cllr Sophie Linden, Cabinet Member for Crime, Sustainability and Customer Services said: "Trees play a large part in enhancing our quality of life in busy cities and help preserve the eco-system.
"It's great to see a group of residents taking time out to plant these beautiful trees and I hope that it encourages more local people to get involved."
4 April 2011
Urban beekeeping
Madness singer Suggs teamed up with a local music studio and a social enterprise to launch the Urban Beekeeping Project.
A hive has been installed on the roof of The Premises Studios, in Hackney Road, which is tended by young people who work with the Golden Company to produce, market and sell urban honey and related products. The initiative aims to encourage more people to take up beekeeping in cities, especially in London, where the bee population has halved since 2008.
Suggs, who is an experienced urban beekeeper, said: "I know how fascinating keeping these amazing creatures can be. Beekeeping is a crucial part of looking after our environment."
Julia Craik, Premises Managing Director, added:
"Honey-bees are in danger due to a virus which can wipe out whole colonies unless the bees are treated. This means that bees can no longer survive long in the wild, and need to be looked after and treated in hives."
More information
For more details, call Julia Craik on:020 7729 7593, or email: info@premisestudios.com
4 April 2011
Eco-action for Climate Week
Hackney City Farm hosted an event to show Londoners how to save money and help the environment during national Climate Week.
Visitors learnt how to make green improvements across a wide range of everyday activities including: energy and water use, travel, waste disposal, and shopping to improve household efficiency and save resources.
The free event on 26 March was held in partnership with sustainable living charity, Global Action Plan's EcoTeams programme. Penny Sturgess, from Global Action Plan, said: "Climate change, increasing stress on natural resources, growing mountains of rubbish, worsening air and water pollution - it can be difficult to know where to begin. Making changes is easier and fun when we do it together, with friends and neighbours. That's why forming or joining an EcoTeam works so well."
A household taking part in the EcoTeams programme can typically:
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improve energy and water management, reducing CO2 emissions by 17 per cent
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reduce bills by £170 a year
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reduce waste by 20 per cent, while increasing the proportion of rubbish that is recycled
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reduce water use by 15 per cent
One attendee said: "It's a really useful and structured approach: clear, well organised and up-to-date. I feel really empowered and supported to go and start an EcoTeam."
4 April 2011
Do you want an allotment?
Rooftop allotments are on offer in Dalston for anyone living or working in Hackney who is keen and committed to gardening.
Training and enterprise organisation, Bootstrap Company, is offering plots for the summer on top of the Printhouse building near Dalston Junction. It will provide grow bags, seedlings, seeds and tools, as well as advice and guidance for gardeners.
The closing date for applications is 20 April, and allotments will be allocated by 1 May.
For more info and to apply call: 020 7275 0825; email: zak@bootstrapcompany.co.uk; or visit: www.bootstrapcompany.co.uk
4 April 2011
Page updated: 6 Jul 2011
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