JanineClimate Action Seacroft, through Clarrie Ramsden, who is working with us on climate and the environment, shared this story with us about the fantastic work Climate Action Seacroft has been doing.
The Climate Emergency Community Action Programme is a citywide project funded for five years by the National Lottery. It aims to develop a movement across the city working towards a nature-friendly, socially just, carbon-neutral Leeds by 2030.
So what does that mean in practical terms? Do I need to chain myself to a tree or throw paint at pictures?
In Seacroft, we are aiming to be genuinely resident-led, supported by local and citywide organisations, including LS14 Trust, Chapel FM, the library and others.
It’s not about trying to do everything at once, our approach is; let’s try things – work out what works and why – what doesn’t work and why – learn as we go and to set our own pace.
We have developed community seed banks, which give away free seeds and plants to encourage residents to get growing, and a space for people to share their spare seeds, plants, pots and gardening magazines. These have been well-received, and we plan to offer birdseed through the winter.
We do pop-up planting events across the year to encourage children to plant their own seeds and learn how they grow; this often ignites a real passion for planting. Our fledgling Youtube channel offers handy tips on how to get your potatoes and carrots going in a space as small as a builder’s bucket Members were very excited when they harvested their own potatoes on Christmas Day!
We are creating a Forest Garden right in the heart of Seacroft, which will be a true legacy for the area, full of edible plants, fruit bushes, and fruit and nut trees, providing a peaceful place for humans alongside a biodiverse environment for wildlife. sitting under an apple tree, eating a freshly picked handful of raspberries, listening to the birds….
If you are an indoor type, we have a couple of weekly craft groups, one of which is a craftivism group: we explore issues and protest peacefully using craft rather than words and anger.
We work with all the residents of Seacroft, families who have been here for generations and newly arrived. There is something for everyone of all ages and abilities.
To answer the question posed at the beginning, you can plant a tree, or paint a picture, come and join us, and find out!
To get involved: Climateactionseacroft@gmail.com
Clarrie Ramsden Hub Worker: 07931 461492
Find us on Facebook or through We are Seacroft: Environment and Nature – We Are Seacroft.
