Recent research shows that eco hubs are ‘catalysts for positive tipping points’ – and, indeed, further studies just out shows us how to help trigger positive tipping points – and speed up climate action.
All very positive!
Meanwhile in Sidmouth… we’ve had our own Eco Hub first six months and, following a public meeting in August, a new set of sessions at the Library are planned for the rest of the year. It’s free and aimed at younger [hearted] people.
The first to kick off the new season is a hands-on workshop helping us to identify things in our natural world here in the Sid Valley.
By way of introduction, here’s a further look by the Eco Hub Sidmouth’s founder Bernie Davis, together with the poster for the event:
Identifying Wildlife on our Doorstep
You don’t have to travel far to find interesting and beautiful wildlife. The school ground, a garden, the Byes, a window box or the verge alongside a local footpath are all rich ecosystems filled with species that live alongside us. Learning about and being able to identify plants and animals is important for a number of reasons. For example, the skill will enrich outdoor experiences and create educational opportunities. The familiarity with wildlife will help us to recognise endangered species or invasive plants and organise protection or management of them. Knowledge of the natural world will also importantly foster a sense of belonging and connection to the community. There are apps like Seek and iNaturalist which can facilitate identification of different species but there is nothing like spending time in nature, taking a walk, going on a field trip or volunteering help with a local environment group to stimulate an interest in and understanding of our natural world.
The first Eco Hub Sidmouth session this autumn is called Nature Identification Challenges and it’s based on the understanding that the more you know about nature, the more you care about it and want to look after it. The session will present a series of five challenges to test your observation and memory skills as well as creating a bit of fun for all ages: children, young people or anyone young at heart. Find our how many wildflowers, trees, minibeasts, mammals that frequent the Byes and samples of animal poo you recognise and can name. There will also be a badgemaking activity to create an ‘I love bees, butterflies, or ladybirds’ badge. Come away wanting to learn and identify more plants and animals that you might come into contact with everyday in your natural world.
Eco Hub Sidmouth: Nature Identification Challenges, Saturday, 13th September, 11:00-1:00 at Sidmouth Library.
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