
WELCOME TO GREENING BISHOPS WALTHAM
Join Us in Building a Sustainable Future

Our next meeting will be on Monday 20th January, 7pm, Bunch of Grapes Pub, St Peter's Street - everyone welcome!
The Five Pillars
Back in October 2024 we dropped cards through everyone's door with ideas on how to save money as well as create more space for nature. It was great to see so many people get involved.
Here's what was printed on the cards... scroll down the page for further challenges if you are hungry for more!

Energy Efficient Warmer Homes
Only fill kettles with the water you’ll actually use – By only filling and heating our kettle with the correct of amount of water we save energy and carbon, as well as some money.
OR
Do one less load of laundry each week, at 30°C or less - avoid washing half loads, instead air garments if only lightly used rather than washing them after every wear. Hang washing outside to dry for free rather than using a tumble dryer. This saves water, energy and money, plus it helps your clothes last longer too!
Space for Nature
Leave a 1m2 area of your garden “wild” for nature. Take a break from the tidying and leave the leaves and sticks where they drop, allowing nature to create homes for garden creatures.
OR
In Autumn, sow a 1m2 patch of wildflower seeds for early pollinators next spring. Give queen bees and other early pollinators a head start next spring by getting the seeds started now to create an early flowering nectar bar for the perfect pollinator snack! Don’t forget to clear the area of other plants and especially grass before you sow to give the wildflowers the best chance to grow.
Map your growing space here or scan the QR code



Health Impacts of Climate Change
Get active in the fresh air and walk or cycle local journeys – but don't forget to check for ticks after walking in long grass as climate change will likely bring new tick-borne diseases from warmer areas.
See the Tick Aware Toolkit
OR
Have 3 conversations with friends or family to tackle climate change anxiety by talking about how you feel and what you can do about it. (HINT: By carrying out these challenges you already are doing something to help!)
Waste Prevention
Make a weekly meal plan and shopping list to avoid over buying and wasting gone-off food or leftovers.
OR
Slim your waste by at least 1 carrier bag a fortnight by storing fruit and veg in the fridge (not onions, bananas or whole pineapples), checking your fridge temperature is set correctly (3-5°C), and by avoiding single-use packaging.



Cycle of the Seed
Grow a windowsill salad! Microgreens or marrowfat peas should grow well or in spring try planting a slice of tomato to get a few tomato plants.
Map your growing space here or scan the QR code.
OR
Plan all the food crops you’ll grow next year. Don’t forget to include companion planting to help deter pests and encourage helpful insects like ladybirds and green lacewings!
Completed those challenges and hungry for more?
• Check your loft insulation is 270mm deep and top up where needed. If topping up from 120mm to 270mm you could save up to £45 each year, as well as lowering your carbon footprint.
• Become a Wildlife Spotter! Take part in a 10min garden or window wildlife survey. Record your sightings online! Try out the iNaturalist (https://uk.inaturalist.org) or iRecord Apps (https://irecord.org.uk/app).
• Encourage hedgehogs into your garden! Set-up your own hedgehog highway by cutting a hedgehog access hole in your garden fence or make a hedgehog hibernation house to keep them snugly over the winter. Pop along to Hedgehog Street to find out more https://www.hedgehogstreet.org
• Minimise your flood risk by avoiding impermeable garden surfaces like asphalt or concrete-based paving, instead using gravel or plants to soak away, soak up and slow the flow.
• Plant trees in your garden or climbers on trellis along your house to provide shade and cooling from summer heatwaves.
• Reduce the carbon impact of your wardrobe by pledging to wear each new item of clothing you buy at least 30 times.
• Buy a zero-waste refill item, reusing a container that you already have.
• Buy nothing new (except essentials) for a whole month! Instead choose to repair, borrow, rent, buy pre-loved or check out local options like the Just Free Bishops Waltham facebook group.
• Start a composting bin for food waste and use it to improve your garden soil.
• Plant some bare-root fruit trees or soft fruit shrubs now so they can get established over the winter. Bring on the fruit crumble recipes!