Ringwood is to host its first ever Eco Fair to raise awareness of how communities can take steps to become more sustainable.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Ringwood and Ringwood Actions for Climate Emergency (RACE), the event takes place on Saturday September 11 from 10.30am.

Mary DeBoos, from RACE, said: “Due to Covid-19 it feels like we have been planning forever. We are excited finally to have the opportunity to share hints, tips and knowledge with the people of the Ringwood area to help everyone do a little bit (or more) to help tackle climate change.

“This is especially important in light of the latest news about the speed of the change we are seeing.”

Workshops and stalls

There will be local groups and businesses with planet friendly workshops, stalls and gifts at the Furlong and outside the Gateway building close to Ringwood car park and the bus stops.

The fair will have fun for all the family – children can create their own eco hero, test their (and your) knowledge of trees and play the “which waste goes where” game.

And for nature lovers there will be a chance to find out more about the work of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Marine Conservation Agency, as well as learn more about native trees and how to grow your own fruit and vegetables.

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Alternative technologies

Information can be found about alternative technologies like PV panels and heat pumps, ways of reducing energy at home and work and also reducing single-use plastics.

Speakers

The fair will be accompanied by talks in Ringwood Meeting House from 1pm with tea and coffee available.

The list of speakers include:

  • Dr Hadrian Cook - The New Forest including modern conservation in the New Forest
  • Jen Gale -Author of the sustainable(ish) books - inspiration for easy steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle
  • Ian Pritchett - MD of Greencore Construction who specialise in building climate positive houses
  • Dr Martin Price - a retired teacher and member of Friends of the Earth. Hear about the science behind the book Planet Earth Needs Our Help
  • Bert Laan - is a founder member of South West Hampshire Beekeepers. Find out about bees

The full line-up of the speakers and tickets for the talks are available via Eventbrite visit: raceagainsttime.org.uk

Tim Moxey, the chair of Ringwood Rotary environment committee, said: “The future of the environment is of fundamental importance and this is a great way of gaining more knowledge, learning about what is possible and finding small ways in which we can all collectively help.”

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