Transition Kentish Town Newsletter May 2024

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Transition Kentish Town Newsletter
May 2024

1. Soil

The Agro-chemical business is destroying our soil and climate. In the UK and globally, industrial scale farming makes money for big corporations, but is putting small farms out of business and worldwide Nature and food security at risk. Here’s the alternative: join us for a movie night to see the intriguingly titled 'Six Inches of Soil' on June 11, 6:30-8:45pm at the Clarence Hall new community cinema. This is located within the Clarence Way Estate, NW1 8RN. Post film, let’s have a conversation on what we can all do to help address the ecological crisis here in Camden, and around the world. There will be free KT made popcorn! The event is free, but please book via Eventbrite.

2. Solar: Camden Schools Share Offer

Worried about climate change? Want to help local schools save money? Here’s an opportunity to make a difference. Power Up North London (PUNL) are delighted to announce the launch of their latest community share offer to fund solar panels on two Camden secondary schools – Parliament Hill and Regent High Schools.

PUNL needs to raise £130,000 to pay for the installation of 183kWp of solar panels. The arrays will generate over 150,000 kWh/year, and save 30.5 tonnes of CO2 each year, equivalent to the carbon absorbed by 1398 trees. Read more...

3. Pollinators

Support 'Restore Nature Now' on SATURDAY 22 June

Sign the Pledge to protect Nature and save the date to join this event aimed at getting politicians (from all parties) to take urgent climate emergency action to protect Nature and wildlife in the UK. On Saturday 22nd June, thousands will join a coalition of UK Nature and wildlife protection groups for a family friendly walk through London that's billed as a carnival to celebrate and defend Nature.

Starting in Park Lane on June 22 at 1pm and culminating in speeches, street theatre and Nature themed activities in Parliament Square from 2.15pm, this is our chance to raise our voices for threatened UK Nature. Visit Restore Nature Now for details about joining the event, pledge to march and sign up to support a campaign that's important for both Nature and ourselves.

And why is this important?

We like to think of Britain as a 'green and pleasant land' but, did you know we are one of the most Nature depleted areas of Europe? And that decades of chemically based industrialised mono-crop farming, the destruction of wetlands and pollution of rivers and even over-tidy gardening and green space management, have all led to a 98% loss of wildflower meadows and a 75% loss of pollinating insects? And with over 80% of European and UK crops dependent on insect pollination, this is bad news not only for pollinators, but also for ourselves. And there are similar losses too, among birds and mammals - like swifts, bats, hedgehogs - who all play their part in maintaining a 'healthy balance' in the biodiversity that's vital to survival of life on Earth. So let's sign up, put on your walking shoes and become part of turning the tide on this destruction.

TKT Nature Connections Hampstead Heath Summer Ramble Saturday 29th June 2.00 - 4.30pm.

Join us for a local celebration of Nature in this summer ramble around the southern slopes of Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill Fields. Enjoy discovering the richness and diversity of our local wildlife. Learn how to recognise local trees, birds and wildflowers, and some of the pollinating insects of high summer. And explore how, through activities like Nature journaling, 'word sketching', mindful walking and finding our own Nature Connection sitting spot(s), we can help rebuild our connections with local Nature, and enjoy the improved well-being this brings for both Nature and ourselves. The walk starts and ends just inside the entrance to the Heath by the Highgate Road/Swains Lane junction, NW5.

4. Protest for People and the Planet

The climate is changing - and so must we! But how can we make the big changes needed, when faced by the delaying tactics of big oil, gas and coal, and the inertia of many politicians? How do we

protest to survive, and when is direct attention grabbing action justified? And how do we make our voices heard, so that people listen and change happens?

Join us, and our friends at Think&Do, at the British Library Sharing Space on Tuesday June 4 3:30pm-6pm to debate this. Plus there will be a free veggie supper.

5. Retrofitting flats

Our next Retrofit Kentish Town session is on Tuesday 18th June and is all about flats. All types of flats - including conversions, co-ops, shared freehold, housing associations and council landlords. It's not easy, but we’ll be exploring ways to make flats and blocks of flats more energy efficient, reduce carbon emissions and save money on heating. Please come at 6:20 for a 6:30pm start at the Kentish Town Community Centre, 17 Busby Place, London NW5 2SP. See you there!

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