Residents who are concerned about the world around them dropped in on the first Earth Fayre hosted by All Saints Church in Wokingham.
The free event was to encourage the community to discover local groups and charities that are working hard for our planet and its care. From exploring how to use less plastic, to how you can better insulate your home, there were a number of stalls as well as engaging speakers.
Local resident Elizabeth Corse was on hand to promote Climate Fresk, a hands-on, interactive game that deals with the causes and consequences of climate change, encouraging participants to brainstorm and come up with solutions. Elizabeth takes the model into businesses to kick-start employees and employers to work more sustainably and is hoping to bring the experience to more members of the Wokingham
community.
Freely Fruity, which has an orchard in Barkham, was there with their mission to create a more edible planet by planting fruit trees and bushes for people to enjoy in local communities, reducing the carbon footprint as they do it.
Carolyn Davies said: “Our aim is to create a positive change by developing community spirit, educate people on local eating, inspiring younger generations and easing global food wastage.”
So far they have grown and donated hundreds of kilograms of organic produce to local
foodbanks in Berkshire.
Another gardening-based group was present – Growing Places is all about enabling adults
with learning difficulties, in partnership with Optalis. And proving it is never too early to start thinking about the world around you, Floreat Montague School had a stall.
The school, in William Heelas Way in Wokingham, aims to develop a sustainable culture; one where a sustainable approach is evident in all they do. At present they are working on food waste, tree-planting, active travel plan to reduce reliance on cars, offering a vegan menu, green energy and recycling.
They recently worked alongside the University of Reading and FutureLearn, to act as a case study school for their ![]()
‘Teaching Climate and Sustainability in Primary Schools: An Outdoor Learning Approach’ course. The staff and children shared the approach that they are developing at Floreat Montague Park towards climate and sustainability education through outdoor learning.
It was a family event and included activities for children as well as story–telling.
Some of the subjects covered by the speakers included ‘Sustainability in technology’ and
‘What we consume and its impact’ by Tom Blomley. Extinction Rebellion (XR) were present
and spoke about ‘A little less conversation, a little more action’ followed by a singing
interlude with the ‘Occasions Singers’.
Rob Thompson from the University of Reading spoke about ‘Climate change in Berkshire: What the future has in store’ while Growing Places Berkshire discussed ‘The Importance of Nature for wellbeing’.
Keira Salata from Wellington College highlighted ‘Youth Climate Action and Empowerment’
and the Occasion Singers rounded off the afternoon.
For more pictures, see this month’s My Wokingham newspaper – OUT NOW
