Programme of events announced for Great Big Green Week

Organised by the Climate team in collaboration with a variety of local groups, organisations, businesses and residents, Richmond Great Big Green Week will take place from 10 to 18 June in line with the national initiative.

Richmond Great Big Green Week is a local celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature. The full timetable of over 50 local events has now been released.

Residents will have the chance to do things like:  

• Learn how to plant for wildlife as well as grow fruits and vegetables
• Litter-pick on paddleboard or foot
• Learn from experts about a range of topics from energy efficiency to biodiversity
• Test out new ways to recycle
• Build wildlife habitats
• Connect mindfully with nature
• Learn how to repair and reuse everyday items
• Try out local resources helping to clean up our air
• Participate in a clothing swap
• Build a microscope from recycled and household materials and learn how to test a water sample from the Thames for microorganisms and microplastics
• Chat about climate with other like-minded locals
• Learn about some of the amazing ongoing community projects supporting a more sustainable Richmond upon Thames  

There are also plenty of opportunities for young people and children to get involved, such as through an eco-learning trip to Kew Gardens and decorating ladybird houses while learning about sustainability at Ham Library, among others. The programme of events has seen huge support from local schools, with seven receiving microgrants and running activities like promoting active travel to school, playground planting, climate assemblies and outdoor learning.  

Cllr Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, said:   

“We all have a role to play when it comes to addressing climate change, and initiatives like Great Big Green Week are the perfect opportunity for our communities to see the breadth of convenient opportunities that exist to get involved locally.  
 
“It doesn’t matter if you’re at the beginning of your journey toward becoming more climate conscious or a seasoned expert – tackling the climate crisis and becoming greener as a community is all about finding shared solutions and taking steps to understand what we can all do to reduce our carbon footprint. This is why I strongly encourage residents to get involved with our broad range of activities and events over Richmond’s Great Big Green Week—there will be something new for everyone to learn and take away with them. I look forward to seeing you at an event."  

Some events require booking in advance. People who live and work in the borough can help share our events on social media, using the hashtag #RichmondGBGW.