Club Environmental Activities - July - December 2025

Rotary Club of Kimbolton Castle

Sustainability at Kimbolton Country Fayre

Kimbolton Country Fayre made strong progress on sustainability. All stalls used paper or cardboard instead of single-use plastic, with only one using plastic bottles as prizes—now being contacted. The Brown Bread Company improved by taking waste home. Ice cream vans and the coffee vendor had switched to tins, and the beer tent performed well. However, the tea tent still used cling film and single-use plastics—needs addressing. Barrier tape reuse proved impractical; rope is planned for next year. No single-use cable ties seen at the marquee, though some elsewhere—reusable ties and paper tape to be introduced. Bin provision was right; signage will be updated. Litter picking was thorough, but bags degraded and sorting was inconsistent. A dual-bag/hoop system is under review. Unbleached, recycled toilet paper also to be considered. Overall, a well-run event; moving the date to May, considering climate change, may be worthwhile. 

Earthwatch Great UK River Blitz

As part of the Earthwatch Great UK River Blitz the Ouse was tested for phosphates and Nitrates and the results entered into the national database. Simultaneously recordings were made for the Wildlife Trusts Big River Watch. Nitrate readings were high and added to the overall picture in Bedfordshire of all rivers being in need of improvement.

Accredited Wildlife Garden

Our District lead for Environment, Chris Davies and his wife Natalie were thrilled to learn that their garden met the criteria of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust as an 'Accredited Wildlife Garden'. In addition to six ponds (in the loosest terms), they have over a dozen bird boxes and bee hotels!

Rotary Club of Leicester De Montfort

Rewilding

Crocus Planting at Knighton Green, Leicester.

Rotary Club of Kettering Huxloe

Litter Picking

We had 24 volunteers join us and we collected 22 bags of litter. Afterwards we all enjoyed a cup of tea, some homemade cake and a natter. We squashed the drink cans and these were given to the HeliPad Appeal. We were also joined by the Mayor of Kettering!

Litter Picking

We organised a community litter pick and we had 15 volunteers join us and we collected 18 bags of litter including a bag of crushed cans. We enjoyed homemade ginger cake afterwards too!