Sustainable Basingstoke

02/09/2026

Welcome to the first of September, and the very first of autumn!

This Friday (4 September) marks National Wildlife Day, a special occasion celebrated twice a year because wildlife deserves more than just one day of recognition, and we certainly agree!

The day helps to highlight the importance of protecting the natural world for future generations and an opportunity to reflect on the conservation work already taking place and to consider the positive difference each of us can make in our own communities.

So why not get involved?

Conservation volunteering is a fantastic way to help restore and care for habitats across the borough while connecting with nature and like-minded people. If you'd like to find out more, visit the link in the comments below.

If you are unable to volunteer, why not visit one of the borough’s green spaces and take some photos of the local wildlife and share your images with us below.

01/09/2026

Appliances like your TV drain power even when they’re not in use.

Switching them off after you’re done using them could save around 45 kilograms of carbon and £55 each year.

For more ideas on how you can be more sustainable, visit sustainable-basingstoke.co.uk.

26/08/2026

Happy .

Last week the council's nature engagement ranger, Annie, along with Alan from Natural Basingstoke , lead their ‘Ready Set Ranger’ event at Popley Fields Community Association.

Joined by multiple families and children of all ages, the pair lead on craft activities such as bug house building, creating wildlife art with natural materials and leaf printing.

If you are looking for activities to do with the children, keep an on the council's event page via the link below.

25/08/2026

Come on, admit it...who sings in the shower? 🚿

Four minutes is the average length of a song and the best length of time for a shower to help save on water and £60 each year. Sing a song while you’re showering and you’ll be out in no time at all!

What’s your favourite shower song?

25/08/2026

Did you miss out on seeing the National Emergency Briefing film at the weekend?

Well you're in luck, there's another showing this Thursday (27 August) at 7.45pm.

The film brings together leading UK experts in climate science, health, nature, and economics and presents an overview of how the climate crisis is affecting everyday life in the UK. A structured discussion will take place after the screening giving attendees the chance to talk about what this means for the borough. Find the booking link in the comments.

21/08/2026

Another new nature group to get involved with! 😍

Don't live nearby? Find your closest nature group at https://sustainable-basingstoke.co.uk/get-involved

Join our new nature conservation group at Daneshill Woodlands 🌳

We've created a new group with Natural Basingstoke at Daneshill Woodlands, in Lychpit, and are looking for volunteers from the local area.

You don't need any experience, and you can get involved as often as you like with activities including wildlife surveying, pond creation, coppicing, thicket thinning, removing invasive species and orchard maintenance.

The group will meet one weekend day per month, from 10am to 12pm, with the first meet on Saturday 19 September, at what 3 words location: helps.beyond.dined

To register your interest and find out more, email [email protected].

19/08/2026

Two screenings of a film bringing together leading UK experts in climate science, health, nature, and economics are being shown at Chineham Christ Church later this month in collaboration with Natural Basingstoke and Greener Basingstoke.

The film features footage from last year’s National Emergency Briefing in Westminster and presents an evidence-based overview of how the climate crisis is affecting everyday life in the UK. A structured discussion about the film will take place after the screening giving attendees the chance to talk about what this means for the borough.

The screenings are on:
Sunday 23 August at 3pm
Thursday 27 August at 7.45pm

19/08/2026

We're climbing into this week's to focus on ivy. We've recently spotted signs of ivy being cut back from trees in some of our local open spaces, likely by residents trying to help.

However, ivy is actually a valuable native plant that supports a wide variety of wildlife. Contrary to a common myth, ivy doesn't strangle trees or steal their nutrients. It has its own roots and simply uses trees as a natural framework to grow towards the light.

Its flowers, berries and evergreen foliage provide food and shelter at a time of year when resources can be scarce. Birds, insects, small mammals and even hibernating bats all benefit from the habitat ivy creates.

So if you spot ivy climbing a tree, please leave it be. It's doing an important job in supporting nature and helping our local wildlife thrive.

18/08/2026

💚 Introducing

Looking for simple ways to make a difference? Each Tuesday, we'll share a sustainability tip to help you reduce waste, save energy, and make more environmentally friendly choices in your daily life.

We all know small changes can have a big impact so follow along and share your own tips in the comments using .

12/08/2026

For this week, we're looking at how pet owners can help protect local wildlife while keeping their furry friends healthy.

Flea and tick treatments often contain chemicals that can wash off when pets swim. These chemicals then enter our rivers and streams, where they can harm insects and other small creatures that are an important part of the food chain.

Of course, flea and tick treatments are important for protecting pets from discomfort and disease. By only using them when necessary and keeping pets out of rivers and streams for at least four days after they've been treated, you can keep your pets safe while helping to protect local wildlife too.

There's tips and advice on using flea and tick treatments correctly on the government's website. Find the link in the comments.