Hanleys Environment Group

06/06/2026

From carbonators to shampoo bars, loose-leaf tea to period pants, here’s what helped readers use less plastic

06/06/2026

03/06/2026

Support Rights for the River Severn, Wyre Forest

The River Severn is more than just a body of water winding through our town. It is the lifeblood of our community, landscape, and culture. It weaves through vital natural habitats, supporting a diverse array of wildlife.

Yet like many UK rivers, the Severn is being polluted by industry, making it harmful to people and the natural environment. The main causes are sewage spills, agricultural run-off, forever chemicals, and many more.

This is why it is imperative to adopt the Rights for Rivers Charter, an initiative that provides legal rights and recognition for rivers - to grant the Severn the right to flow, regenerate, and fulfil its natural role without being damaged in the name of business shareholder profits.

Supporting the Rights for Rivers Charter means safeguarding the natural beauty and resources of the Severn in our area. To protect it for us and future generations to enjoy.

Support Rights for the River Severn, Wyre Forest

03/06/2026

Himalayan Balsam is an invasive plant that is taking hold by the Brook behind St Mary's Church.

We are going to spend a couple of hours pulling up these plants (quite an easy and strangely satisfying experience).
Please come along and join us. The more people the better.

Bring gloves and wear boots.

Meet at St Mary's Church at 10am on Sunday 7th June.

02/06/2026

June brings a whole new line-up of brilliant butterflies and moths to spot in your gardens and local green spaces 🦋🌿

Do you have a favourite butterfly? Vote now to help us find Britain's Favourite Butterfly 👇
https://britainsfavouritebutterfly.co.uk/?utm_source=Social_Media&utm_medium=Social_Media&utm_campaign=BFB_2026&utm_id=BFB_2026

01/06/2026

Our next event...

27/05/2026

Our midday banter session this Wednesday 27th May will be about Food Resilience.

All those of us who have seen or screened the People's Emergency Briefing film will be very aware of the major topics covered therein, one of which is the threat to our food supplies.

40% of our food is imported; farmers spend huge amounts of money on fertilisers (made from natural gas), and diesel, both of which are jumping in cost as a result of the war with Iran. The video shows all too clearly the effects of climate change (one farmer is quoted as "farming water" - and this year, after the wettest February, we are now seeing very high termperatures and an absence of rain at a critical part of the growing season) - which are bound to have an impact on food availability. Food is identified as a part of our Critical National Infrastructure - as is Cyber - yet although there is established policy and instructions for combating Cyber, no such clear details exist for food....

A 2025 Report to the National Preparedness Commission does highlight "7 steps to reduce the UK's civil food resilience gap", and specifically states that the gap has to involve food produced locally.

"Food Resilience" - this week's presentation - goes through the current situation, and demonstrates the 7 steps listed in the report

It is suggested that anybody who is concerned with local government, or with an interest in our food supply, and how we make ourselves more able to cope with what is very likely to impact us in the months and years ahead should find this extremely topical.

Banter sessions are open to all, free on Zoom, and held every Wednesday from noon - 1pm. Please sign up for this session here https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpcu2urjMvGdJH09t0GQ72fBJSFr9zzIDj #/registration. All sessions are recorded, and the results are made available to all in our Knowledgebase - so if you are unable to make it to the live session, but would like to be informed when it has been published, please sign up anyway: this puts you on the distribution list for the results.

20/05/2026

There has never been a better time to try Worcestershire on Demand, the county's flexible, on-demand bus service! 🚌

New users can enjoy 10 free rides when they download the app between Friday 22 May and Sunday 31 May.

Worcestershire on Demand makes it easy to book a journey at a time that suits you. There are no timetables or fixed routes, simply book a ride, walk to a nearby pick-up point, and track your vehicle in real time.

The free rides can be redeemed at any time, but half term is the perfect chance to give the service a try!

The Worcestershire on Demand app is free to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Find out more about Worcestershire on Demand, including service zones and how to use the app here: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/WOD

20/05/2026

🌎 People’s Emergency Briefing 🌎
Together with the Environmental Groups in Castlemorton & Welland we are screening this important public information film.
WHEN: Wednesday 1 July 19.00
WHERE: Welland Parish Hall
PRICE: Free entry. Limited spaces. Booking required (see below)
Come and be part of a nationwide initiative to understand how climate change will affect every one of us, and what we can do about it.
Most of us have never been fully briefed on what climate change means for our
lives, our economy and our future. A new film, being shown communities across
the UK, does just that. The People’s Emergency Briefing set out the risks facing
the nation - and the credible, positive responses available.
Wildlife author, Johnny Birks, will introduce the film and lead the discussion
afterwards.
Book your free ticket here, and spread the word!
https://www.tickettailor.com/.../southmalvernpari.../2155541
Background
In November 2025, the National Emergency Briefing brought together leading experts in Westminster to present the latest evidence on the climate and nature crisis to politicians, decision makers other influential people in Westminster. That evidence is now on the public record.
Why it matters now
Climate and nature breakdown will affect every constituency in the country, from health and food systems to infrastructure, security to economic stability. This crisis is more serious and immediate than many of us understand. There is strong evidence that bold, urgent action will improve lives and livelihoods, but the window of opportunity is narrowing.
About the Film
The 50-minute film combines authoritative scientific content from the Westminster event with reactions from members of the public and some more familiar faces - designed to help audiences process the information. It delivers frank facts about the threats, but also the enormous benefits if Government leads genuine emergency action