We enjoyed welcoming back old friends and meeting new ones to mark The Climate Coalition’s Great Big Green Week (9-13 June). Thanks go to our newly appointed Students’ Union (SU) officers for their part raising awareness of – and helping to run – activities.
Animal guests from the Surrey-based conservation charity Wild About Britain plus their handler Connie were a big hit on the tennis courts. Students had a hands-on opportunity to meet British wildlife including Snowdrop the hedgehog; Conker the toad; Newton the grass snake and 19-year-old Tawny Owl Freddie.
SU officer Kathryn P commented, “We learnt how to drench our hands before handling Conker due to toads’ sensitivity to human skin, which can burn them. We also found out about volunteering for local toad crossings to see them safely across roads during breeding season. We also discovered the importance of leaving small holes in fences between urban gardens to play our part in helping our hedgehog population to recover.”
The fabulous Sussex Green Living milk float team returned once more. Emily A, part of our new SU media team, said, “The float was not only hugely informative, it used fun games to get us thinking about how to live more sustainably every day. The team were really passionate and helped us see how small changes to our buying habits and behaviours can make a big difference.”
But that’s not all. Head of Philosophy Mike Fogg delivered an eye-opening talk, ‘Moving Towards a Sustainable Diet’, gently quizzing his audience on their knowledge of both the environmental impact and health benefits of plant-based – versus other – diets.
Our new SU Environmental Officers Rosie, Emily and Olly kicked off very successful litter pick around the local area – something they hope to build on in future.
College musicians added to the fun playing to staff and students outdoors, and last but not least, the SU cake sale raised around £70 for the RSPCA, one of this year’s chosen charities.
Thanks to all our visitors, speakers, SU helpers and College staff (Liz A, Toby A and Wendy G) who made the week such a success!
Find out more about toad crossings at www.froglife.org – ‘Toads on Roads’
