Transition Ashtead
Transition Ashtead is a small group of local people who aim to promote different aspects of sustainability through writing articles in the Local Pages and holding talks and events. Last year we promoted the Blue Hearts scheme to encourage the wildflowering of residential verges through No-Mow May to increase the supply of nectar for insects. This practice has been adopted by many residents in the village and we will have more Blue Hearts available for sale in February. Further updates are posted on the Ashtead Blue Hearts Facebook page Alternatively, you can purchase wooden hearts online and paint your own. (See links below)
Events
Thank you to those who came along to the talk at the end of February, ‘How can we build a more sustainable community here in Ashtead?’ We hope that you found it interesting and are considering if any similar groups would work in Ashtead and will let us know via our email.
The Ashtead Swopshop - Saturday 15th June in the Ralli Room of APMH 2 – 4pm. You are invited to bring a box of items you no longer use and take away a box of items you would like to use! Only items in good, working condition please. Donations of £1 per box/person would be appreciated. More details to come.
Time to do some decluttering this spring!
Blue Hearts Campaign – a riot of colour!
You may be interested in creating wildflower habitats in your garden or on your verge, which in turn leads to increased numbers of insects and other ‘mini-beasts’ and in turn more birds. There are plenty of sources of inspiration if you want to sow or plant native wildflowers or just include more pollinators.
Some inspiration!
Ashtead Blue Hearts https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087883401776
Surrey Wildflowering Project https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Surrey%20Wildflowering%20Project
RHS https://www.rhs.org.uk/lawns/creating-wildflower-meadows
Verges can form a diverse, linear habitat allowing species to migrate and thrive. We are continuing to promote the Blue Hearts Surrey-led Campaign which designates a No-Mow verge and we will be selling wooden hearts at the February 28th meeting and afterwards. Please contact us via our email transitionashtead23@gmail.com for further information.
It is recommended that you contact SCC via their Highways menu to request no-mow status under Planting a Blue Heart via this link: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/roadworks-and-maintenance/trees-grass-and-hedges/grass/the-blue-campaign-increasing-biodiversity-in-grass-verges
If you are interested in finding out more about us, sign up to our Transition Ashtead Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/97699089705
