Binsted Eco Network
… an environmental network for Binsted and its surrounding areas
About us. Binsted Eco Network is a group of friendly locals, of all ages, who love nature, wildlife, food and gardening, and want to find practical solutions to the climate crisis, including the reduction of single-use plastic. Our free fortnightly newsletter shares information about local family-friendly environmental events and activities. Our ethos: we don’t need a handful of people doing sustainable living perfectly – we need millions of us doing it imperfectly. To be added to the newsletter circulation list, or to get your events included in the newsletter, email: binstedeconetwork@gmail.com. You can also find us on Instagram @binstedeconetwork; and Facebook.
We run a children’s welly swap scheme. Instead of throwing out children’s outgrown wellies, just exchange them – for free – for a bigger size! The Welly Swap cabinet is currently in the foyer of the Wickham Institute – anyone can check boots ‘in’ or ’out’ whenever the building is open. Wellies are up to adult size 6. If your family or friends have children’s wellies that are no longer needed, please email binstedeconetwork@gmail.com – we’d love them.
Free Tree Saplings available. Working with Ben Hamlin, Binsted’s Tree Warden, we maintain a list of free tree saplings that are available free to anyone looking to plant a tree on their land. For further details about this, email binstedtrees@gmail.com.
Supporting the rewilding project at Blacknest Fields. Binsted Eco Network is working closely with the Parish Council’s ‘Friends of Blacknest Fields’ to support the habitat improvement projects and community events being held at Blacknest Fields.
Working with local schools. Binsted Eco Network volunteers enjoy working with local schools. In October 2022, Rowledge Primary School parents, including Eco Network member Sarah Womersley, organised an ECO DAY at the school. As part of this, Ben Hamlin, supported by parent volunteers and staff, took pupils for a guided walk around Alice Holt Forest and parts of Rowledge to collect tree seeds and learn how to propagate some of our native trees. The pupils tested acorns and conkers for viability, then planted them. They will be kept at school and looked after by the pupils until being taken home by them as saplings for planting out towards the end of their time at the school.
We don’t need a handful of people doing sustainable living perfectly.
We need millions of us doing it imperfectly.
Email: binstedeconetwork@gmail.com
Or follow on Instagram @binstedeconetwork; or join our Facebook Group.