INSPIRATION to help Warwickshire residents fight the climate emergency is available in a new podcast.
Podcast series Sustainable Warwickshire features conversations with people from across the county who are taking action to reduce carbon emissions and support biodiversity.
Launched by Warwickshire County Council (WCC), the podcast covers subjects such as energy, waste and recycling, transport, infrastructure and the green economy, whilst also giving Warwickshire residents ideas on how to play their part.
The first episode features a conversation with two Warwickshire Country Park specialist rangers, based at Ryton Pools Country Park and Kingsbury Water Park, who talk about the importance of biodiversity to provide us with food, clean water and energy, how it directly impacts on our wellbeing and environment, and its link with climate change.
In the podcast, James Taylor and Ben Coleman, specialist rangers in woodlands and grasslands respectively, explain how Warwickshire has been impacted by the loss of different species, how much is still under threat and how much of nature is inter-dependent. For example, there are over 100 species who rely on ash trees for survival – so if ash trees die out due to a disease such as ash dieback, then those species who depend on it will be lost.
The podcast details the work taking place at the Country Parks to support biodiversity.
This includes the creation of new native woodland at Kingsbury Water Park, where the local community and school children have helped to plant 180 native tree species such as silver birch, field maple and wild cherry beech.
Meanwhile, 17 acres of traditional hay meadow are being re-created at Ryton Country Park – increasing the amount of wildflowers across the area, which in turn is increasing the number of insects. Over time, the birds and mammals that feed on those insects will begin to increase in numbers, and the predators higher up the food chain will then have plenty of food.
Coun Heather Timms, WCC’s spokeswoman for Environment, Climate and Culture, said: “Climate change is one of the most important issues facing Warwickshire. We’re seeing an increase in flooding, heatwaves, drought and wildfires, all posing a direct risk to Warwickshire’s communities and economy – and it’s often the most vulnerable people in our society who are affected the most.
“The Sustainable Warwickshire podcast gives us a chance to hear about the work being done to make sure Warwickshire is sustainable now, and for future generations. The first episode on biodiversity is fascinating, and so even if it is a subject people haven’t thought much about before, I’d encourage them to have a listen.”
To listen to the podcast, visit https://sustainablewarwickshire.podbean.com or search for ‘Sustainable Warwickshire’ on Spotify or Apple. New episodes will be released every four to six weeks.
Visit www.warwickshireclimateemergency.org.uk for more information on climate change.
