Category: Local Group News

The Guardian has recently reported that scientists have found that young people who grow up amid heavy traffic pollution have higher rates of mental illness by the time they reach adulthood. “While we might like to think of our towns and cities as green and open spaces, it’s clear that there is a hidden danger … Continue reading Childhood air pollution exposure linked to poorer mental health

Bluebell’s month is here! England’s favourite flower starts to bloom and indicates the presence of an ancient wood. There is so much to see at this time of year and our May I-Spy gives you just a “snapshot” of Medway’s wonderful wildlife! Our birds are now well into the breeding season and will be very … Continue reading I-SPY IN MAY

Wednesday 28th May is International Workers’ Memorial Day, the day that Medway Council, in partnership with the Trades Unions, recognises and remembers colleagues who have lost their lives in service during the past year and previous years. In the past, the council has held a short ceremony at the Memorial Tree in Rochester Castle gardens, with … Continue reading International Workers’ Memorial Day

Nature is fantastic for physical and mental health, but for some people natural spaces can be unwelcoming or inaccessible.  Finding work in the conservation sector can be really hard too. The county’s leading conservation charity Kent Wildlife Trust want to know what these barriers are and what they can do to help.  The Kent Wildlife Trust want to provide … Continue reading Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Nature

The outcome of the Earth Day Survey by the Medway Urban Greenspaces Forum has highlighted some real issues that we as a community need to address. On the big issues there was extreme concern for: Global warming (67%)Destruction of the rainforests (82%)Plastics in the oceans (89%) At the local level there is extreme concern around: … Continue reading Environmental Issues Survey

The Better Connected team works with people over 65 and living in the Medway Towns who are in need of some support to build up their social networks. Recognising that people’s health is determined primarily by a range of social, economic and environmental factors, social prescribing seeks to address people’s needs in a holistic way. … Continue reading Social Prescribing

Wild flowers, plants and fungi are the life support for all our wildlife and their colour and character light up our landscapes. But without our help , this priceless natural heritage is in danger of being lost. From the open spaces of our nature reserves to the corridors of government , Plantlife work nationally and … Continue reading Plantlife

A recent scientific report contradicts claims that the environmental impact of pesticides is falling and that the toxic impact of pesticides used on genetically modified crops remains the same as conventional crops, despite claims that GM crops would reduce the need for pesticides. Read the full story in the Guardian here.