How ecoBirmingham is Changing the Green Landscape of Brum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgwAI5BGIcQ&feature=emb_title

ecoBirmingham’s community gardening project. Courtesy of ecoBirmingham.

It was a blustery day in the sleepy suburb of Northfield when we visited ecoBirmingham’s headquarters. A modest building nestled behind an estate agent and an adult education centre with pots of paint still on the floor between refurbishment efforts, and a shovel sticking out of the ground outside between plantings.

Welcoming us inside we sat down as the staff told us about their key points of focus. Education, environment and green commuting.

How are the future generations going to learn about the ecosystems around us? We spoke to Anne Dasgupta, the education co-ordinator at ecoBirmingham, about her work.

Though they faced many challenges through the pandemic one thing stood out education-wise, “getting to the schools, that was impossible”, said Anne.

Despite difficulties getting into schools a surge of interest came out of the pandemic. Last summer ecoBirmingham had a massive demand when restarting outdoor activities and holiday clubs, where the kids had a full day of fun. The education programme includes learning about woodworking tools they can use, identification charts and ways to play involving nature.

Get ready for an incredible journey into the amazing world of SEEDS this British Science Week 🌱🌱 on Sat 12th March, 10.30–12.30 at Masefield Community Garden with plenty of interactive & crafty fun for the whole family. Free event, no need to book!#BSW22 #nature #forestschool pic.twitter.com/MSCtvigg8M

- ecobirmingham 🌍 (@ecobirmingham) March 4, 2022

“Once outside it’s usually child lead, however we do have a lot of activities to prompt the imagination if needed”, said Anne. Their ‘mini craftivist’ ethos means that children can learn and make a difference while creating.

The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive: “People were really welcoming getting out again and getting to meet others as well”, said Anne. The focus on Brum’s green spaces as well has been a breath of fresh air for many locals who see Birmingham as a concrete jungle.

Weekly rides, newfound confidence, and carbon reduction, what more can you ask for? ecoBirmingham have set up the Brum by Bike initiative to teach cycling skills and instil confidence in riding, especially for shorter journeys around the city. 25% of Birmingham’s car journeys are under a mile and most of those cars on the road could be replaced by bikes.

Esther Barnes, ecoBirmingham’s project coordinator for cycling, says: “It’s not just about tuition, it’s about finding routes and discovering what Birmingham has got to offer”.

But there’s a feeling among Brummies that cycling just isn’t safe in Birmingham, car-centric road design, dangerous drivers and the misconception that Brum has no cycle lanes all lead to that anxiety.

Their 69 Wards project is also helping to change that idea. Mapping out different cycling and walking routes around the city that can be enjoyed by all, whether you’re a seasoned road biker or still on training wheels.

ecoBirmingham is growing steadily, but what does the future hold? The staff all had different ideas. Hearing from families about their experiences, growing food in their local community gardens, seedbeds, sharing, and a great environmental impact.

“Just knowing that you’re making a positive impact on your own health, your own mental health, other people’s health, the health of the planet, and air pollution, is what makes the biggest impact”, added Esther.

Originally published on http://henryfoxportfolio.wordpress.com and https://centralbylines.co.uk/.