In the first week of June, Huntingdonshire District Council will officially launch a five year environment strategy for Huntingdonshire. The document outlines the environmental commitments the council aims to tackle including the issues of climate change, the earth’s rapidly depleting resources and protection of the natural environment.

It covers 12 main environmental issues such as energy efficiency and renewable energy, travel and emissions, adapting to climate change, waste, water use, biodiversity and open space and maintaining a clean and safe Huntingdonshire. It features actions that the council will take, as well as those which local communities, businesses, and individuals can do to help make a difference.

The launch is taking place during Environment Week beginning on Monday 2 June with a series of events across the district, where everyone is invited to attend and can find out how even the smallest contribution can make a huge difference to your local environment.

Events throughout the week are as follows:

 Monday 2 June, 10am until 2pm - Environment exhibition in Huntingdon Market Square. Find out how you can reduce your environmental footprint.
Come along for an informal chat about saving energy and money in your home with the Energy Saving Trust (EST), visit Cambridgeshire’s brand new recycling bus, join in children’s activities with the district council’s countryside team or take a look at the National Energy Foundations green energy machine! Competitions and environmentally friendly goodies available for our residents who complete an environmental commit card, available on the day, while stocks last. Also an opportunity to have your say on a draft design brief for showcase sustainable eco-friendly homes in Mayfield Road, Huntingdon.
                                                                                                                                     Wednesday 4 June, 6.30pm - ‘Power 2 the People’ renewable energy event. Find out more about how you can generate your own energy.
Come along to The Priory Centre in St Neots to learn about ways in which you can generate your own heat and electricity at home, including solar water heating, biomass heating, wind turbines and ground source pumps.

 Paxton Pits Nature Reserve public event - ‘Expanding Nature’ Saturday 7 June, 10am – 4.00pm.
Find out how Paxton Pits’ wildlife will be enhanced by the addition of 60 acres of reedbed, extra lakes and new islands.

 The council’s Environment Team road show - St Ives town centre on Tuesday 10 June and Ramsey town centre on Thursday 12 June.
Both events are scheduled for 10am until 2pm and will allow the public to find out more about reducing their environmental footprint. Competitions and environmentally friendly goodies available for our residents who complete an environmental commit card, available on the day, while stocks last.

 The council’s Environment Team road show will finish at the East of England Show on the 13, 14 and 15 June at the Peterborough Showground

Councillor Peter Bucknell, Executive Councillor for Environment said;” The council will strive to tackle the challenges that we all face in todays society through this important document.  Our aim is to lead the community by demonstrating and promoting environmental good practice.”

Also, look out for a free environmentally friendly pocket guide with lots of helpful hints and tips on how to protect the environment and save money, which should arrive through the post of residents in Huntingdonshire this summer!