Environment Matters on Mix 92.6: Recent Episodes
Hertfordshire's Mix 92.6
Whilst here in the UK we moan about the cost of electricity, there are lots of good things to say ... Read more
Launched back in the spring, the Peoples’ National Emergency Briefing is a film narrated by Chris Packham, consisting of experts ... Read more
For so much of our wildlife here in Hertfordshire, prolonged hot, dry weather is a real challenge, and one of ... Read more
Whether you drive a car, cycle, or simply walk or wheel, we’re all affected by the speed of traffic on ... Read more
There’s some good news for Hertfordshire’s ancient woodland, the species that rely on it and the people that enjoy it. ... Read more
In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Jessica Beare, Business Development Manager for Severn Trent Green Power, gives us an insight ... Read more
At this time of year, with our windows open in the evenings, we’re suddenly aware of moths. They don’t get ... Read more
Water Voles are now endangered and are classed as a Red List species. Their populations have plummeted by roughly 90% ... Read more
We’ve heard so much recently about making our food more sustainable, resilient and fair. Well, it turns out that St ... Read more
Energy prices are soaring and, with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, our energy future feels insecure. We’re looking ... Read more
Yes, in this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Amanda Yorwerth ia talking rubbish with Louise Palmer, Waste and Recycling Officer at ... Read more
It’s half term and it’s a hot one. So how about a fun, educational, and free water based activity that ... Read more
There are many ways in which doing food better would help both people and the environment – and earlier in ... Read more
The Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust is coordinating the second only Herts Rivers Week, coming up during the schools May ... Read more
Running since 2019, the Sakura Cherry Tree Project hopes to foster friendship between the Japanese and British people with the ... Read more
On 2nd May 1996, the grounds of the former Hill End and Cell Barnes Hospitals started a journey to become ... Read more
Sir David Attenborough’s latest BBC television series, Secret Garden, shows us the delightful and diverse wildlife that is hiding in ... Read more
Local environmental activists are excited about a new film which they’re being asked to share by running screenings across the ... Read more
If you’ve visited Redbourn, you’ll know that it’s a quiet village with a beautiful and huge village green, a church ... Read more
For one year it’s been saving people money, saving people space in cramped homes and reducing the environmental footprint of ... Read more
Here on Environment Matters and on Mix 92.6 generally, we like to hear from local businesses – hear what they’re ... Read more
Like me, you’re definitely part of the issue we’re going to hear about in this week’s Environment Matters podcast. It’s ... Read more
There’s lots going on in the world of regenerative farming here in Hertfordshire. And now there’s another Hertfordshire event putting ... Read more
The move to electric vehicles and away from vehicles which burn fossil fuels is an essential part of lowering our ... Read more
Sir David Attenborough has shown us plastic in the oceans, we ourselves see plastic litter on our streets and even ... Read more
The jewel in the natural crown of Hertfordshire is the chalk stream rivers that flow through it. In fact, we ... Read more
Watford was the first district council in the country to introduce a bike-share scheme back in 2020 and Watford BC ... Read more
You’ve probably heard of regenerative farming and the suggestion that it can feed us all sustainably whilst solving the climate ... Read more
Damp cardboard for recycling has been a bit of a controversy online locally. So in this week’s Environment Matters we’ll ... Read more
Have you noticed how helping people and the environment so often go hand in hand? Take the East Herts Uniform ... Read more
The publishing of the Hertfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy could be the key to big changes to help local wildlife. ... Read more
Junior members of the Green House Climate Club have been testing things again – this time the air. And they’ve ... Read more
In this week’s Environment Matters we’ve even more of your nature highlights from 2025. So if you need some uplifting ... Read more
It’s a really special podcast this week – a heart warming compilation of listeners nature highlights of 2025. Hear about ... Read more
Junior members of the Green House Climate Club have been putting another eco product to the test – this time ... Read more
Airport expansion is being given the green light across the UK in the hope that it will deliver the economic ... Read more
We know about the importance of us humans being connected to nature and how, here in the UK, surveys show ... Read more
Whilst there’s a lot of bad things about climate change, there are some upsides too. And one of them is ... Read more
Not long ago we found out that Britain is one of the least nature connected countries in the world. Which ... Read more
SustFest, the sometime week, fortnight, 2 day Expo or, this year,4 weekends of eco activities run by groups throughout St ... Read more
Everything we hear about rivers seems to be negative – they’re full of sewage and are filthy, climate change and ... Read more
Repair cafes or Repair Fairs where we can take our things to be repaired by volunteers, are springing up all ... Read more
In this week’s Environment Matters podcast we’re talking about a more sustainable death There is nothing more inevitable than death ... Read more
Hertfordshire County Council wants to know how kids in St Albans get to school – and what’s preventing them travelling ... Read more
Lussmanns is about to celebrate 20 years of serving sustainably sourced food to diners in its restaurant in Heritage Close ... Read more
If you live in many parts of Hertfordshire you’ll have seen 20mph signs popping up on local roads, speed bumps ... Read more
With this summer’s holiday sadly behind you, your thoughts might be turning to plans for next year. We know that ... Read more
Lee Wood of Ember Designs joins Amanda Yorwerth in this week’s Environment Matters podcast to explain about the Ember Eco ... Read more
North Herts District Council have recently amended their household waste and recycling collection regime with some bold changes, including residual ... Read more
The start of the football season wouldn’t normally be something to cover on Environment Matters, but Watford Football club are ... Read more
We need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our homes to help the climate, but additionally, if our houses are ... Read more
Sadly, Hertfordshire is one of the most nature depleted counties in one of the most nature depleted countries. So, when ... Read more
It’s school summer holidays and, for a lot of us, that’s 6 weeks of trying to drag bored kids away ... Read more
It’s with a sigh of relief that we’ve seen butterflies return to our parks and gardens after their absence last ... Read more
Whilst the latest heatwave might have abated and we’ve had some rain, the Met Office long range forecast tells of ... Read more
When John O’Connor Pest Controller Karen Green got together with Grounds Maintenance Manager Gareth Towson to help bees she didn’t ... Read more
Prized by all people taking action to help the environment, the Ember Eco Awards are awarded by St Albans based ... Read more
Energy has never been more important – or more contentious. But how much do we really understand it and the ... Read more
This week it’s World Rainforest Day, and with COP30 coming up in the Amazon this November, 2025 could be a ... Read more
Bird watching is the perfect antidote to 21st century living and has so many benefits – particularly if you do ... Read more
Unearthed, the Power of Gardening, is the latest exhibition at the British Library – and their most sustainable yet. In this ... Read more
If you live in St Albans District, and have ever despaired at a public building not having solar panels, or ... Read more
Rachel Redondo, Digital and Operations Manager at Twenty-Two Business Support and Development talks to Amanda Yorwerth about how our online ... Read more
The Great Big Green Week is the UK’s biggest celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature. ... Read more
The next SustFest Seasons weekend of eco events is this time themed Local to Global. And no one epitomises Local ... Read more
In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, John Hale, Chair of the Campaign Group St Albans Quieter Skies, explains how the ... Read more
For some people, continuous dumping of sewage in the River Ver might inspire action like setting up a petition or ... Read more
We need our dose of nature for our health and wellbeing, and nature needs us to do our bit to ... Read more
In this Environment Matters podcast, Dr Ellen Rotheray, Associate Professor in Ecology at the University of Sussex, explains how we ... Read more
They’re masters of disguise, they migrate huge distances and they’re working hard in a garden near you. In this week’s ... Read more
In this, their 150th year, Hertfordshire Natural History Society have teamed up with St Albans Museum and Art Gallery to ... Read more
Since declaring a climate emergency in 2019, Hertfordshire County Council say that they have committed to becoming a more sustainable ... Read more
If you’ve ever thought that you might like to find out whether solar panels might be a good idea for ... Read more
The fashion industry has a huge, and ever worsening impact on the environment. So wouldn’t it be great if, right ... Read more
They’ve planted trees, protected areas for rewilding and ensured there’s plenty for pollinators, but it’s not all plain sailing for ... Read more
Hannah is a local farmer, farming land in the Mimram Valley where, amongst other things, she grows grapes and does ... Read more
For a few years now, the lake in Verulamium Park in St Albans has flooded the paths and the toilet ... Read more
In this week’ Environment Matters, podcast, break through the current environmental doom and gloom with uplifting news from Sonya Jefferson ... Read more
Are all gulls seagulls? Where do they go at night? And what do they have in common with honey bees? ... Read more
Vicky Gutteridge joins Amanda Yorwerth on this week’s Environment Matters podcast to explain how her new Community Interest Company, The ... Read more
Losing a pound or 2 or doing some exercise are great ways to improve your health, but what you might ... Read more
When it comes to holidays, we want sun, we want culture, we want exciting places to explore – and it ... Read more
In this Environment Matters podcast, Alex Marshall of the Woodland Trust explains how you can turn your simple wildlife sightings ... Read more
Tim Hill of the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust has some festive picks for you to spot on your winter ... Read more
In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Danielle Durrant of the Green House Eco Hub joins Amanda Yorwerth to discusses ideas ... Read more
For most of us, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without chocolate. But, as with so much of what we eat, there ... Read more
In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Cllr John Hale of St Albans Quieter Skies gives an update on where the ... Read more
In the midst of National Tree Week, tune in to this week’s Environment Matters podcast to enjoy a heart warming ... Read more
Emily Hopkins works for the National Energy Foundation, a charity focused on helping people create greener, more energy-efficient homes. In ... Read more
In this Environment Matters podcast, Sonya Jefferson of Jefferson Eco CIC talks to Amanda Yorwerth about their upcoming workshops where ... Read more
Manager at the Cottonmill Cycle Hub, Mat Daniels, talks to Amanda Yorwerth about their initiatives to help people get on ... Read more
They’re intriguing to spot, they’re essential for ecosystems and they’re currently in wood or wild place near you – fungi. ... Read more
A chance has come up to make one of the key roads in St Albans more welcoming, more sustainable and ... Read more
In this podcast we take a trip to the treasure trove that is the Welwyn Garden City HCC Waste & ... Read more
School pick up and drop off times are the busiest and most dangerous for Hertfordshire roads. But those are precisely ... Read more
Welwyn Garden City has received a raft of awards at this year’s Anglia in Bloom Awards. In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Cllr Sandreni Bonfante and council officer Sue McDaid join Amanda Yorwerth talk about how they have ensured they have used flowers and trees to make the townscape more sustainable, the huge part that ... Read more
With butterfly numbers hitting a 40 year low, why not try helping them by creating your own mini meadow? Plantlife’s Matt Pitts joins Amanda Yorwerth in this week’s Environment Matters podcast to explain all you need to know to convert part of your outdoor space into a mini meadow. From the pitfalls of seed selection, ... Read more
Water voles are just one of 109 species that will benefit from work that the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust will be doing on the River Lea and its tributaries, using a £107m grant from the Government’s Saving Species scheme. In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Sarah Perry, River Catchment coordinator at the Herts and ... Read more
Clouds are amazing. They’re an essential part of the water cycle which keeps us provided with freshwater, and learning more about them is a crucial aspect to our understanding of climate change. Yet in spite of all of this they get a bad rap, and particularly here in the UK – we seem to like ... Read more
According to the UK government, there is no clear evidence that there is a safe level of air pollution exposure that won’t cause adverse health effects – so cleaning up the air is in all our interests. In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Cllr Raj Visram gives some highlights from St Albans District Council’s Air ... Read more
Communities around the world are protesting that they’ve had enough of tourists and the environment is creaking under the strain. So in this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Dr Brendan Canavan of Nottingham University gives tips on how to be the kind of tourist that locals welcome and leaves the local environment in tact.
When residents of Hertfordshire responded to Helen Burridge of the HCCSP’s Survey, they said they were keen to retrofit their houses to make them more energy efficient but didn’t know where to start, who to trust, or how to coordinate work. As a result, the HCSSP Retrofitting Your House Guide has been prepared, especially for ... Read more
The chances are that children are learning more about the natural world whilst they’re on holiday than when they return to school. In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, local author and education specialist Vanessa Wright explains why we should be addressing this and talks about the issues around the much awaited Natural History GCSE. Check ... Read more
With this year’s Big Butterfly Count at an end, it looks like results might be disappointing. In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Malcolm Hill from Herts and Middlesex Butterfly Conservation explains why this is, gives you tips on some butterflies that he thinks might fair better locally over the coming weeks, and tells us how ... Read more
Cllr Raj Visram explains the changes that he hopes the new St Albans District Tree Strategy will bring about including increases in tree canopy cover and a new volunteer run Tree Warden Scheme. If you’d like to be first to find out about Herts CC’s free tree give away next year then go to https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/recycling-waste-and-environment/countryside-management/news-and-campaigns/tree-giveaway.aspx ... Read more
The Salvation Army’s Territorial Environmental Officer, Major Heather Poxon joins Amanda Yorwerth in this week’s Environment Matters podcast to explain some of the surprising projects that the Salvation Army are doing to act more sustainably themselves, to campaign for a more sustainable world and to support those who are already suffering the harmful effects of ... Read more
Matt Clark, Programme Manager for Air Quality at Hertfordshire County Council, explains how pupils in 31 schools in Hertfordshire will benefit from the installation of air purifiers and air quality monitors and how this will help raise awareness of the issues around air pollution and our understanding of air quality in schools. For more on ... Read more
One of the delights of the English summer is to see those supreme aviators, swifts, once again in action above our heads. Sadly with our houses becoming a bit less ramshackle they are increasingly homeless and their numbers have halved since 1995. Last week was Swift Awareness Week, and in this week’s Environment Matters podcast ... Read more
In the second of 3 recordings, hear candidates from the Conservative, Green, Labour and LibDem parties answer questions from a live audience on environmental issues including greenbelt, sewage in rivers, food security and more. In the first part, hear the candidates introduce themselves and their environmental policies generally and face questions about their commitments to ... Read more
In the first of 3 recordings, hear candidates from the Conservative, Green, Labour and LibDem parties answer questions from a live audience on environmental issues including greenbelt, sewage in rivers, food security and more. In this first part, hear the candidates introduce themselves and their environmental policies generally and face questions about their commitments to ... Read more
You might well have enjoyed an evening watching a film at the Odyssey, but perhaps what you didn’t know is the effort they are putting in to reducing the environmental impact of your evening out. In this Environment Matters podcast, front of house manager at the Odyssey, Bethany Nicholson, explains the not always simple journey ... Read more
For this week’s Environment Matters podcast, we rejoin Professor Brian Legg, to continue our tour of the Heartwood Arboretum, home to examples of all the trees native to the British Isles. We hear about a tree the holds up Venice and another that might have burnt down London, taking in the Roman’s ‘Tree of a ... Read more
The Heartwood Arboretum is the brainchild of Professor Brian Legg, and, in this first of two podcasts, he takes us on a tour of the Arboretum with all its trees British Isles natives. From the Plymouth Pear – so rare that the Millennium Seed Bank had to provide the saplings, to the willows that provided ... Read more
The key to tackling the challenge of climate change lies in communities. So says Rupert Read, co founder of The Climate Majority Project. He joins Amanda Yorwerth on this week’s Environment Matters along with Jack Cook of the Postcode Revolution, Joolz Thompson of Community Climate Action and Jessica Townsend of MP Watch. We’ll hear about ... Read more
Of the many hurdles we need to overcome in order to tackle big, environmental problems, perhaps the biggest is our own mindset. Where do we get the bravery to face environmental problems that seem huge and scary? How do we learn about the problems the world is facing without feeling simply overwhelmed? And how do ... Read more
It’s not often that we’re encouraged to go wild, but the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust are once again inviting us to join 30 Days Wild, their 30 Day challenge to us to do a wild thing every day during the month of June. Wilder Communities Officer at the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, Lea ... Read more
In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, eco-renovator, author, TEDx speaker and now social media sensation, Judith Leary-Joyce explains how unloading her dishwasher helped her spread the word about eco-renovation and invites you to join the TEDx St Albans Climate Salon. See Judith in action at TEDx St Albans https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbN7sUauhWM Book your place in the TEDx Climate ... Read more
What’s a cross between Freecycle, a car boot sale and a nice walk with a cup of tea at the end? The inaugural Wheathamstead Recycling Wander. Cllr Anne Howie tells Amanda Yorwerth all about it in this week’s Environment Matters podcast. For more information, or to say that you would like to hold a stall ... Read more
Ensuring that there’s enough water in Hertfordshire for future generations whilst protecting our rare chalk stream rivers is a huge challenge. In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, we hear about an innovative project by Affinity Water that could provide a blue print for reducing water use in new housing developments around the country.
This week we’re travelling further north in Hertfordshire to hear about another of our county’s precious chalk stream rivers, the River Hiz and its tributaries. In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, member of the River Hiz Conservation Group, Clare Gooden, talks about the unique geography of the river, some of its delights and how some ... Read more
The brainchild of Tricia Gibbons, St Albans’ new eco hub, The Green House has just opened. In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Amanda Yorwerth takes a tour with Tricia herself. Find out more about the Green House on their website or visit them above Jefferson Eco at 46, London Road, St Albans, AL1 1NG
In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Professor Dave Goulson of Sussex University explains why he wants all of us to join in the Big Bee Hotel Challenge, and what you’ll need to do to take part. Join the Buzz Club and sign up for The Big Bee Hotel Experiment here https://www.thebuzzclub.uk/thebigbeehotelexperiment See Professor Goulson show you ... Read more
In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust’s Tim Hill talks about 2 incredible birds that the Trust has helped back from the brink. He covers awesome details about the fastest animal in the world, how Watford football club could be following in the steps of St Albans Cathedral and how ... Read more
In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Amanda Yorwerth takes a tour or St Albans’ newest eco shop where access to all is key. Hear how to hire everything you need for a zero waste party, learn about fun craft courses for teens this Easter and even how you can stock up on crisps that are ... Read more
In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Watford Borough Council’s Cllr Ian Stotesbury explains about a 10 year project to revitalise the River Colne and our relationship with it. For more about the project including volunteer opportunities visit https://www.rivercolnewatford.co.uk/
In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Chloe Edwards, the Herts and Middx Wildlife Trust’s Director of Nature Recovery explains why the Trust is concerned about planning proposals for Broadwater Lake SSSI and gives an update on what’s happening now. To learn more about the situation at Broadwater Lake take a look here Plus Helen Nistala ... Read more
In a buzzing podcast, we hear about the mixed fortunes of Sandridge Parish Council ‘s Pollinator Paradise project and how it has inspired Grow Community – Sopwell to start their own Jigsaw Meadows. Follow the flowers and perhaps get some inspiration of your own!
Rondi Allan is the Co-founder of Sustainable X, a UK consultancy helping businesses to benefit from being more sustainable but her working life has taken her around the globe. In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Rondi shares her unique insight into not just issues around sustainability in the business world but how the situation in ... Read more
In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Dr Sam Cusworth explains the concerning findings of his research into soil microplastic pollution and Dr Andy Gregory tells us about the local soil archive on which the research was based.
That’s what Helen Burridge from Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership wants to know in this week’s Environment Matters podcast. You can find Helen’s Efficient Homes Survey here We’ll also hear about a new grant available to help some off grid homes with energy upgrades (for more on this phone the Energy Saving Trust on ... Read more
Taking inspiration from the pupils themselves, How Wood Primary School is making big steps in its sustainability including a trip to the nearby Buildings Research Establishment. In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, we hear from teacher, Ms Kaczmarek and some enthusiastic Year 4 pupils.
If you’re looking to plant many trees or a long hedge – perhaps you’re from a local church looking to plant an orchard, or a school looking to plant a hedge around the playing field, or, indeed, a parish council looking to add some shade to a play area – then you’ll want to hear ... Read more
The St Albans Sustainability Festival committee have already started working hard on a new event for this year – the SustFest Expo. In this Environment Matters podcast, committee member Lee Wood explains what to expect, how the plans are shaping up and how your input would be valued right now.
There is something wonderfully hopeful and generous about planting a tree. It’s for future generations. It’s for wildlife. It’s for the climate that we all depend on. There’s a saying – the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now. So in this week’s Environment Matters podcast, ... Read more
…but you’ll be much warmer inside with the tips that local homeowner Tony Field has following his insulation investigations using a thermal imaging camera. Plus local soroptimist Helen Byrne explains why saving energy is a feminist issue and invites you to their webinar. All in this week’s Environment Matters podcast. To find out how you ... Read more
The UK discards 54 million platefuls of food over the Xmas – a third more than normal. So before doing your big Xmas shop this year, listen up. In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Louise Palmer, Waste and Recycling Officer for St Albans District Council joins Amanda to give some tips and reminders to help ... Read more
Broadwater Lake and Potters Crouch Plantation are 2 local wildlife sites threatened by development. In this Environment Matters podcast, Chloe Edwards of Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and Rupert Evershed of the Herts Bird Club explain the importance of these spots, why they think they should be left for nature and what you can do ... Read more
Christmas is the perfect time to buy books about the environment, about nature, about the climate and what each of us can do , both for presents for friends and family, but also for ourselves to snuggle up with during those long, dark evenings. So in this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Susheel Rao, one of ... Read more
We’ve just had Black Friday which, unsurprisingly turns out to be bad news for the planet and, on the whole, bad news for us too. So on this week’s Environment Matters we have an antidote. With all takings going to charity, all materials reclaimed or gathered locally and the accent on kindness to yourself, each ... Read more
In this Environment Matters podcast, Astrid Biddle of the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust tells the amazing story of how the Scarce Tufted Sedge, found only here in Hertfordshire, is being rescued from the brink. It’s a story of discovery, cooperation and hope and a demonstration of how even the rarest things in nature have ... Read more
Winter is a tough time for wildlife that lives in your garden or outdoor space, but there’s a few simple things that you can do this weekend to give it a hand. In this podcast, Amanda has some ideas you might not have thought of and is joined by Martin Maylin of Hornbeam Wood Hedgehog ... Read more
Choosing a laundry product that cleans your washing and is good for the planet can be a minefield. In this week’s Environment Matters podcast Amanda enlists the help of Sonia, Ruth, Juliet, Jean, Laura and Talya to put a range of products to the test and give you some pointers to make your wash better ... Read more
Listener and cyclist Mike Hartley is concerned that crucial local public rights of way have recently been shut – in particular at Heartwood and at Oaklands College. In this podcast, hear about the problems caused by these closures, why they’ve happened and what’s being done about them.
They’re beautiful, they’re mysterious and they’re essential for life on earth – they’re fungi. In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Chloe Valerie Harmsworth of the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust chats to Amanda about why fungi are important, where to find them and some strange and interesting fungi to look out for on your autumn ... Read more
There’s a lot of hope placed in the practice of regenerative agriculture – but how much of it is well founded? Step in Rothamsted Research scientists who are putting regenerative agriculture techniques to the test. In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Team Leader Professor Jonathan Storkey explains what regenerative agriculture is and talks about the long ... Read more
Children can feel powerless in the face of climate change and loss of the natural world. In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Amanda talks to Dan Bradbury of the World Land Trust about Operation Ocelot, aimed at showing children that they can make a real difference to help both nature and the climate.
The 2023 Great Britain State of Nature report makes depressing reading, but there are some rays of hope. Chloe Edwards of the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust explains how are things shaping up in Hertfordshire, and how we can all take action to turn these grim figures around. If you’d like to take action now ... Read more
Here in Hertfordshire we are still, yes, still, throwing out food to the value of £720/family/year. Crazy! But whilst bad habits can be hard to kick, Helena Jackson of Wasteaware Herts has a proven solution. So find out how you can save cash whilst making a dent in your carbon footprint in this week’s Environment ... Read more
Registration is now open for this year’s Solar Together. But is it for you? In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Cllr Raj Visram explains what Solar Together is and local resident Martin talks about his experience with Solar Together last year.
The OLLiE Foundation is recognising the huge benefits that being outside in nature can bring – not just using growing things and green places as a nurturing environment for positive mental health, but also helping young people champion sustainability to overcome eco anxiety. In this podcase, Debi Roberts, CEO of the Foundation, talks about their ... Read more
Back at the start of the summer, 8 year old Grace Gaskin was the inspiration behind The Saturday Pickers, who’ve spent an hour a week cleaning up the New Greens Area of St Albans. But what started as just litter picking has proved to have more going for it than just tidy streets. In this ... Read more
In this podcast, Wasteaware Coordinator David Birley talks about the Hertfordshire Waste Partnership Final Destinations Report 21-22 which has details of where your recycling goes and what happens to it when it gets there. The report that is discussed can be found at https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/media-library/documents/waste/hwp-final-destinations-report-2021-22.pdf
Sustainability author, blogger and influencer, Jen Gale of Sustainableish, talks about her anxiety about the climate and how she uses conversations to help herself and the planet. To read more of Jen’s down to earth sustainability advice and to buy her books, check out the Sustainableish website. Photo credit: Priscilla Du Preez, Unsplash
Turn your despair about the climate into a conversation – it’s been shown to be one of the most effective things we can do for the planet and has been described as making you the Secret Weapon of Awesome. Find out how in this week’s Environment Matters podcast where Amanda talks to experienced climate conversationalist, ... Read more
The St Albans Arts Team have decided to embark on an exciting year of events and projects promoting sustainability and environmental awareness that they’re calling The GreenArt Effect. Grae Wall chats about it on this week’s Environment Matters podcast. Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay
If you love coffee, then listen to this week’s Environment Matters podcast to hear the amazing Mo from Sustain Coffee in Old Hatfield explain all about how your favourite drink could be more sustainable and more delicious.
We all love a cup of coffee, but know so little about how it’s grown and who grows it. So on this week’s Environment Matters we hear from coffee producer Ian Abigaba of Gorilla Summit Coffee in Uganda, to find out what’s happening at the other end of the journey of the coffee that ends ... Read more
Last Wednesday, the consultation opened on the latest Draft St Albans District Local Plan. It’s a blueprint for the District’s built environment that includes land for future business, infrastructure and housing developments, for the years up to 2041. In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Leader of St Albans District Council Cllr Chris White answers your ... Read more
Sadly, butterfly numbers have declined significantly since the 1970s but happily, there are easy ways that we can all help them. In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Nadia Bishara of the Wilderhood Watch and Malcolm Hull of Herts and Middlesex Butterfly Conservation explain how. Photo credit Joe Gray
In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Sustainable St Albans’ Playing Out Coordinator and local Our Street Party Representative, Nicola Wyeth, explains the many benefits of closing your road for World Car Free Day – some of which you might not expect. You can find the help that Nicola talks about here: https://sustainablestalbans.org/2023/06/22/celebrate-world-car-free-day/ http://ourstreetparty.org/stalbans/
Farhat Zia tells us about how we can help the efforts of her and her husband to reduce plastic pollution in their home town. Plus updates on free trees you can claim for this winter and the latest on the St Albans Local Plan. You can donate to the Bags for Baffa appeal here and ... Read more
James Fisher, who works at BRE, has taken on the challenge of building his own eco house, which he reckons might be the most sustainable in Hertfordshire. Will it be, and what makes it so sustainable? Find out when Amanda Yorwerth talks to James in this week’s Environment Matters podcast.
Activism needn’t be about gluing yourself to the road or waving a banner – there are numerous forms of activism. Tricia Gibbons, Lee Woods, Richard Lafford, Katie Carr and Anthony Helm are all local environmental activists and in this week’s Environment Matters podcast they share what they do and why. The following local organisations are ... Read more
As part of their United for Warm Homes campaign, St Albans and District Friends of the Earth are holding an event for this year’s SustFest with advice for everyone on how to have a warm, energy efficient home this winter. In this week’s Environment Matters, Judith Leary Joyce explains about the event and the United ... Read more
In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, hear the heart warming story of Peter, the Countryside Range. Countryside Ranger isn’t a job many careers advisers suggest, but for Peter Northcott it’s turned out to be a great option. Hear about how Peter took himself from a dark place to caring for our local Commons.
Cllr Eric Buckmaster explains what’s so good about the new recycling centre in Welwyn Garden City. Plus an update from the St Albans peregrines, how to nominate for the Ember Eco Awards and how a robot is helping make Watford homes warmer.
In this podcast, Cllr Nuala Webb of campaign group Save St Albans Fight the Freight updates us on their campaign and explains how she thinks Herts County Council should stop the sale of land that will enable the Park Street Rail Freight Interchange to go ahead. To see the advice that Herts County Council has ... Read more
Gabriel Roberts explains why he thinks we should be more aware of the declining abundance of nature. He tells us about evidence he has of historical abundance nationally and surprising local examples and how that abundance can, in the right circumstances, return.
It’s happening again – the St Albans Sustainability Festival! In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, SustFest Working Group chair, Jill Watson tells us what’s planned and what you need to be doing now. And you’ll find more about the Sopwell Eco Stars Pre Loved Sale on their website.
In a new partnership benefiting local young people and helping keep ancient woodland beautiful, Duke of Edinburgh volunteers from local schools have been helping out the Friends of Batchwood. We hear from students Freddie and Archie, the Friends of Batchwood, and the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust who all helped this great scheme happen. Go ... Read more
Extinction Rebellion are organising a huge 4 day protest in London that they’re calling The Big One. In this Environment Matters podcast we hear from local campaigner, Stephen Marcus, who tells us what it’s about, how it’s different and why you might want to be involved. Plus, nominations for the coveted Ember Eco Awards will ... Read more
Sir David Attenborough wants us all to help Save Our Wild Isles – but can we really do this? In this podcast, Wilderhood Watch coordinator, Nadia Bishara, talks about why she’s hopeful and gives us tips to get started as well as why getting our neighbours involved is so important. Find out more about the ... Read more
In this week’s Environment Matters, local cyclist Mike Hartley explains how he found wildness and adventure right from his doorstep with his first micro adventure, and Stephen Werrell of the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust gives us guidance on walks with dogs that don’t affect local wildlife.
In this podcast, Christy Mitchell of Grow Chiswell Green talks about exciting plans for a new community garden in Greenwood Park Photo credit – David Clode, Unsplash
We hear a heart warming tale as Welwyn and Hatfield allotment holders pull together in the face of adversity, and pupils at Cunningham Hill Infants and Juniors tell us what they’ve been doing to help the planet.
Following the sudden death of local environmental campaigner Phil Fletcher, Nigel Harvey, Jo Pritchard and Matt Fisher pay tribute. Plus we hear an archive recording of Phil talking about a campaign that was special to him. The petition mentioned in the podcast can be found here
It’s great news that over the past few months lots of trees have been planted locally by councils, schools, community groups and individuals. In this week’s Environment Matters podcast Nick Sherriff, Parks Manager at SADC will tell us what they’ve been up to and Anthony Helm talks about St Albans’ latest addition to the Queen’s ... Read more
The St Albans and District Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan is ready for your comments. But what is it? Will it make any difference? And how best to have your say? In this week’s Environment Matters podcast, Cllr Phil Bibby Executive Member for Highways & Transport at Herfordshire County Council and Nick Clarke of ... Read more
It will be a pollinator paradise when the wildflowers planted by St Albans District Council and Sandridge Parish Council come in to bloom. In this week’s Environment Matters, find out what they’re doing and what you can do to join in.
Recent research shows that using garden pesticides has a big effect on bird numbers. Professor David Goulson of the School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex joins Amanda to explain the findings plus the other things we can do to make our gardens a home for wildlife. If you’d like to find out more ... Read more
The issue has been rumbling on for so long, that residents had been lulled into thinking that the planned Park Street Rail Freight Interchange would never happen. But things are happening fast now, with land development company, SEGRO, looking to start work on the planned rail freight interchange in just a few months. Cllr Nuala ... Read more
Lack of electric vehicle charging infrastructure is stopping people from choosing to drive electric and making life hard for them if they do. So are local councils doing what’s necessary to ensure we get the charging infrastructure we need ready for the future? In this podcast, Amanda talks to Cllr Phil Bibby, Executive Member for ... Read more
Electric vehicles have many environmental advantages and sales of EVs were 40% up last year. However, all this progress could be lost if EV drivers are left stranded because of inadequate charging facilities. Nationally, we heard stories of queues of electric cars at charging points over Christmas and some people saying that they’re going back ... Read more
Wouldn’t it be great if there was some affordable way of getting people together to combat isolation, doing something to make us all a bit more positive about the world, and helping nature at the same time? Well, there is. The Herts and Middx Wildlife Trusts invite everyone to get involved in their Next Door ... Read more
Last week we heard about a couple of national veg box schemes. This week we go local. Juliet Foxwell tells us about her own business Box Local and there’s also info about other local schemes and places to buy produce near to you.
If your new year resolutions include things like eating more healthily, being more organised, reducing your environmental impact or even being more adventurous – then subscribing to a veg box could be what you’re looking for. But which to choose? In the first of 2 programmes where we hear about listeners’ veg box experiences, in ... Read more
Peter Block appeals for your help at this year’s Repair Fairs, Cllr Helen Campbell asks for your help with memorial benches and the students of Marlborough School tell us what they’d like us to do as a gift to the world this Christmas For more about St Albans District Fixers https://sustainablestalbans.org/repair-and-reuse/st-albans-district-fixers/ To provide information on ... Read more
Home energy stores, or home batteries, are becoming more popular, and many people who have opted into the Hertfordshire Solar Together scheme are considering whether they’re worth buying. In this week’s Environment Matters podcast we hear what 2 local people think of their home batteries.
Kate Jenkins would never have thought that difficulties at school and redundancy would lead eventually to a prestigious place as one of Cycling UK’s Top 100 Women Cyclists. Hear how she’s brought the many benefits of cycling to so many through the Watford Cycle Hub, why she thinks that getting women on 2 wheels is ... Read more
Doug Hunt, Affinity Water’s water resource programme director, is the man tasked with ensuring that we have the water we need, and our rivers need, for the next 50 years. In this week’s Environment Matters he explains how canals, construction of new infrastructure and consumers are key to the new Draft Water Resources Plan, and ... Read more
In spite of recent rain, water is still a big issue around Hertfordshire, so will be the focus for the next couple of shows. In this week’s podcast Cllr Simon Grover explains why St Albans Green Party are petitioning Affinity Water to do more about leaks, and Chair of the Ver Valley Society, John Pritchard ... Read more
Last week, on 15th November 2022, was the day that the UN nominated as the date that the world became home to 8 billion people. Vanessa Gibson of St Albans Population Matters explains why she thinks this is an environmental issue and makes suggestions for what we should do about this.
Lesley Flowers from Sustainable St Albans runs through some of the ways a thermal imaging camera can help you improve the efficiency of your home, and how you can borrow such a camera from Sustainable St Albans for free.
Matt Neal from NEF talks about what’s on offer from the St Albans Home Energy Support Service and Alison Macfarlane explains why bell ringers were ringing for the climate.
Eco Star Kate Swindells joins Amanda Yorwerth to explain who the Sopwell Eco Stars are, what they’re doing and why they think that tackling big issues like the climate on a community level can have benefits for people and planet.
During their month of protests, local Just Stop Oil activist, Craig Scudder, explains what their campaign is about, why he’s still joining other protestors blocking roads, and how he feels about being so disruptive at such a difficult time.
Environmental groups like the Wildlife Trusts, Woodland Trust and ESPB are angry about the UK Government’s ‘Attack on Nature’. But what is it? And what might be the implications in Hertfordshire. Chloe Edwards of the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust explains. And if, as Chloe suggests, you’d like to take action on this, check out ... Read more
Local log merchants are seeing unprecedented demand as people opt to burn wood as the cost of gas and electricity soars. And what could be more lovely than a roaring log fire? In this week’s show, Dr Brian Moench explains burning wood is bad news for personal health, public health and the environment.
Local author Judith Leary Joyce has written the book she wished she had when she set out to make her home more energy efficient and cheaper to run. She explains what’s in it and why you’ll be wanting a copy.
What’s more powerful for the climate than going vegan, giving up your car or stopping flying? Moving your money affairs to a more sustainable organisation. If you’re wondering what that involves or how you might get started then listen to this week’s podcast to hear about some new women only workshops designed to help. For ... Read more
Meet the Boris Bikes’ little sister – Watford’s Beryl Bikes. In this podcast we hear from elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor and Phil Elis, CEO and co founder of Beryl Bikes about how the first hire bike scheme outside a major city is going and how it could, perhaps, benefit other local towns and ... Read more
With the deepening climate crisis plus a new scheme available to Hertfordshire residents to purchase solar panels more cheaply, and, even with the new government scheme, electricity prices remaining eye wateringly high, it’s no surprise that interest in solar panels is rocketing. In this week’s show we hear from SADC’s Sustainability Officer about the Solar ... Read more
Students will soon be heading off for the new term, with the pound in their pocket more stretched than ever before. In this week’s show we’ll have one student’s tips for saving pounds and the planet at the same time.
Mat Daniels talks about the fantastic Cottonmill Cycle Hub that has brand new facilities to help you get on 2 wheels and to have lots of fun when you do so.
Don’t be fooled by a few showers – we’re in the midst of a drought. John Pritchard of the Ver Valley Society explains the pressure local rivers are under, what he’d like Affinity Water to do, and what you can do to help.
Dr Silvio Carta of the University of Hertfordshire and Marc McGurk of Project (EU) explain how they’re getting together with St Albans District Council to create a tool to help us all understand the environmental impact of new developments
Councillor Dr Allison Wren, Lead Councillor for Waste and Recycling at St Albans District Council, joins Amanda to talk about a trial of electric waste vehicles, green waste and Tetrapak recycling.
They fly faster than any bird in the world, but that’s not enough to keep swifts off the endangered animals red list. The good news is that the Wilderhood Watch are taking Swift Action to help. Nadia Bishara explains what they’re doing and how you can help.
Ember Designs owner, Lee Wood has launched St Alban’s first Eco Awards. Lee talks about why he initiated them, how they work and how we can help for future years.
Dani Jefferson of Jefferson Crafts joins Amanda to discuss the problems caused by single use plastic items and some easy solutions you can take in Plastic Free July. Plus a run down on some other local businesses working hard to help us go plastic free.
Tim Abbott of the Highfield Park trust explains ambitious plans to renovate Cell Barnes Pond so it’s great for wildlife and people.
Nadia Bishara, of the community group Wilderhood Watch, talks about the new Glyphosate Free Streets pilot scheme.
This summer the Herts and Middx Wildlife Trust is venturing into a whole new area. A series of creative events they are calling Herts Wild Art. So what’s inspired them to get out the paint brushes? And how’s this going to help wildlife? In this podcast we’ll find out this and much more from Emma ... Read more
John Pritchard, chair of the Ver Valley Society, wants your help spotting invasive plants along the River Ver. Plus he gives an exciting water vole update.
The St Albans Sustainability Festival might be over, but there are still lots of great events to look forward to. In this week’s show we’ll look at some of them, and, in particular we’ll hear from Kim from HEART Community about their forthcoming event exploring Community Resilience.
More and more wildlife is finding a home at St Albans Cathedral – from the peregrine falcons up on the tower to pollinators and other wildlife in the new Sumpter Yard Garden. In this week’s Environment Matters, the Cathedral’s Canon Chancellor, The Revd Canon Kevin Walton explains what’s being done, including some clever details that ... Read more
We often ignore the ideas that kids come up with. But not Viviana Cruz-Morrison. She turned an idea her son came up with for a school project into a whole, new business that makes packaging free cleaning products easy for everyone.
Salisbury Road residents Ann, Siobhan and Steve have created a community recycling scheme that they hope will catch on around the District. They tell us how it works, why it’s so good and how you can set up your own. To check out the Community Recycling event for the St Albans Sustainability Festival, and the ... Read more
Invisible air pollution affects all of us, and with Clean Air Day coming up we’re being asked to step up to deal with one source of polluted air. And we hear from the Rothamsted Research scientist using her loaf to make our bread healthier. You can find out about the air quality near you at ... Read more
Self styled ‘little old lady’, Ro Jackson, talks about how the St Albans Sustainability Festival gave her the inspiration and the information she needed to take some big steps to make her home fossil fuel free, and what she has learned on her journey. If you’re inspired to look into a step away from fossil ... Read more
It’s not long now to the start of the St Albans Sustainability Festival – one of the biggest and most successful festivals of its kind and happening in and around St Albans. With the Festival online programme now released, SustFest Working Group Chair Jill Watson explains her hopes for this year’s festival, how you can ... Read more
Gail Jackson of Sopwell Grow Community explains how this project, which started from tiny seeds in lockdown, has flourished into a productive community. To book your place on their Gardeners Question Time event go to https://springfoodgarden.eventbrite.co.uk And for the St Albans District Election Environment Hustings (a hustings is like an election question time) go to ... Read more
Dan Fletcher of St Albans RSPB talks about the wildlife dramas that are taking place in Verulamium Park and how Heronwatch will help us see and appreciate them. If you can spare an hour to help man the Heronwatch telescope you can volunteer by contacting Dan via https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/stalbans/contact/
Hear from Heidi Carruthers of the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust about the latest Wilder goings on in St Albans including the launch of the Wildlife Gardening Champions. To book a visit from a Wildlife Gardening Champion head to the Gardening Champions page of the Wilderhood Watch website Check out Easter Holiday events with the ... Read more
With 3,477 people contributing data to it, the Hertfordshire & Middlesex Butterfly Conservation Butterfly Report is an awesome bit of citizen science. The man behind the data, Andrew Wood of Hertfordshire and Middlesex Butterfly Conservation, explains the importance of the report, what the latest report shows us, and how easy it is for you to ... Read more
42 allotment holders at Greenwood Park in Chiswell Green have been told by St Stephen’s Parish council that their 40 year old allotments are to be moved to make way for a new car park. We hear from one of them. If you’d like to sign the petition opposing this, you’ll find it at https://www.change.org/p/david-parry-parish-councillor-do-you-want-to-save-the-greenwood-park-allotments
Earth Hour is back for another year, and Jo Pritchard explains why she loves this mass participation event so much and how you can join in, and Rev Dr Kevin Walton tells us what the cathedral will be doing and why. Plus we hear about the latest campaign to protect a greenbelt area, this time ... Read more
Hear about the many benefits of hiring rather than buying an electric car and 2 contrasting hiring options that might work for you.
CEO of Luton Rising, Graham Olver, answers questions about the sustainability measures within the plans for expansion of Luton Airport and John Hale, chair of St Albans Quieter Skies explains his concerns. Plus details on where to find out more and how to have your say. Links mentioned in the podcast: You’ll find lots more ... Read more
Spring is in the air, and Nadia Bishara of St Albans Wilderhood Watch explains how you can help amphibious creatures in your garden. Plus there’s advice on using storm damage as an opportunity to make your garden more wildlife friendly and plenty to be getting on with outside to help wildlife right now.
Gee Smedley of campaign group CLASH explains why they’ve started legal proceedings against St Albans District Council.
Manish Panchal, new proprietor at Eat Wholefoods explains what is changing, and what definitely isn’t changing, at this longstanding Fleetville business, and how he’s working to make the business even more sustainable
Danielle Durant and Philip de Riche talk about the pleasure of repairing things, the new Facebook group that’s proving very popular and the upcoming Repair Fair that they are organising. Book your place at the All Saints Repair Fair here For useful resources about fixing broken items try here.
Local foodie and author, Becky Alexander, talks about her new book The Green Lunch Box and explains why she thinks lunchtime is the time to help ourselves and the planet to a better 2022. Plus Cllr Eric Buckmaster wants your help with cutting the enormous amount of food we waste in Hertfordshire. Give your ideas ... Read more
Join 1 million others and take part in this year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. Dan Fletcher of St.Albans RSPB explains how easy it is, has invaluable tips on ensuring you see as many birds as possible and helps with how to identify what you see. He also asks that you share what you see in ... Read more
Looking for a new challenge in 2022? How about becoming a Climate Champion? Sarah Kersey of Sustainable St.Albans explains what’s required, as well as updating us on this year’s St.Albans Sustainability Festival
It’s much easier for us to love, appreciate and defend the natural world if we know more about it – and goodness knows, in 2022 especially, it needs all the advocates it can get. So we’re kicking off the New Year with a programme where we discuss the best ways to learn about the nature all around ... Read more
Four local people, all of whom have a special interest in the natural world, tell us about what sparked their interest – the beautiful places and inspiring people that set them on their journey.
Wilder St.Albans project leader Heidi Carruthers tells us how we can get our wilder actions onto the new map, and updates us on Wilder St Albans progress. Plus, more lovely, eco and local eco gift ideas.
Some fabulous gift ideas from St Francis hospice that are great for the planet, raise money for a great cause and would be gorgeous to receive. The gifts discussed, including the pre-loved book subscription can be found here In the picture you can see book expert, Mark, who carefully selects the books for the gift ... Read more
Local author, Joe Gray, discusses eco-fiction and his new book, The Gardens of Greenspring Road. Plus your eco-fiction recommendations and other inspirational eco-reads.
Richard Lafford is part of a group hoping to Change the World Through Music. He talks about where their inspiration comes from and where you can hear them play. And Kate and Gail are part of the hard working team whose ambition to have a proper community hub in the heart of Cottonmill is at ... Read more
Sarah Perry, Living Rivers Officer for Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust discusses the new Chalk Stream Restoration Strategy and her hopes for a brighter future for internationally rare chalk streams like the River Ver
In this week’s show we hear about the local COP26 Day of Climate Action here in St.Albans and also from St.Albans people up in Glasgow, including Stephen Marcus who walked all the way there as part of the Camino To COP
Verulam in the Morning’s Nick Hazell has been counting down to COP with a series of interviews where he’s learnt from knowledgeable local people how to take 16 steps to reduce his carbon footprint. In this podcast we hear what’s made an impression on him and whether he’s felt inspired to make any changes to ... Read more
You’ve seen them on telly, now hear from local Insulate Britain spokesperson, Craig Scudder, about why he thinks insulation should be a no brainer, the criticisms they’ve received and what it’s like to sit down in front of a motorway full of traffic.
Back in August, Rothamsted Research was granted permission by Defra to run a series of field trials of wheat that has been genome edited, and, very soon, that wheat will be planted. This will be the first trial of its kind in the UK or EU. Project Leader Professor Nigel Halford explains what makes this ... Read more
The Remarkable World of Trees is a beautiful and fascinating new exhibition at St.Albans Museum and Art Gallery. It’s the brain child of local tree enthusiast and author of the sell out book, the Remarkable Trees of St.Albans, Kate Bretherton, who, in this week’s show, talks about the inspiration behind the exhibition, the wonderful people ... Read more
We don’t often dwell on the smelly world where everything we pour or stuff down our sinks, drains and toilets ends up, but in this week’s podcast we hear from Richard Leigh of Lanes Group, a company that spends a lot of time dealing with our drain based bad habits. Richard explains their yearly reminder ... Read more
Kevin Barton of Affinity Water explains everything about the new pipeline being laid along the Redbourn Road – why it’s so crucial, why it can’t be laid elsewhere and where further roadworks will be required to complete the project.
Whilst we know that there are good reasons for walking or cycling, with so many cars on the roads around here it can just feel too dangerous. But this could all change with a new agreement aimed at creating better cycling and walking networks in the District We’ll hear from Cllr Chris White, leader and ... Read more
When local adventurer Isaac Kenyon decided on a challenge to try and protect the greenspace he loved, he didn’t expect it to turn into an inspiring film making project. In this week’s show Isaac talks about the amazing Pedal4Parks, and how you can help them in their quest.
Extinction Rebellion protests have hit the headlines again – we hear from local protestor Nigel Harvey about why he’s joining the protests and why he urges you to join in too. Or perhaps a peaceful pilgrimage is more your thing. Stephen Marcus explains about the Camino to COP. Photo credit: Markus Spiske Unsplash
After an absence of 34 years, water voles have returned to the River Ver. In this podcast, Josh Calms of the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust explains how 150 of these impossibly cute animals were recently released locally. Photo copyright Russell Savory
Saving the planet can take many forms – from setting out on an eco pilgrimage to just spending less time in the shower. Hannah Eves explains why young people are joining an eco pilgrimage relay passing through St.Albans and Jane Bellard sheds light on why we need to Save Our Streams, even in a soggy ... Read more
Trees are an asset for every street – for the environment, our health and even increase the value of the houses. Hear how Kingsbury Avenue residents have negotiated the hurdles for more trees on their street and Peter has tips to share. Plus, spurred on by alarming recent severe weather events, Nigel from St.Albans Extinction ... Read more
Could learning how to work with nature be the secret to success in your garden? Rothamsted PhD student, Tessa, shares her findings about beneficial soil bacteria and artificial fertilizer, and Steve Shelley of Earthworks explains how they keep the pests at bay in a holistic way sticking to organic principles. You can read about more ... Read more
The journey to a Wilder St.Albans has started and Heidi Carruthers of Herts and Middx Wildlife Trusts wants your help finding spaces with potential to become better for wildlife You can nominate a space near you to become wilder on the Wilder Spaces page of the Wilder St.Albans website We also hear about a well ... Read more
Having drawn a blank saving the former Butterfly World site, Butterfly World 2.0 are creating butterfly friendly areas further afield. Lindsay McRea explains what they’re up to and how you can help take the ‘take the pulse of the natural world’ with this year’s Big Butterfly Count. Butterfly World 2.0 welcome new volunteers. You can ... Read more
Feeding bellies not bins is the aim of Watford’s amazing Random Cafe – Sustainable Watford . Be inspired by manager, Jane, who talks about the origins, achievements and plans of this awesome organisation. CLASH are opposing development on Green Belt land behind the houses on Harpenden Road by Hunston Properties and DLA Town Planning for 150 ... Read more
St.Albans Sustainability Festival Working Group chair, Jill Watson, shares some of the difficulties and successes of this year’s festival To support the Herts and Middlesex Trust Astonbury Wood appeal go to To support the campaign, visit hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/astonburywood You can download the tree trail from the link on the St.Albans Environment Action Group website – https://stalbansenvironmentaction.org/ ... Read more
The results of the St.Albans District Residents Climate Survey are in and Catherine Ross, trustee of Sustainable St.Albans, explains the findings. She also talks about why we’re being to asked to take 16 steps to cut our carbon in the lead up to the Glasgow Climate talks. You can book to join the Count Down ... Read more
From 1st July St.Albans District residents will have to pay if they want their green waste collected. So, even if you have a garden, how easy is it to manage without a green bin? Experienced composter, Andy, and newby composter Danielle share their tips and experiences and Amanda will have more ideas about how to ... Read more
Young people under the age of 30 make up only 3% of trustees. Young trustee Nina Vinther talks about her experience as a trustee, has tips for other young people wanting to give trusteeship a try and explains why she thinks that having more young trustees could help move environmental issues up the agenda.
Writer and performance poet Keisha Thompson responds to the Your Forest project recently broadcast on Radio Verulam’s Local Life programme. Financed by the Audio Content Fund, Your Forest was created by Wild Rumpus in association with England’s Community Forests.
We’re back to the “Your Forests” project and focusing on a few of the many creative responses to woodlands and forests. In this podcast, it’s Nicola Davies, writer and poet. A joint effort by ‘Wild Rumpus’ and ‘England’s Community Forests’, the project has been funded by Audio Content Fund and broadcast by ten local community ... Read more
Local activist Farhat Zia explains how she hopes that the Herts Asian Women’s Association Sustainability Festival event at which she is speaking will enable communities from around the world to learn from each other about environmental issues that ultimately affect the whole world, and how she’s taking steps to help reduce plastic pollution in her ... Read more
Heidi Carruthers of Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trusts asks us to take a questionnaire to take a closer look and report back on the wildness around us and local business woman Kate Cherry explains how her Sustainability Festival event could help individuals and businesses recycle more. To find out more about St.Albans Sustainability Festival and ... Read more
Steven Shelley explains how and why Earthworks will be joining the slow TV trend for SustFest and Nigel Harvey gives tips on air source heat pumps ahead of St.Albans XR/St.Lukes SustFest events at which he is talking.
Nina Vinther, one of the young organisers of Activism and Optimism explains about the event and why it’s so important that young people are politically engaged on the issues around the climate crisis. You can book your ticket here And Kate Swindells of Grow Community Sopwell share details of their community garden launch. More details and ... Read more
Hear how gardening has been a lockdown lifesaver for volunteers at the Marshalswick Community Garden. And Chris Thorne of Aylett Nurseries gives tips on choosing and using peat free composts. If you’d like to be involved in the Marshalswick Community Garden contact Sandridge Parish Council on 01727 831871 or email clerk@sandridge-pc.gov.uk For tips from the ... Read more
Recently there’s been reports around the District of privately owned land that had become known as a site rich in nature has suddenly been stripped of vegetation and worse. In this podcast Mark Park-Crowne, spokesperson for the Save Napsbury Wildlife Sanctuary Group talks about what’s happened on the site near him, and Matt Dodds, planning ... Read more
In the final part of the “Your Forests Project”, the creators (Wild Rumpus) focus on the future, including the expanding roots of England’s Northern Forest – from Liverpool via Chester, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield to Hull – and discover why Tiny Forests are springing up in towns and cities across the country.
The fourth part of the “Your Forests Project” looks at accessibility to these vital green spaces. This project involved Radio Verulam and nine other Community Radio Stations across England in encouraging all of us to visit our nearest woodland or forest (for most of us, that’s Heartwood Forest, just outside Sandridge), record a minute of ... Read more
The third part of the “Your Forest Project”, created by Wild Rumpus in association with England’s Community Forests and funded by the Audio Content Fund, looks at the important role of forests and woodland in the life and survival of wildlife of all sort and sizes.
St.Albans Sustainability Festival is once of the biggest of its kind in the UK, and it’s back 23rd May to 6th June. Jill Watson, chair of the volunteer SustFest working group tells us how registration has gone, gives us a taster of events to look forward to and explains how it will happen in spite ... Read more
Hear from local 6th former Olivia who talks about her petition aimed at keeping coffee cups out of landfill. Newly appointed Wilder St.Albans Project Officer Heidi Carruthers (heidi.carruthers@hmwt.org) talks about how she’s getting started and how we can help. And Ali Insall invites us to the Hertfordshire Environment Hustings. You’ll also hear about the Wilderhood ... Read more
Michael has launched 2 petitions to try and save trees – he’ll tell us all about them and how we can help. You’ll find the petitions here Require home owners who fell conservation area trees to fund urban tree planting Require developers felling trees to fund reforestation projects Michael also mentioned the Trees of St.Albans ... Read more
The second part of the series “Your Forest” focuses on the benefits to our health – physical and mental – of time spent in the natural environment of woodland, forests and other green spaces. This nationwide project encourages listeners to record one minute of the sounds of nature and send it to wildrumpus.org.uk/yourforest so they ... Read more
Speakers for Schools have created Green Skills Week to fight inequality, the economic downturn and enabling careers that help the planet. Travers Lee talks about the initiative and Patrick Clements of Govia Thameslink Railways explains how they are involved. Find out more about Green Skills Week Plus Stefania Vinci, of St.Albans Litter Picking Volunteers wants ... Read more
This first of a five-part series is an introduction (first broadcast on International Day of the Forests – 21 March 2021) to a project created by Wild Rumpus and England’s Community Forests, involving Radio Verulam and nine other community radio stations across England. The project aims to encourage more people to visit and explore (social ... Read more
Lucy Bridgewater explains how Litter Free Lunches can be as good for you as they are for the environment and Juliet Foxwell of Box Local asks for your help in cutting waste Useful information from this podcast: Veolia and SADC can supply litter pickers, bags and gloves to individuals or local litter pick action groups ... Read more
Brothers Oliver and Benji talk about their lockdown campaign to help factory farmed animals, how Lego helped them and what they plan now they’re back at school. And Linda Shall from St.Albans Soroptimists International explains why she thinks women can lead on reducing carbon footprints. Useful links: For more about the local Compassion in World ... Read more
Gee Smedley from campaign group CLASH talks about the latest threat to the greenbelt to the north of St.Albans, what’s special about this area and why they’re fighting so hard to save it. Useful links: She talks about the planning application given number 5/2021/0423 on the St.Albans District Council planning portal If you’re interested in ... Read more
St.Albans District Council has been awarded a £250,000 Green Homes grant to make up to 50 homes in St Albans District carbon neutral. The money has been from a Government fund to help finance a pilot scheme to improve the District Council’s social rent properties Amanda Yorwerth speaks to Councillor Jacqui Taylor, Portfolio Holder for ... Read more
St.Albans Abbey has launched it’s Lent talks, this year with the title treading lightly on God’s Earth. Dr Kevin Walton, Canon Chancellor at St.Albans Cathedral explains some of the diverse and interesting themes that will be discussed. Book your place on the Treading Lightly on God’s Earth events on the cathedral website Plus, Green Party ... Read more
During this, National Nest Box week, Frieda Rummenhohl from HMWT talks about particular homeless birds that they’re helping and how you can help too, plus, after the success of Wild at Home Winter term she’ll tell us what’s planned for Wild at Home Spring Term Plus, St Albans Greenpeace are asking you to show your ... Read more
There are plans for a large solar farm between Radlett and Elstree. Following a consultation process last year, Enso Energy has applied for planning permission for a 300 acre green belt site. They say that it would provide enough energy for 15,600 homes saving 25,400 tonnes of carbon every year. But what would the impact ... Read more
Tree sparrows are rarer than you’d think, and there last stronghold in Hertfordshire is threatened. Rupert Evershed, chair of Herts Birds Club explains the problem, what’s being done and how you can help. And indomitable local scout leader Ian ‘Yeti’ Burnett shares experiences from his litter picking challenge for 2020 and how he’d like you ... Read more
Plans are afoot for SustFest21. Amanda speaks to SustFest Working Group chair, Jill Watson about how plans are adapting for the COVID era, and what we can do to help. And local naturalist and conservationist Joe Gray tells us how his plans for his first book changed when lockdown struck, but why the book he’s ... Read more
Engaging with wildlife is free for everyone and the benefits for our mental health have never been more welcome. This week we’ll hear about 2 ways you and your family can engage with nature – the RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch and HMWT’s Wild at Home Winter Term
Following their declaration of a climate emergency back in July 2019, Hertfordshire County Council have set out their strategy for a Sustainable Hertfordshire, and now they’re consulting on their plans. You’ll find the consultation here Amanda talks to both Deputy Leader of Hertfordshire County Council. Teresa Heritage, and Julie Greaves, Head of Sustainability at the ... Read more
Kate from Earthworks explains what you can do at home over the Festive season to help this great charity. Plus, Plantopia has taken St.Albans by storm. Nabil explains where it all began, the ethos behind their food and gives tips for festive vegan food and beyond.
Steph Holt, UK Biodiversity Training Manager at the Natural History Museum, explains the effect that loosing night darkness is having on the natural world. plus easy things that we can do about it. Plus, local resident Dr.David Leigh talks about his concerns about loss of dark skies near him.
If you’ve got a dog or cat – listen up – new research shows that flea treatments could be bad news for the aquatic environment And if you’re looking for something to make you smile, you should listen up too, with the news that Water Voles are returning to the River Ver Photo credit: Jonathan ... Read more
Nigel Harvey explains why St.Albans Extinction Rebellion have a problem with Barclays Bank, Nadia Bishara of the Wilderhood Watch has a challenge for you and Iain Begg tells the lovely story of how Wheathamstead people pulled together to clean up their village.
COVID 19 has come as a bit of a shock to us, but in the world of plants, they’re nothing new. Dr.Jon West of Rothamsted Research explains how research on one can inform the other, why Rothamsted is a great place to investigate diseases affecting oranges and how our experience of COVID should alert us ... Read more
Grasshoppers Nursery has been awarded the top eco-award. Lauren Ringrose explains why this is important, what they did, and what the children get out of it. Plus, Affinity Water are continuing their Get Water Fit programme and the competition is now on for the school saving most water. Kevin Barton explains. Finished off with local ... Read more
Sacha Bedford of Hatties Hedgehogs, over in Hatfield, joins Amanda to explain why she needs our help to care for sick and injured hogs. It’s estimated that a third of UK hedgehogs are killed on roads, and slowing down when driving at night could be a good way to try and bring this toll down. ... Read more
They might be much loved, but hedgehog numbers are plummeting. Researcher Lauren Moore explains her research into road deaths. Nadia Bishara of the Wilderhood Watch talks about what they are doing to help hedgehogs, and Jill Priest, London Colney Hedgehog Rescue volunteer, explains what to do if you find a hedgehog now.
How is the Solar Streets project going in St.Albans and is there still time to join in? Andy Turnstall will be talking about this and more. And John Gardner of Save Symondshyde explains the super easy way that you can now give your input into the amended proposal for a new village at Symondshyde.
St.Albans District Council has reported that it will be taking more than 100 actions to tackle the climate emergency and make St Albans District carbon neutral by the end of the decade. The initiatives are part of a sustainability strategy that has been developed over the past year by the Council since they declared a ... Read more
Affinity Water is launching a new challenge to St.Albans Residents to Get Water Fit. Affinity Water director, Jake Rigg, explains – including how to save, save, save by getting help with that leaky loo Plus, why heavy rain isn’t as good for the RIver Ver as you might have thought.
At the start of the year, the campaign group Save Symondshyde thought that the plan for over a thousand houses at Symondshyde had been shelved. John Gardner joins Amanda Yorwerth to explain that the threat is back – and bigger. Plus, Frieda Rummenhohl of Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trusts has a good news story of ... Read more
If you value Clarence Park you’ll want to hear about what’s planned for it, the issues and opportunities. Amanda Yorwerth speaks to St.Albans District Councillor for Clarence Ward, Josie Madoc.
The future of one of St.Albans’ precious green spaces hangs in the balance. Amanda Yorwerth speaks to Craig Tallents Chair of Smallfords Residents Association, who are fighting to save Ellenbrook open space. Photo: John Andrews