8-Jun-2006
- The Environment Agency and Newcastle City Council,
alongside SCAN (Student Community Action Newcastle)
to do their bit for World Environment Day by holding
a river clean-up at Byker on June 12.
Along the banks of the Ouseburn,
volunteers will be clearing larger pieces of waste
from the water and banks, to improve the water
quality and local habitat of the river. As an
urban river, the Ouseburn has often been regarded
an eyesore and suffered from flytipped rubbish.
The volunteer day is one of
many events taking part in the region as part
of World Environment Day.
World Environment Day was established
by the United Nations in 1972 and is promoted
throughout England and Wales each year by the
Environment Agency, the public body responsible
for protecting and enhancing the environment.
This year we want the public
to make small lifestyle changes to make a big
difference to the environment, whether they turn
off the tap while brushing their teeth, use a
reusable bag when shopping, or do a little bit
more by volunteering for an environmental project
in their local area.
The Environment Agency hopes
that the promises – all related to making long-term
lifestyle changes – will help increase environmental
awareness and responsibility both in Newcastle
and across the region.
Helen Cheeseman, external relations
officer at the Environment Agency said: “Events
like this are a great opportunity to work with
the local community for a good cause while improving
the water quality and habitat of the Ouseburn.”
Philip Hartley at Newcastle
City Council said: “With the assistance of volunteers,
we aim to make a tangible difference to the appearance
of the Ouseburn which would not otherwise happen.
The community can play a practical part in assisting
in the regeneration of the area.”
If people are interested in
volunteering for an environmental project in their
local area they can contact Community Service
Volunteers and possibly receive a grant for their
works.
For more information about World
Environment Day, other volunteer projects and
how to make simple environmental promises visit
our website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/wed
