Nature
Biodiversity and Climate Action in Horsforth
Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life on Earth, from genes to entire ecosystems like forests and coral reefs. The intricate web of biodiversity, shaped over 4.5 billion years of evolution, now faces unprecedented threats due to human activities. Our survival is deeply intertwined with the health of our planet’s biodiversity, which provides essential resources such as food, water, medicine, and a stable climate.
Locally in Horsforth and on a broader scale, biodiversity’s role is crucial in maintaining ecological balance and supporting community well-being. However, urgent action is needed as ecosystems worldwide, from the Amazon rainforest to local wetlands, suffer from the adverse effects of climate change and habitat loss.
Aims of the Horsforth Climate Action Nature Group
Our objectives in Horsforth Climate Action are clear:
- Survey and Enhance Local Biodiversity: We aim to thoroughly map and enhance biodiversity within Horsforth, identifying key areas for conservation and improvement.
- Boost Public Engagement: By increasing community involvement, we foster a deeper connection between residents and their local environment.
- Foster Collaboration: Through initiatives like Wildlife Friendly Horsforth, we aim to unite local groups under a common goal of nurturing nature.
Our Achievements and Ongoing Efforts
Where is nature being helped in Horsforth? Our new nature map is live!
We are mapping those public green space sites where action is being taken to help nature. These initiatives vary from planting trees, relaxed mowing, establishing more diverse flower communities for pollinators and creating ponds. Using the map The map can be opened...
Insect Walk
12 local people enjoyed an interesting and informative Insect Walk on 21st July, organised by the Nature group of Horsforth Climate Action as part of the Horsforth Bioblitz and led by professional ecologist Cathy Burton. We explored a variety of habitats in the Cragg...
Moth Viewing Event
In the rearranged Moth Viewing Event which took place this weekend (Saturday 20th July), Cluny MacPherson from The Meanwood Road (BioBlitz) Project demonstrated the wide range of moths captured in a moth trap, set up the previous evening. His knowledge and expertise...
Open Gardens Event
Members of the HCA Nature Group recently opened up their gardens to visitors as part of a nature friendly gardens event. Three gardens in Horsforth were open for people to view from 2-4pm on Sunday 23rd June. Giving people a chance to find out more about wildlife...
The Sea Starts Here
On Saturday 3rd February Horsforth Climate Action started their HCA Saturday activities early. A small team, working with Plastic free NW Leeds went out armed with temporary chalk paint to spray a message around the drains of Horsforth. An important message that any...
Discover Horsforth’s Wildlife with the Horsforth Bioblitz!
Curious about the wildlife in your own garden, Hunger Hills Woods, or the local park? Join us for the Horsforth Bioblitz, a fun year-long event starting April 2024, where we'll explore and map the incredible nature all around us. What’s a Bioblitz? It's a community...
Transform Your Garden into a Wildlife Haven with Native Plants, Bird Feeders, Water Features and More
Are you ready to turn your garden or yard into a thriving sanctuary for local wildlife? At Horsforth Climate Action, we're all about embracing nature-friendly practices that not only beautify your space but also support our local ecosystem. Here’s a simple guide on...
Celebrating Green Spaces: Horsforth Climate Action at the Horsforth Walk of Art 2023
This past year marked a significant milestone for Horsforth Climate Action as we participated for the first time in the Horsforth Walk of Art, transforming our allocated venue into a celebration of 'Our Green Horsforth.' Our doors opened wide to nearly 700 visitors,...
Celebrating and Preserving Horsforth’s Woodlands: How You Can Help
Celebrating and Preserving Horsforth’s Woodlands: How You Can Help Within the urban landscape of Horsforth are gems of natural beauty—our local woodlands. Areas like Hunger Hills Woods, Hawksworth Woods, Cragg Hill, and Woodside area, along with nearby Cookridge’s...
How You Can Help
Activities to Try at Home:
- Participate in local Bioblitz events or initiate your own biodiversity project.[blog]
- Cultivate native plants, create habitats with bird feeders, or install water features like ponds. [blog]
- Compost your food waste or connect with others through platforms like Sharewaste.[blog]
Join Us!
Our Nature Group is actively seeking new members to join ongoing and upcoming projects. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a community member eager to make a difference, your skills and enthusiasm can significantly impact our local environment.
Your participation is imprtant in expanding our efforts to protect and enhance our local ecosystems. Contact us at volunteering@horsforthclimateaction.org to join our group.
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Upcoming Activities
Stay tuned for updates on our ongoing projects and how you can be a part of these efforts by checking our Events Page.
Let’s work together for a greener, more sustainable Horsforth. Every action counts, and your involvement is key to our success. Join us in safeguarding our planet for future generations.
