Ashford taking part in Great Big Green Week
Published: 16/02/2023
This year Ashford Borough Council is taking part in the Great Big Green Week 24 September – 2 October 2022.
The Great Big Green Week is a national celebration of community activities to tackle climate change and protect nature.
Residents, businesses and community groups are encouraged to join together for the Great Big Green Week by taking part in activities to support and learn how they can contribute through everyday actions and choices against climate change.
The main event will be held on Saturday 24 September 9:30am - 5pm in Ashford town centre, with market and information stalls covering topics such as energy/homes, sustainable transport, nature and biodiversity, waste and reuse and food.
Businesses and groups that have signed up to the event include, Energy Debt and Grant Advice, Infinity Energy Organisation, Caffyns and Jaguar Car Dealerships, Repair Cafe, Activ Cycles, Aspire Landscape and Management, Bare Bazaar and FFC Environmental.
Families will also be able to take part in free activities run by Made In Ashford including make their own upcycled flag, draft excluder and take part in a community colouring board. There will also be story telling sessions run by Jenny Bailey, a local author who's nature inspired stories tell of the fight animals have with climate change.
Other competitions and promotions will be running on the day, with an opportunity to win an EV car for the weekend and a chance to sign up to a free home energy saving survey with Infinity Energy Organisation.
Further events throughout the week include a river clean up, organised by Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership on Monday 26 September, where residents will have a chance to make a real difference to the river and its wildlife.
Ending the week’s activities is the Big Green Week lunch on Saturday 1st October at Repton Connect Community Centre. This event will focus on food, highlighting sustainable choices, grow your own and healthy living, showcasing local producers, and projects such as community fridge and Kent food hubs.
Cllr Matthew Forest, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Property and Recreation for Ashford Borough Council said “Great Big Green Week is a fantastic opportunity to bring together the many local sustainable groups, shops, charities, and activities in the borough.
“Ashford Borough Council is committed to reducing its own carbon emissions whilst helping build a wider community that understands the small (but mighty) steps it can take to be greener.
“The events taking place will allow community groups and businesses to showcase their contributions, whilst visitors can find information on everything from sustainable transport options, reducing their energy use, to better recycling.”
Saturday 24 September event poster
