The Conservation Trust for Birmingham have already had several different achievements including but not limited to Perrot’s Folly, Brewmaster’s house, Station Road Cottages in Erdington,  and 69 & 70 Great Hampton Street in Hockley.

The Trust is a charity which seeks to “preserve and enhance Birmingham’s threatened architectural heritage” who works with Birmingham City Council.  You can read more about their charity goals from their link online.

According to Birmingham’s City Council site, we have nearly 2,000 listed buildings in Birmingham. These buildings are protected under the Birmingham Plan.  They also have program which through talks, lectures and open days provides education to the public about these historic buildings.

Currently, The Conservation Trust are working on two projects:  The Newman Brothers factory in the Jewellry Quarter and The Brandwood End Cemetery.  These are the only projects listed on the site as current.  When visiting the page, you can see why projects may take a decent amount of time.  Several people must meet to coordinate funding, design elements and obtain planning permission for each site.

Once work has begun,  in the case of The Newman Brothers factory, every move has to be calculated.  Their site states the next steps in restoration including-

• raising £3.9 million for the project
• detailed design work
• Hope to start on the site by the end of this year
• 12 months on site
• open in 2011 to visitors

The same guidelines apply to the Brandwood End Cemetery project.  Their next steps in this project will be:

• Full conservation survey of buildings to assess corrections
• assess cost and building use options
• £ limit isn’t stated, but money will be fund raised to support the project

On the website you can listen to a podcast from the Friends of Brandwood End Cemetery who are a charity working alongside the council and the Trust for this project.  The podcast discusses the progress of improving the Brandwood End Cemetery site and how the community feels about this location.  They additionally discuss the value of this Victorian built area.  It also argues that this site should be worked on with the community and have “as many people as we can get involved”.  They want to spark historical interest in this area.

The projects are ongoing and will be updated through The Conservation Trust for Birmingham and The Birmingham City Council sites.  To find out how to get involved visit their webpage.

In a blog by Heather, she mentions information about the Kindle, (available in the States since Nov. 2007) why she owns it, and why you should too.

• “Most people don’t think about the trees used to make their books, but once I found out that one tree only makes 116 average sized books, I was horror struck. I also read that a book that sells one million copies will need around 12,000 trees. And, that’s just one title.”
• All books delivered wirelessly to your Kindle
• Its a space saver because of the amount of material you can store on it at any given time
• can move books, etc. from your laptop to your Kindle at any time
• free internet access to Wikipedia
• state of the art screen which is glare free (as compared to laptops) which simulates a paper page

Additionally-

• can get access to national and international papers through it
• over 250 top blogs about techonoly, business, entertainment, politics etc. can be accessed on Kindle
• download sold-out books while Kindle-less customers must wait for tangible copies to surface
• free book samples
• books are auto delivered wirelessly in less than a minute

Cons

• High, high price $359…£238
• some members on Greener people mentioned that you’d lose the ability (if this took on well/newspapers were finished) to have a paper from the day your child was born-not the same on Kindle!
• loss of the ability to have a ‘copy’ of your favorite book
• It is only available in the US (but plans are supposedly in motion for it to be distributed to the UK and other countries…)

Although it isn’t available outside the US yet, for many, this will be a must have.  It certainly could make a difference in the amount of trees used for paper publications if it takes off.  I’ll be posting questions to my social networks about Kindle in the UK and updating with any comments…

**Telegraph article on UK Kindle launch delays…

“The delay is partly because the Kindle uses a free wireless service called whispernet, which enables users to download books, and signing up networks around Europe is a complex operation.”

To find this information out, they offer a public pond survey online to retrieve data for regional and national wildlife databases. They do offer some information on their site about some of what they already know exists in the area such as-

Amphibians

• Common Frog – Spawn in jelly-like mass, smooth skin, 6-10cm, very variable in colour
• Common Toad – Spawn in strings, dry, warty skin, 8-15cm
• Smooth Newt – Male has no break in crest. Up to 9 cm long
• Great Crested Newt – Male has break in crest between body and tail. Up to 15cm long

Damselflies and Dragonflies

• Large Red Damselfly – Has a thin red body and flies late April to August
• Brown Hawker – Large and brown body, amber tinted wings in flight
• Common Darter – Medium sized, orange-red tips on wings
• Broad Bodied Chaser – Bluish abdomen in males, yellow-brown in females
• Nymphs – There are two types. Damselfly (pictured) has three tails. Dragonfly has no tail

Small Pond Animals

• Pond Snail - Up to 50mm. Opening on right side
• Ramshorn – Many species 2- 37 mm across
• Bladder Snail – Up to 10mm. Opening on left side
• Pond Skater – Over 10mm. Skates rapidly, feeding on pond surface
• Mayfly Larva – 3 long tails and gills on side
• Water Slater – Like a woodlouse, eats dead leaves
• Water Shrimp – Between 6-18mm, eats dead leaves

I’ve asked my social forum members on greenerpeople if they’d fill out forms like this and if they’d ever done so in the past.  I’d like to find out how successful the public thinks these surveys are and if they think there isroom for improvement on obtaining additional data in this area.  Further updates when more feedback comes in…

Ecovillage - Sustainable, low-impact community with some shared ownership/management of land.

Percy, a Greenerpeople junior member, says:

“I have a friend who has just moved into an eco-village in Cornwall, very funky designed houses but they also include state of art eco products for greener living. Lots of information on their website about what products they have use have a look at uk green building design. My friend will soon be getting paid for the surplus electricity she will make from the local electricity company as long as the sun comes out!”

Some goals of eco villages are: (click on Microsoft Word Eco-towns prospectus)

(i) places with a separate and distinct identity but good links to surrounding towns and cities in terms of jobs, transport and services;

(ii) the development as a whole to achieve zero carbon and to be an exemplar in at least one area of environment technology;

(iii) a good range of facilities within the town including a secondary school, shopping, business space and leisure;

(iv) between 30 and 50 per cent affordable housing with a good mix of tenures and size of homes in mixed communities; and

(v) a delivery organisation to manage the town and its development and provide support for people, businesses and community services.

The eco town prospectus is free for those interested in living in/learning more about these communities from the communities and local government site.  It gives strategies, action plans, reports and summaries.

Well known house builder Barratt was the first to sign on for building eco-villages in the UK.  They were commissioned to build on the old Hanham Hall hospital site near Bristol.  It finished before 2016 which was before the government’s time line for making all new homes zero carbon standard.

Mark Clare, who is Barratt Developments’ chief executive, says,

“We are delighted to be asked to deliver this ground-breaking project, which will be the first large-scale zero-carbon community in the country. It will enable a family occupying one of these homes to reduce their entire carbon footprint by 60%.”

Additional information on alternative energy appliances supplied to one of the villages by Gledhill Water Storage and other eco-village specifics can be found here.

Unlike some trends in design or architecture this one should be sticking around.  There is much buzz around these communities and more to be created in the future…

Attempting to plant 12 million trees between the years of 2004-2009, The Woodland Trust created a big challenge, but already has been successful. They want to include one million children in the effort- from schools, community groups, public events or in their gardens.

Andy Beer, head of campaign development for the Trust says:

“Research shows that contact with woods and nature makes us feel better about ourselves. Because of modern lifestyles, many children are growing up with little connection with their natural environment.

Tree For All is inspiring young people to become future guardians of the natural environment and to encourage people to become more in touch with nature, increasing their understanding and enjoyment of woodland.

The simple act of planting a tree has the power to both restore our landscapes and inspire our children with a fresh love of nature and a determination to act on its behalf. We’d like to say a special thank you to everyone who has participated or supported the project so far.”

Other objectives outside of numbers include:

• Getting children out into the woods.  A survey done by the Woodland Trust said that “19% of families with children had not visited a wood in the last year”

• Aims to keep/maintain irreplaceable wildlife habitats and woods

• Help children and families appreciate and feel pride in these areas by getting involved

Several things are going on within The Woodland Trust’s “Tree for All” site, including opportunities to get involved with other kid/family/community oriented events. They offer free trees for schools to plant on school grounds (outside of event plantings), community grants for planting trees, and ancient tree hunts.

The next ancient tree hunt where participants “find and map all the old, fat trees across the UK” is happening April 30 at Shugborough Hall.  This topic is also mentioned on the UK Phenology website in their newsletter.

If you are aware of any other eco events or further kid/community/family activities going on please post a comment and I’ll add it to this or another article.

UPDATE**I’ve had a response to an email I sent to Chris Hickman, the assitant PR officer for The Woodland Trust.  He said that while the planting season/events for Tree for All are usually during Spring and Autumn, they do have a series of walks coming up at the end of May.  These will be in conjunction with National Family Week.  People can begin applying for hedge and copse packs for Autumn planting times.

He also attached a press release for their work on the Heartwood Forest site, where they are trying to plant more trees,  create wildflower meadows, and “lay miles of footpaths and bridleways.”  Other than that, there isn’t any further news he reported to me on Woodland Trust events, but keep checking their website!

“The Magical Woodland” (to be titled “The Magical Wood”) within already existing 858 acre Heartland Forest in Hertfordshire (near St Albans).   It will be funded by the sale of specially designed and reusable Earth Day shopping bags.  Of course, as in typical Disney fashion, the bags will picture Winnie the Pooh and Piglet too.

Each bag sold will put £1 into the Woodland Trust.  Disney is also beginning to charge for their plastic bags which will provide additional money to the Woodland Trust.

According to joint mangaging director of Disney Store Europe, Teresa Tideman:

“Disney store is delighted to work with the Woodland Trust to connect children and families with our precious woodland to ensure their natural playground is preserved forever.”

The director of development for the Woodland Trust, Karl Mitchell, also says:

“We are delighted to unveil Disney store as the first company to help us create our groundbreaking Heartwood Forest.  By working with one of the world’s favorite brands we aim to inspire thousands of children to look after the environment, as well as creating a fantastic woodland which will excite generations of children to come.”

He additionally gives a pointer for those who weren’t in the know.

“The Woodland Trust’s woods are free for everyone to visit and we hope this partnership will encourage families to discover the many fun activities they have to offer”

So buying one of these bags is supporting something good that will be around for generations to come and enjoy.

• Conservation
• Environmental campaigning
• Renewable energy
• Energy efficiency
• Recycling
• Ecology
• Environmental education
• Food, farming and organics
• Sustainability
• Sustainable transport
• Climate Change

Several different jobs are offered including ones that are fixed term contracts as well as temporary.  You can also sign up for email notifications for jobs, courses and events.  They also offer websites links for several other environmental based websites and additional websites which offer eco jobs!

Sometimes it can also be beneficial if you are looking for an environmental career to begin by volunteering.  It gets your foot in the door and shows the commitment you have to this area.  The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) also has several opportunities for volunteering and general information on Consevation in the UK.  Under their volunteer section you’ll find six different categories-

• BTCV Offices-Where the closest one is to you and what opportunities they have
• BTCV Green Gym-A scheme to improve your health and the environment at the same time through guided practical projects outdoors!
• Under 25- A section dedicated to getting more youths involved in green volunteering
• Holidays-200 different holidays which are all environmentally inspired and get their participants involved, busy, having fun, and improving the landscape!
• Get More Involved- Evolve into a leader in the volunteering area.  Allows you to help-organize, lead, develop, support and promote projects!
• Employee Volunteering- Involves working with businesses and their employees to increase social, economic and environmental benefits.

Visit their page to learn how to become a volunteer!

There are several ways to get involved in a green volunteering event or career!  Hopefully this has helped demonstrate some beginning points to be a green worker in whatever way you chose!

“Every Camp for Climate Action event weaves four key themes: education, direct action, sustainable living, and building a movement to effectively tackle climate change both resisting climate crimes and developing sustainable solutions.”

The Coal Caravan event involves taking a stand against open cast mines, powering stations and further expansion of the coal industry.  This year they really want to focus on raising awareness for what problems will be created for the UK/local residents by these mines.  Those involved will be traveling through East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North East by bicycle or foot.  To get involved you can email (to book a place) or just ask further information.

Some questions participants will discuss along the way are:

• How can communities affected by coal and its impacts talk together and learn from each other?

• How can a just transition to a low carbon economy be achieved?

• What lessons can we take from past struggles, and can we find agreement over the future of coal?

Last year’s Climate Camp 2008 was heavily linked with the Climate Caravan.  They showed bicycle powered films, had discussions, and talked with residents in towns and cities on their journey.  Not to mention, the participants had fun also!  You can also find out about how the schedule will be set up for the dates during the caravan from their site.  Don’t forget if you’d like to get involved that it is openly organized-they want anyone and everyone to help!  Help fight with bikes!

**They do ask for around £5 a day (or what you can afford) towards food/accommodation costs.  And you really should have a bicycle (preferably one that you can carry things on i.e. one with a basket(s)!)

” The company says the research is part of an ongoing programme to reduce the impact of its products and operations on the environment.”

Together they studied-

• greenhouse gas emissions throughout life cycle of drinks
• investigated ingredients used to make the drink
• manufacturing and packaging of the drink
• impact of distribution and retailing
• impact of getting rid of empty can or bottle

What they found-

1. “330ml can of Coca-Cola sold in Great Britain has a carbon footprint of 170 grams”
2. “‘diet Coke’ or ‘Coke Zero’ has a footprint of 150 grams”
3. “330ml glass bottle of ‘Coca-Cola’ has a footprint of 360 grams”

“Packaging accounts for the largest portion of the drink’s carbon footprint, between 30 – 70%, depending on the type of container used. However, the research found that using recycled materials and later recycling containers can decrease the overall carbon footprint of a product by up to 60%.”

What does it mean for Great Britain?  The Coca-Cola aluminum cans here are about 50% recycled materials.   The glass bottles are about 40% recycled glass.

“Partnership with WRAP, the Coca-Cola System is currently rolling out a nationwide series of branded Recycle Zones to encourage consumers to recycle when out and about. Six Recycle Zones have already been successfully launched including at Thorpe Park, Festival Place in Basingstoke and the University of Warwick.”

The company plans to improve/reduce how they impact the environment with their products in Great Britain.

“Work to improve the efficiency of refrigeration equipment and to improve the efficiency of transport and delivery operations.”

Martin Hickman also commented on the carbon footprint of Coca-Cola in Independent Minds/ Live journal.   There is always more that could be done and this probably isn’t the last we’ll hear from Coke about their efforts.

What’s happening in the convention and who will be there?  Its filled with the largest UK group of supplier/buyers which attempt to resolve resource/sustainable issues facing UK companies.  The convention is comprised of five industry events:

• BEX (Brownfield Expo)
• ET (Environmental Technology)
• IWEX (International Water and Effluent Exhibition)
• NEMEX (National Energy Management Exhibition)
• SB (Sustainable Business-The Event)

All of these are are color coded on the site to explain which industry goes with which exhibitor.  They’ve made the site very accessible and detailed enough to know what the happs are at the NEC!   For the seminar programme (what the days will bring and show you why you should be here instead of watching tv/doing something else!) visit here. The event is free, but there is a registration form online to fill out-not too time consuming and worth it for getting to attend the event!  Sorry under 16’s, they will stop you at the door!

Here’s some of the web reasons to attend-

“Sustainabilitylive! 2009 is an essntial day out for anyone in business today.  It confronts some of the leading issues facing 21st Century businesses, issues such as the energy crisis, environmental processes and water supply”

Have you asked yourself any of the following questions?

1. How can our Business become more sustainable
2. I need to know how to introduce environmentally friendly processes into the office?
3. How can I reduce more energy costs?
4. How can I reduce our water consumption?
5. How can our organization do our part in the fight against climate change?
6. I need to source alternative energy supply?
7. Our organization needs to be socially aware but HOW?

They’ll also hold their environment and energy awards on May 19th at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham hosted by Paul Ross.  These awards recognize companies/professionals that are dedicated to environmental issues.

Even the convention itself is sustainable. They’ve gone as far as to make sure all paper goods used in the convention are sourced from well managed forests (approved by the Forest Stewardship Council).  Talk about crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s! Bam!

If it sounds interesting, which I hope it does, don’t think about it, get there on the 19th!  You’ll learn some new stuff and get a day out (well you’ll really be inside…but out of the house anyway!)