Climate and nature groups across Milton Keynes come together to connect and reflect at annual meeting
Climate and nature groups across Milton Keynes came together at Milton Keynes Climate Action Network (MKCAN)’s Connect and AGM event.
The event, which was held at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone on October 18, combined stalls showcasing local initiatives with speakers, and the network’s annual general meeting.
Among the groups showcasing their efforts to make the area a greener place to live were Climate Café, Climate Club, MK Community Energy, Transition Town MK, Still Green Cohousing, a Women's Institute Climate Ambassador, Milton Keynes Swifts and Martins, RSPB North Bucks Group, Pesticide Free MK, MK Green Business Network, Cycling Citizens MK and the Open University’s Beyond Project.
Speakers at the event included chief executive of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust Estelle Bailey MBE, chief executive of the Educational Wealth Fund and co-founder of the Sir Herbert Leon Kitchen Garden Project Jason West, and sustainability lead at Milton Keynes City Council Alexander Bogdanov.
Speaking about the event MKCAN chair Jane Whild said: “It was wonderful to see such a strong turnout and so many people and organisations committed to making Milton Keynes greener and more sustainable.
“Bringing people together is at the heart of what MKCAN does. By sharing knowledge, celebrating local action and building partnerships, we can achieve far more collectively than we can individually.”
The meeting looked back at MKCAN’s achievements over the past year, which included engaging with the city council on its sustainability strategy, the environmental hustings with political parties prior to the local elections in May, and its screening of the National Emergency Briefing film at Milton Keynes Gallery in June, which was attended by more than 120 people.
MKCAN’s priorities for the next year were also discussed, including strengthening the network’s influence on council policy and future development, particularly through the new Milton Keynes City Climate Partnership, which brings together public, private and voluntary sectors together to share expertise, develop new projects and build on existing work to improve sustainability across the city.
MKCAN is also planning to host an eco-film season, and to raise awareness about sustainable living.
Jane added: “The challenges facing our city are significant, particularly with Milton Keynes’ ambitious plans for future growth.
“We need growth that creates a healthier, greener and fairer place to live.
“We need more people and organisations involved in shaping that future, and we would love to hear from anyone who wants to help.”