Ledbury residents are being encouraged to join a county-wide movement to tackle climate change and protect wildlife.

The Greener Footprints Herefordshire campaign is challenging individuals, communities and employers to take a pledge to take positive climate action in their daily lives.

It was launched today by the Climate and Nature Partnership, an initiative made up of Herefordshire people and supported by the county council.

The campaign will play a central role in Herefordshire’s plans to become carbon net zero by 2030 and ensure its natural wildlife flourishes.

You can pledge your support for Greener Footprints Herefordshire at www.greenerfootprints.co.uk

The website also has information on how to get involved and support the campaign.

Ledbury Reporter:

A programme of activities and initiatives will be rolled out over the next year to raise awareness of climate change in the county and to support groups and individuals to take action.

Anna Darwood, a pupil at Hereford Cathedral School, said: “I’m signing up and will be encouraging young people across the county to do so too. Climate action’s time has come."

Ellie Chowns, who chairs Herefordshire’s Climate and Nature Partnership Board, said: “What better way to start the new year than by making a resolution to do something hugely positive for our county and future generations?

“There’s a real momentum gathering to make sure we all play our part in addressing the threat of climate change in our communities, landscapes and lives.

“The first step is to make that pledge to cut your climate footprint and be part of the movement to make Herefordshire a zero-carbon, nature-rich county. Together let’s make 2022 the year when climate and nature action really come of age in Herefordshire.”

Ledbury Reporter:

Ben Boswell, head of environment, climate emergency and waste at Herefordshire Council, said: “The council is committed to achieving net zero by 2030 and is making good progress to reduce its carbon footprint. We look forward to working in partnership with the new board and seeing the county take up the challenge.”

Richard Wells, manager of acute and emergency services at Hereford County Hospital, added: “We are on a major drive at the hospital to get to net zero and we have already reduced our carbon footprint by 10%.”

Andrew Nixon, senior conservation manager at Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, said: “It’s great that such a movement is being established and that nature is very much on the agenda.

“We will be giving the campaign our wholehearted support and through it getting local people to connect with and appreciate nature, which is a key feature of our county as one of the most rural areas in the UK.”