Success in the sunshine at Saffron Walden's Eco Market

The Eco Market held on Saffron Walden Common (10 June) was a great success in the sunshine.

The event - which kicked off the Great Big Green Week: the UK's biggest ever celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature - has grown each year, attracting a range of traders. This year it was accompanied by a selection of food and drink stalls, and a car boot sale for the first time.

Uttlesford District Council's Climate Change team talked about the Saffron Walden Clean Air Project and received lots of great feedback and suggestions.

The council's Grounds Maintenance team unveiled their new fully electric vehicle which they will use when carrying out tasks such as grass and hedge cutting at the council's sheltered housing sites and communal areas.

And the Environmental Services team was also on hand to give out food waste caddies, and advice on effective waste and recycling. One lucky Uttlesford resident won a wormery composter - an efficient method of turning kitchen waste and small amounts of garden waste into nutrient-rich compost and a concentrated liquid fertiliser. Olivia, 10, from Saffron Walden pledged to "recycle more and use re-usable bottles for drinks". Olivia will be receiving her composter very soon.

A number of visitors to the event, including Cllr Petrina Lees, Leader of The Council and Cllr Neil Reeve, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, tried out some e-cargo bikes which have a larger capacity for carrying shopping, children, and pets with zero emissions and no associated costs like road tax or parking.

Meanwhile, the Energy Savings Trust at the community energy stall received a great deal of interest and gave advice about electric vehicles as well as how to save money and energy in the home. Advice was also given by Community Energy South on how to set up community energy groups and projects, and access funding.

The next event where you can meet the Climate Change Team will be on Sunday 16 July where you can sign up for free guided bike rides with professionals to increase your confidence on two wheels. Children are welcome but they must be able to ride for two hours at a medium pace.

There are two slots: 10am to 12pm, and 1pm to 3pm.

Book you place now, via: https://letstalk.uttlesford.gov.uk/eventsEvents