Action Groups Update - August 2025
Growing Communities Action Group
Three new volunteers have said they will garden with the Action Group; largely because we send out weekly Mailchimp messages informing those Greener Berwick members who expressed an interest in helping, where we will be working each week. One new member is regularly turning up to participate.
Currently the Group is rotating its Friday morning sessions between each of the three main beds we are caring for.
We are still working on signage for the beds, so passers-by know what plants, or herbs are growing in the beds, and what they can be used for. We are also continuing to progress getting water butts on the beds, which would make watering them much easier.
Transport and Active Travel Action Group
Another bus shelter survey has been done, and it is apparent there are still issues with getting up to date timetables at the stops, and some shelters require cleaning and other maintenance. The Group liaises with the Town Council and NCC Bus Ambassador and Bus Engagement Officers.
The Town Council has agreed that Real Time Running Information at Golden Square and Railway Station bus stops is a priority for them, ahead of Green Roofs for the shelters.
Tim is pursuing electric charging points for bikes at the Quayside.
The cargo bike needs wider advertising to ensure greater use beyond Green Shop and Community Development Trust. Colin and Steven agreed to work on wording for advert for the Town Council window and elsewhere.
Tweed Estuary Pollution Action Group
Algae monitoring continues, monthly during the summer.
Tansy reported that she, Nigel, Monica and Dawn are receiving training with the Environment Agency on nitrate monitoring. This is more complicated than algae monitoring, as it involves taking water samples and takes more time.
On 9th Oct there will a citizen science event organised by the Environment Agency Citizen Science lead officer. It will be held at Lowick village hall starting 10.30 and will include demonstrations of water quality assessment techniques. Rothbury Coquet river monitoring group (CRAG) will be involved too.
Zero Waste Hub Action Group
Repair Cafe:
Numbers were lower again in July – tool sharpening repairer again not able to help because of other commitments. We are actively trying to recruit other repairer(s) who can sharpen, as people turn up every month with items requiring sharpening.
We now have flyers for an online service called We are Repairs (wearerepairs.com) which enables people to search for local repairs to support small businesses – these will be available at Repair Cafes and our Tool library. We are also beginning to compile a local directory of businesses that can help.
The equipment we need for the Repair Cafe each month is increasing and needs to be collected and returned to where it is stored – this is becoming increasingly cumbersome each and we are very much looking forward to larger premises where the equipment can be stored in the same venue.
Tool Library:
Member numbers now up to 24, with 56 items in the Inventory, being 31 bought items and 25 donated, with a total of 14 electrical items.
We have written to Tool Library members, asking if there are any items they would like to see in the Inventory, which we can then attempt to buy. This has resulted in a further donation being identified.
The Tool Library Team will meet up in the next few weeks to discuss the next steps. This will include identifying more volunteers, in particular those with a technical background. Please email us, if you think you will be able to help.
