Leighton Buzzard Green Initiatives Guide
In the Leighton Buzzard area we are very fortunate to have so many amazing green initiatives. This guide explores some of the wonderful work and opportunities on our doorstep, from power to planting, wine to weeding and more in between.
Buzz Community Energy Group
Buzz Community Energy, formed in Linslade/Leighton Buzzard which includes the Parish of Billington is looking to develop a pipeline of projects, starting with a school roof solar project. Their vision is for every community to harness the power of renewable energy to create a sustainable and resilient future where energy independence becomes a reality.
Leighton Linslade in Bloom
Through the Leighton-Linslade in Bloom initiative they have encouraged and brought together business, organisations and volunteers to support and help develop floral, sustainable and environmental habitat areas across Leighton Buzzard and Linslade. https://www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk/leighton-linslade-in-bloom/
Fairtrade Leighton Linslade
Fairtrade Leighton-Linslade was Bedfordshire’s first Fairtrade Town! The steering group is led by volunteers who live locally. Fairtrade is a system of certification that aims to ensure a set of standards are met in the production and supply of a product or ingredient. For farmers and workers, Fairtrade means workers’ rights, safer working conditions and fairer pay. For shoppers it means high quality, ethically produced products. https://www.fairtradell.co.uk/
Repair Cafe leighton Buzzard
This Leighton Buzzard green initiative is all about reusing what we have. The Repair Café Leighton Buzzard have a team of volunteers who can fix many items for free or a small fee, avoiding items ending up in landfill and extending the longevity of the things we use. Repair Cafes are popping up all over the country. https://repaircafe.leightonbuzzard.org/
Wing Wood
Forestry England are working with Buckinghamshire Council who own the site, to create the new woodland. The woodland created will capture carbon, restore and connect habitats, enhance biodiversity and be managed in a sustainable way. The woodland will also be accessible for the local community to enjoy.
This woodland will be an important part of the work we’re doing expanding the nation’s forests over the next five years and will be delivered through the Government’s Nature for Climate Fund.
Wing Wood will include a range of broadleaf and conifer trees, five new wildlife ponds and a community orchard as well as accessible paths for walking and cycling. https://www.forestryengland.uk/wing-wood-community-woodland
Other Organisations working to sustain our outdoor spaces
Friends of Knolls Wood https://www.knollswood.com/
Friends of Linslade wood http://www.linsladewood.info/
Leighton Buzzard P3 group who are upkeeping local footpaths contact jonoxley@icloud.com
Commercial Ventures Making A Difference
The Refill
Leighton Buzzard Shop The Refill sell dry goods, household cleaning products, body care and lifestyle products, which are organic and ethically sourced as much as possible. The shop is self-serve! You weigh your own containers, write the weight on it, fill up with as much as you’d like, and bring it to us at the till.
7 – 9 Ropa Court, Friday Street, Leighton Buzzard, LU1 1DU https://therefill.co.uk/
Mimic Gifts
Also in Leighton Buzzard Mimic Gifts have a large refill station for liquids such as Shower Gels, Bubble Bath, Shampoo, and Household cleaners and laundry detergents you just need to bring your own bottle.
25, Market House, Market Square, Leighton Buzzard LU7 1EU https://mimicgifts.co.uk/
Oxford Wood Recycling
It’s further afield but worth a mention this social enterprise and charity.
Oxford Wood Recycling carries out an average of 150 waste wood collections a month from both commercial and domestic sites. The majority of wood is sent to power stations and the rest of sufficient quality is reused. Volunteers help to clean up the reclaimed wood and offer it for sale through the Abingdon Wood Shop. All of Oxford Wood Recycling’s financial surpluses are re-invested back into the organisation.
Oxford Wood Recycling also runs Wood to Work, a programme that enables people with a disability or significant disadvantage and who face barriers to working, to find, access and remain in employment through specialist employment support.
Unit 4, Suffolk Way, Abingdon OX14 5JX https://www.oxfordwoodrecycling.org.uk/
Tipple Time Travel
Your favourite Beer, Wine or Gin will usually have taken a flight or quite a long road trip to be quaffed by you. Choosing local produce is an easy way to help the planet and fortunately we have some great tastes right here.
Beer
Two local breweries are worth a mention and that is the Leighton Buzzard Brewing Co and Tring Brewery. Both produce quality products available in local bars and online.
Wine
Warden Vineyard have ‘low wine mile’ products, experiences, tours and days out and some produce to purchase. Visit their website for stockists near you or to by online.
Gin
Moorend Road Distillery is based in Northampton and produces No52 Gin
And Finally
Local farmers markets and farm shops have been around for years and stock locally sourced, and locally grown products. Here are some of the local ones.
Leighton Buzzard Farmers Market is the third Saturday in the month and you can see all the dates here
Tring Farmers market is the 2nd and 4th Saturday every month and you find out more here
Woburn Food Market the 3d Sunday every month you can see more here
If you would like your business featured in our engaging editorials get in touch
