Barry school kids get gold for going green

Pupils and staff at St Helen’s RC Junior School in Barry are enjoying a new green accolade - Yellow Pages Recycling Champions for Wales 2009.

St Helen’s, who came top in the medium schools category, are also looking forward to spending a well-earned £1,000 prize money.

The environmental campaign for schools is run by Yellow Pages working in partnership with the Woodland Trust and, locally, the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

The school’s 202 pupils recycled a massive 1,831 Yellow Pages directories when the new ones were delivered last year - equivalent to an impressive 9.06 old directories per pupil.

Fourteen local authorities across Wales ran the Yellow Woods Challenge, involving a total of 495 schools and 99,156 pupils. The recycling scores from local heats were entered into the Wales finals and resulted in success for St Helen’s.

St Helen’s headteacher Gavin Russ said: "We are so proud to be Welsh winners in this competition. I’d like to thank our local community who helped us collect so many Yellow Pages. The school eco-committee is currently helping to decide how to spend the prize money."

Congratulating the school on their achievement, Vale councillor Geoff Cox, cabinet member for visible and building services, said: "Taking the national title is a fantastic achievement for St Helen’s Junior School. The council’s ‘What’s in your bin?’ campaign aims to get us all reducing, reusing and recycling. The pupils and staff at this school, and their community, are shining examples of great local action."

For every pound awarded to schools in prize money, Yellow Pages has donated a matching pound to the Woodland Trust’s children’s tree planting campaign, ‘Trees For All.’

Kimberley Watts-Fitzsimmons, corporate responsibility manager at Yell, the publisher of Yellow Pages directories, said: "It’s a great pleasure to reward the winning schools for their outstanding achievements. I’d also like to thank all the schools and councils in Wales who always take the competition to heart. Together they’ve made a massive contribution towards the environment."

The Yellow Woods Challenge is undergoing a major strategic review and will relaunch in summer 2010 - for more information visit www.yellow-woods.co.uk.

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Consultation on Blaenavon World Heritage site

A six-week consultation has begun in Blaenavon, asking residents' views on studies relating to the World Heritage Site.

The studies include design guidance for development and conservation area appraisals of Blaenavon and Cwmavon conservation areas and it is proposed the documents will eventually be adopted as supplementary planning guidance.

The executive member for housing, planning and public protection, councillor Gwyneira Clark, said: "We urge residents to contact us and let us know their views on these studies, as they will assist in ensuring the continued protection and enhancement of the historic character of the World Heritage Site.

"The guide provides design and maintenance advice for buildings within the Torfaen boundaries of the site, including advice for the construction of new buildings, and guidance on alterations, repairs or extensions to existing buildings.

"The Blaenavon and Cwmavon conservation area appraisals identify the key assets, issues and outline recommendations for the management and enhancement of the areas in the future.

"They recommend extensions to the Blaenavon conservation area, and consider the potential designation of conservation areas at Forgeside and Glantorfaen."

The public consultation runs until Wednesday 30 December and a public drop-in session will be held on December 9 at the World Heritage Centre.

All documents and full details of the consultation are available to view in the Environment and Planning| area of the council website.

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Rural grants on offer from Torfaen council

A local charity is the second Torfaen organisation to benefit from the Branching Out Fund.

All Creatures Great and Small Animal Sanctuary in Llanfrechfa has received a grant through the Torfaen Rural Development Plan (RDP) - a project delivered through a strategic partnership and a local action group, creaTe.

Val Taylor, a trustee of All Creatures Great and Small Animal Sanctuary, said: "We specialise in the care of unwanted and often abandoned or abused animals, with the aim of providing a caring service of the highest quality to help all animals in need.

"We are delighted to receive this funding as it will help us restore an old barn into a training and visitor facility. This new facility will eventually enable us to become more sustainable and will improve the standard of care we provide."

Local farmers, businesses and community groups can apply to creaTe for grants up to £5,000 to help develop enterprise through diversification activities.

In addition to the grant, the RDP team will work with All Creatures Great and Small Animal Sanctuary to help it through the planning process and access additional external funding to make the project a reality.

The RDP, which runs until 2013, is funded through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and aims to:

• Improve the quality of life in rural communities
• Strengthen the farming and forestry industries
• Safeguard and enhance Torfaen's environment and rural heritage
• Foster competitive, sustainable businesses and thriving rural communities.

There are seven wards in Torfaen classed as rural and rural-based business in these areas could be eligible for grant from the Branching Out Fund. The wards are Llanyrafon South, Blaenavon, Abersychan, Cwmynyscoy, Llantarnam, Two Locks and Wainfelin.

For more information on the RDP, contact 01495 742146.

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Griffiths plays 'tec on climate change crime scene

Wrexham's Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths, played detective when WWF Cymru staged a Climate Crime Scene at the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay.

2009 is the most important year ever for our climate with UN negotiations concluding in Copenhagen next month.

To raise awareness of this critical time for action on climate change in the run-up to Copenhagen, WWF Cymru staged a Climate Crime Scene at the Senedd on November 17.

WWF Cymru staged the outline of a life-sized polar bear cordoned off by police tape to depict the possible sign of things to come – unless we tackle climate change now. WWF invited members of the Welsh Assembly Government and visitors and staff to the Senedd to view the crime scene and to sign up to our petition for a strong global deal to be agreed in Copenhagen in December to help secure a safe future for the planet.

Lesley Griffiths AM said:

"WWF Cymru has demonstrated with this innovative photo call what the future holds unless climate change is tackled now. Climate change left unchecked will have devastating impacts for people and wildlife across the planet.

"2009 is the most important year for Climate Change – we simply must secure a strong deal between nations in Copenhagen in December to seriously tackle this problem. I ask the people of Wrexham to sign up to WWF’s campaign to show their support and help safeguard our planet."

The Climate Crime Scene photo call formed part of the launch of WWF-Cymru’s second Climate Witness Jerry Percy. Jerry is the Chief Executive of the Welsh Federation of Fishermen’s Associations and he became a climate witness to highlight the concerns that Welsh fishermen have about how climate change is impacting on marine life, the fishing industry and ultimately our nation.

The Climate Witness is a WWF international programme that documents real life accounts from people across the world who are already experiencing climate change.

Welsh Climate Witness Jerry Percy joins WWF Cymru’s first Climate Witness farmer Wyn Evans from Pembrokeshire who became a Climate Witness earlier this year. Wyn’s account revealed how climate change is affecting agriculture.

For more information about WWF’s Climate Witness programme and how you can get involved please visit www.panda.org/climatewitness.

To find out more on WWF’s Global Deal Campaign please visit:

WWF’s Global Deal Campaign

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Gold for green in Neath Port Talbot

Environment enthusiasts from across Neath Port Talbot will put their efforts under the microscope at an awards ceremony tonight.

Neath Port Talbot Environment Forum will host their first ever ceremony to congratulate Schools, Businesses, Voluntary Organisations, Public Sector Departments and wildlife projects for their commitment to improving the Environment.

The awards which are split into six categories include Green School of the Year; Green Business of the Year; Voluntary Sector Organisation of the Year; Public Sector Department of the Year; Action for Wildlife Award and an Overall Winner. There will also be awards for commendation.

The ceremony organised by Neath Port Talbot Environment Forum and sponsored by The Countryside Council for Wales and CORUS will be hosted by Iolo Williams.

Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Ali Thomas, for the NPT Environment Forum stated "The standard of awards entries has been fantastic and we hope that we can do this again next year. The council is committed to improving the environment and it is a pleasure to see people working together to make our County Borough a greener place to live.

Through working together we have helped to reduce air pollution, improve water quality, reduce flytipping and increase recycling and reduce waste to landfill. We haven't done this alone - we recognise all of those who have helped us to achieve this. We also extend our thanks to those of you in the community making a physical effort to improve your own local environment."

CCW Senior Countryside Officer Ceri Daugherty added, "We are proud sponsors of the award ceremony. It's great to see a variety of organisations, schools, businesses and public sector departments taking a proactive approach to try and address our environmental responsibilities and being rewarded for their efforts."

A spokeman for Corus commented: "We are delighted to support the inaugural Neath Port Talbot Environment Awards, 2009. We are achieving a great deal, but we continue to address our environmental responsibilities with respect to continuing to extend our positive relationship with the community and the environment for everyone's benefit."

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Environment agency praised for getting Amroth beach back in the swim

Detective work carried out by the Environment Agency which could result in Amroth winning back its blue flag has been praised by local AM Angela Burns.

Amroth failed to win the award for the past two years after excess rain water led to run off from nearby fields and a decrease in water quality.

The Environment Agency used new technology to track down the root of the problem and now says that the water quality – one of the main criteria for the Blue Flag award – now meets European standards.

“Losing the Blue Flag was a real blow to Amroth so this is excellent news and the Environment Agency should be praised for all its work in getting to the source of the problem,” said Mrs Burns.

“Amroth is one of my favourite beaches and it’s great news that the tourist operators in the area should hopefully be able to promote it as a Blue Flag beach again soon.

“The Flags aren’t awarded until the spring but I understand that the quality of bathing water is a vital criteria so Amroth now stands a much better chance of winning back its flag.”

Photograph: Angela Burns and her husband Stuart are pictured playing with their daughters on Amroth beach.

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MP welcomes Gorsedd Bran refusal

Conservative Member of Parliament for Clwyd West, David Jones, has welcomed the news that the Planning Inspectorate has rejected the appeal against the refusal by Denbighshire County Council to grant planning permission for a new wind farm at Gorsedd Bran, near Nantglyn.

David Jones said:

“The cumulative impact of wind farms in the Denbighshire uplands is having a very detrimental effect upon the residents of those areas; there are, quite simply, far too many turbines in the hills.

“Denbighshire is to be commended for its refusal of this application and I am delighted that the Planning Inspectorate upheld the council’s decision.”

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Council pleased that wind farm refusal stands

Denbighshire County Council has welcomed news that an appeal against a decision by the council to refuse planning permission for a windfarm near Nantglyn has been rejected.

Tegni Cyf had appealed against the decision not to grant the application for 13 wind turbines at Gorsedd Bran near Nantglyn.

This week, the planning inspector ruled that the appeal should be dismissed.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans, said: "This is a victory for democracy. Both the planning committee and full council refused this application and at the appeal the council’s case was supported by well informed, factual evidence from residents. I must take the opportunity to pay tribute to the tremendous amount of work done by officers in the planning and legal sections, as well as councillors Paul Marfleet and Jane Yorke in preparation for and during the hearing.

"The council felt it was in the best interest of the local community not to approve the planning application and the inspector's ruling in this case clearly shows we were right in taking that decision."

In a statement, councillors Paul Marfleet and Jane Yorke said: "Many local residents are hugely relieved by this decision and appreciate the effort and support that has been put in to bringing this about, from the initial planning hearing through all stages to the public inquiry itself. This truly is a victory for democracy, common sense and humanity. The faith and determination of a small group of very decent people has brought this victory about."

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Wales commits to 40% emission reduction

Following a Welsh Liberal Democrat debate the Welsh Assembly has agreed, with cross party support, to reduce emissions by 40% by 2020. Shadow Minister for the Environment and Sustainability, Mick Bates AM, is now writing to Gordon Brown calling on the Prime Minister to take forward the message to Copenhagen that Wales and the UK is committed as a nation to agree a vital new global deal, to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.

Commenting, Mick Bates AM:

"The Copenhagen Climate Summit on December 7 is now less than 30 days away. With this key conference on the horizon, tackling climate change is high on the agenda in Wales, Westminster and Worldwide.

"There is only a small window of opportunity to stop dangerous climate change and keep global temperatures below a 2 degrees centigrade rise, so ambitious political leadership is crucial. Norway and Germany have lead by example, offering a 40% emissions cut. The Scottish Government under the Climate Change Bill has set a fantastic target of reducing emissions by 42% by 2020.

"Today Wales also had an opportunity to stand up and be counted as a country willing to lead by example, to do all it can to demonstrate willing to secure a legally binding deal that recognises the right scale of contribution needed.

"I am delighted that the Welsh Government, lead by the Welsh Liberal Democrats, has reached a cross party consensus today to reduce emissions by 40% by 2020 against the 1990 baseline, and to encourage other governments to do the same.

"I will be writing to Gordon Brown to highlight the clear message this sends that Wales is committed as a nation to agree a vital new global deal to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change and we hope the Prime Minister will carry this message forward to Copenhagen."

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Environment Strategy Annual Report published

Jane Davidson has launched the WAG first annual report against the first and second Environment Strategy action plans.

The Annual Report highlights the successes achieved by the Assembly Government and our partners in enhancing and preserving Wales’ environment.

In the annual report, we report on how we fulfilled our biodiversity duty under Section 40(1) of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

The annual report was launched at the British Trust of Conservation Volunteers’ (BTCV) Family Employment Initiative.

The BTCV project helps people overcome personal and social barriers through volunteering. It also aids them to develop skills to enable them to enter the workforce. This project shows that by working together, communities can provide opportunities to enjoy and benefit from the environment. This approach matches a key aim of the Environment Strategy for people in Wales from all backgrounds to connect with nature, and enjoy and understand the natural environment.

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Carwyn welcomes new powers to deliver sustainability in Wales

Welsh Labour Leadership candidate, Carwyn Jones, today welcomed the announcement that building regulations will be transferred to Welsh Ministers - leading the way for the Welsh Assembly Government to ensure buildings are more energy efficient and sustainable.

In a constitutional move laid before both Houses of Parliament, the Transfer of Functions Order has received final approval from Parliamentary Council, with full powers for Wales being effective by 31st December 2011.

Commenting on the news, Carwyn said:

"I am delighted that these powers have been given final approval. It will allow the Welsh Assembly Government to set the agenda for sustainable buildings and ensure reduced carbon emissions in this area.

"Making homes more sustainable goes a long way in helping homeowners and tenants across Wales meet the cost of rising fuel bills and also contribute towards our 3% targets on climate change from 2011.

"This is a major step towards achieving the Welsh Assembly Government’s aspiration to make all new buildings zero carbon.

"When you consider that the built environment accounts for approximately 40% of all the UK's carbon emissions, it is clear that action is urgently needed to help us deliver on our sustainability commitments. As I spelt out in my manifesto, I believe these powers will enable Wales to do just that."

The Welsh Assembly Government will consult fully on any proposed changes to building regulations, including an assessment of the costs and benefits and impact on other policy commitments.

In his recently published manifesto, 'A Time to Lead', Carwyn pledged to use Wales' new building regulations responsibilities "for 100% improvement in energy efficiency for new buildings".

Amongst other initiatives to tackle climate change through the built environment, Carwyn also pledged to:

• increase the emphasis on green jobs with investment in insulation and renewables to tackle climate change and to boost the construction industry;
• make renewables key and building a critical mass of renewable investment; and
• develop a comprehensive programme of retro-fitting renewables and insulation to social and private housing that will also boost the construction industry, building on schemes such as the Heads of the Valleys low carbon programme.

read more... “Carwyn welcomes new powers to deliver sustainability in Wales”

School Children Encounter a Sticky Problem

Children from a local school have been shown just how hard it is to remove chewing gum from the streets of Wrexham.

Staff at Wrexham Council's Streetscene demonstrated to pupils from Victoria Junior School the problems posed by discarded chewing gum on Town Hill. Staff used high pressure water hoses to remove the chewing gum and gave a talk to pupils highlighting the effort and cost of removing chewing gum.

Removing chewing gum from pavements and streets is an expensive and time consuming. According to the Community Clean group, while each stick of gum costs only 3p to buy, it costs 10p to prise off the streets. In 2007, the Government said the average cost to clean up gum from a town centre would be £20,000.

Cllr David Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said:

"Removing discarded chewing is not only an expensive process, but also a drain on council resources. After this demonstration, hopefully the children will think twice about throwing their chewing gum on the floor."

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New meters in Council buildings to help cut carbon

Council buildings from schools to theatres could be fitted with state-of-the-art energy meters to identify and reduce wastage and cut costs.

Swansea Council's Cabinet is being asked to back a plan to install Automatic Energy Metering in all non-domestic Council owned buildings from public loos to leisure centres.

It would mean 850 gas and electricity meters in around 400 buildings could be updated to provide computer readouts to improve the monitoring of energy usage and end estimated bills.

The move follows the successful monitoring of similar meters in Swansea secondary schools and comes as the Council gears up for the government's Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC).

The mandatory scheme to be introduced by the Government from April 2010 means the Council has to record all the energy it uses and will have to buy carbon allowances based on that usage.

The current energy spend at the Council stands at around £6 million which means the Local Authority faces having to buy carbon allowances of up to £600,000 a year.

Allowance payments will be recycled to participants in the scheme that depend on their carbon reduction performance.

The meters and the data provided should help the Council identify ways of reducing its carbon footprint and the amount of carbon allowances to be purchased.

Buildings to be included in the scheme would include all civic offices, schools, libraries, community centres, leisure centres, museums, theatres, galleries, public conveniences, park pavilions and Council-run residential homes.

Automatic type metering has already been used in Swansea Council comprehensive schools to enable the Council to access energy use through a web-based report system.

It can identify what energy is being used at night or over weekends when schools are closed. Schools can cut costs by reducing wastage caused, for example, by computers being left on unnecessarily.

The metering will also reduce the number of estimated bills the Local Authority receives reducing over payment and administration costs.

Cllr Stuart Rice, Swansea Council Cabinet Member for Finance, said: "The meters would be part of ongoing work within the Local Authority designed to reduce unnecessary energy usage and carbon emissions.

"Not only are we trying to be more environmentally friendly but we also intend keeping the cost to Council Tax payers of the energy we use down.

"It is anticipated that the meters will help identify ways to use energy more efficiently in our buildings and generate future carbon savings."

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Recycling centre closing for one afternoon

The Household Waste Recycling Centre in New Inn will be closed from noon on Wednesday November 25.

It will be closed for the remainder of the day for health and safety reasons, while a new compactor is installed.

The site will re-open as normal the following day (7.30am to 6pm).

A Council spokesman said: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused whilst these essential works are carried out."

For more information phone 01495 766608.

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Exploration Tywi celebrates Christmases past, present and future

Residents and visitors to Llandeilo are being invited to learn all about the Exploration Tywi Project, as part of the town’s Festival of the Senses.

The festival, taking place on Friday, November 20, will see hundreds of local people and tourists flocking to the town centre to kick start Christmas celebrations.

And as part of the evening, Dyfed Archaeological Trust is throwing open its doors so that people can learn all about the new historical discoveries of the Tywi Valley.

Exploration Tywi, or Chwilota’r Tywi, is one of the four themes within Tywi Afon yr Oesoedd project and is run by the archaeological trust.

The project aims to provide an opportunity to take participants of all ages on an exploration of the Tywi Valley’s past through the excitement of geological, archaeological and historical discovery.

Project officer Hazel Williams said: “During the evening visitors will have a chance to learn what has been achieved so far on the graveyard survey at Sant Teilo churchyard, the headway we’ve made with our House Detectives, and our study of the hedgerows and dry walls of the area.

“They will also have a chance to talk to the archaeologists and volunteers who were working on the recent digs, and can put their names down for any of the future projects which will include The Valley at War and our Big Dig next Easter.”

The Exploration Tywi event is taking place at the Shire Hall, Carmarthen Street, Llandeilo, on Friday, November 20, from 6.30pm-9pm.

There will also be mince pies and punch and a chance to learn some old Welsh Christmas recipes.

Children’s activities will include puzzles and games and a chance to have their photo taken with a Christmas medieval knight.

Cllr Clive Scourfield, executive board member for regeneration, said: “I hope people will come out and lend their support to this project, which has already unearthed some fascinating discoveries about the Tywi Valley.

“The project is putting people in touch with their past, and tying this in with the Christmas celebrations is a great way to get people involved in their own heritage.”

For further details contact Alice Pyper or Hazel Williams on 01558 823121 or email a.pyper@dyfedarchaeology.org.uk

• Exploration Tywi, or Chwilota’r Tywi, is one of the four themes within Tywi Afon yr Oesoedd project and is run by The Dyfed Archaeological Trust.
• The project aims to provide an opportunity to take participants of all ages on an exploration of the Tywi Valley’s past through the excitement of geological, archaeological and historical discovery.
• Tywi Afon Yr Oesoedd (Tywi a River Through Time) is a £2.4million project, led by Carmarthenshire County Council, which is aimed at conserving the area’s landscape, biodiversity and history; and creating a legacy for future generations.
• The project received £1.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £557,378 from the Rural Development Plan, and support from the Countryside Council for Wales, Menter Bro Dinefwr and National Trust.

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Colliery reclamation work to start soon

A contractor has been appointed to carry out the first phase of works necessary for the completion of the reclamation of the former Aberaman Colliery site.

Working in conjunction with the Welsh Assembly Government, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has appointed Dyer and Butler Ltd., a national civil engineering contractor, as the Principal Contractor for the advanced works scheme.

It is expected that construction work, which will take approximately 10 weeks to complete, will start towards the end of November 2009.

The advanced contract will prepare the way for the main reclamation scheme and will include the following work:

• Removal and crushing of the concrete slab that covers the former coal stocking area followed by the re-profiling and grass seeding of the stocking area.
• The construction of new tracks using the crushed concrete
• The construction of a large diameter pipeline for track crossings.
• The improvement to the existing drainage outfall pipe adjacent to North View Terrace
• The construction of lined drainage channels
• The construction of a series of new wetland ponds.

The removal of the former coal stocking concrete slab and the re-profiling of the area will enhance the appearance of the area.

The construction of the wetland ponds will not only enhance the area but also create a location where future ecological mitigation works can be carried out. The main reclamation scheme will require protected species of flora and fauna present on the site to be moved to a different location – hence the need for the advanced construction of the wetlands area to provide alternative habitats.

As this site is extensively played on by children, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is requesting parents and guardians to remind children in their care not to attempt to enter the contractor’s working area for their own safety.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Housing Cllr Paul Cannon explained: “The Aberaman Colliery Reclamation Scheme is of massive importance to residents in this area of the Cynon Valley and I am pleased that we have now appointed a contractor and that the first phase of work can begin.

“The widespread vision for this area is exemplary and will transform a former industrial site into a lush green section of wildlife to be enjoyed by residents and visitors of Rhondda Cynon Taf alike. I look forward with great enthusiasm at the progress made in Aberaman and am certain the finished product will undoubtedly add considerably to this area of the county borough.”

read more... “Colliery reclamation work to start soon”

Wilson Road recreation ground bulb planting

The Ely Garden Villagers Group, local community and children have teamed up with Council gardeners to plant daffodils to brighten the Wilson Road Recreation Ground next spring.

The Group, which was initially formed five years ago after a series of problems with fly tipping and burnt out cars in the area and has worked alongside Cardiff Council to help keep the recreational ground clean and tidy.

The football pitch was reinstated two years ago and some of the local parents have attended football coaching courses and are helping out at the two recently installed mini football pitches for children under the age of 11 which are proving to be a big success.

The variety of bulbs called Narcissus Dutch master will be sprouting next spring in time for St David’s Day and the blooms are sure to be the perfect decoration to enhance the recreation ground.

Councillor Howells, Executive Member Sport, Culture & Leisure said: “We are looking forward to viewing the outcome of the bulb planting and delighted that so many people took part in the event within their local community. We are pleased that the community group and the Council continues to work together to help maintain and improve the recreational ground which benefits the whole community.”

Photograph: Cardiff Council Parks Services staff, members of the Ely Garden Villagers Group, local community and children

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Avoid wasting food at Christmas

Swansea residents are being urged to waste less food this Christmas and save money at the same time.

Waste Awareness Wales has teamed up with Swansea Council to spread the festive message that forward planning and following simple guidelines will help families cut costs and reduce the amount of waste food which gets thrown out.

Over the Christmas period, around 230,000 tonnes of turkey, mince pies and other food gets thrown away in the UK, with a cost of approximately £275m.

Trish Flint, Swansea Council's Recycling Officer, said: "At Christmas, we often have to cater for more people than usual and buy lots of goodies for the house to treat ourselves through the festive holiday.

"A lot of this food ends up getting thrown out. This can be a waste of money and also takes up valuable space in landfill.

"Following simple rules like making a shopping list and sticking to it can help avoid temptation at the supermarket.

"Wasting food already costs the average household £420 a year. If you have to throw out leftover food then try and use the kitchen waste recycling service which helps to divert food from landfill."

Here are some top tips to help reduce festive food waste:

• Make the most of your Christmas leftovers; not only is leftover turkey great for making sandwiches, salad and pies, but leftover vegetables can be used in soups or curries. There are many recipe available online- visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com for lots of recipe ideas for leftovers.
• Plan ahead and make a shopping list. It will help you only buy what you need and will help you not to forget everything.
• Buy Christmas vegetables loose rather than pre-packaged so you don't end up with too much.
• If you're struggling to work out portions, try the portion calculator online which removes the guesswork from your planning. It's available at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/perfect_portions
• Leftover cheese can either be frozen or used for cheese sauces in meals for the following week.
• Keep fruit, vegetables and nuts in the salad drawer of the fridge to make them last longer.
• Fruit and vegetable peelings can be composted or put out for the weekly food waste collection service.
• When doing your Christmas food shopping, remember to take your reusable cloth bags, bags for life or reuse carrier bags you already have.
• For a sweet treat, create your very own ice-cream using leftover Christmas pudding.
• Our most perishable and often most expensive Christmas food is kept in the fridge, so keep tabs on their use-by dates. The freezer may be an option for food you won't get round to eating in time and this will allow you to enjoy the food well after Christmas is over.

Christmas will affect your local Council's kerbside recycling collection dates. Telephone 01792 635600 to find your nearest recycling centre or to learn more.

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Countryside full of volunteering activities

Denbighshire Countryside Service is calling for volunteers to give a helping hand with conservation projects across the county.

There is a whole range of opportunities being arranged, with tasks varying from tree planting to dry stone walling, footpath construction to creating wildlife habitats.

No previous experience will be required, as training will be provided and people will be free to work at their own pace.

A full list of activities can be found in the Volunteer programme, which is available in libraries, leisure centres and council offices.

For more information, please contact David Shiel, Loggerheads Country Park, on 01352 810614.

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Historic beach huts on the mend

WORK has begun on transforming five more beach huts at Langland Bay as part of the revival of the historic huts.

The third phase of major hut refurbishments follows continued interest from people willing to invest £10,000 for a 10-year beach hut lease to funds its reconstruction.

The latest phase will take the number of wooden huts restored to 26. The remaining 52 are continuing to be maintained and let on a seasonal basis by way of a draw for three-month periods.

The number of huts to undergo transformation could increase depending on demand but it's expected that at least half the huts will remain available through the traditional summer let scheme.

The beach huts have graced Langland Bay since the 1920s but had in recent times been showing their age thanks partly to the wear and tear of decades of sea spray and weather.

Swansea Council's Corporate Property Department evolved a scheme to take a number of huts and reconstruct them to enable them to stand the test of time for years to come.

To meet the cost of replacement 10-year leases were granted in return for a one-off payment.

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "I'm delighted that people have come forward and invested in the 10-year lease scheme which has enabled us to transform these huts despite the current economic climate.

"Not only are they benefiting from the new-look huts in this amazing setting but they are helping us transform the look of the area to the benefit of other beach users too.

"I am looking forward to seeing the latest huts completed."

People considering getting involved in the 10-year hut lease scheme and contributing to Langland's revival should contact Paul Jenkins of Corporate Property on 01792 636775 or email him at paul.jenkins@swansea.gov.uk for more information.

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