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Local News and Events

What will you change for Plastic Free July?

What will you change for Plastic Free July?   Following hot on the heels of Great Big Green Week, we’re about to enter Plastic Free July – part of the solution to plastic pollution. These days, there are a wealth of excellent reusable options to choose from. If you’re ready to take the challenge, join millions of others and sign up to receive tips and tricks via email during the month to keep you motivated and inspired to reduce your plastic waste.
Make your summer stylish and sustainable   If you’re planning a picnic or party this summer, get in touch with the Party Kit Network to borrow reusable tableware. There are 100s of groups in the network with a handy map to find the nearest one(s) to you. Many groups offer decorations, table linen and games too, so you can have a stylish gathering without the waste. You can also find out about other swaps, local refill shops and more on our Remember Your Reusables page.
Get up close to a recycling vehicle!    If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about what happens to your recycling, we have a great event for you on Saturday 6th July. The team over at Stevenage are holding a Depot Open Day in Cavendish Road, SG1 2ET where you can find out about the range of environmental services they operate, the vehicles they use to run the services and plenty of activities for children – and climb on board one of their waste collection and other vehicles.
Are you recycling your ‘soft plastic’?   Many supermarkets have ‘carrier bag’ recycling points, often in a tall caged container which you can use to recycle any soft, flexible plastic. Pop all your bags into a bigger bag to transport them easily. Find local soft plastic recycling points and a full list of what counts as ‘soft plastic’ on our A-Z guide.   Soft plastics can’t be recycled at home (unless you’re taking part in the kerbside collection trial in Knebworth), or at any of the recycling centres across the county.
Confidence in continence grows across Herts   Many people are seeking ways to save money and be more sustainable. Now even ‘hidden’ waste can be swapped for reusables. With Herts Confident Continence, Hertfordshire residents can claim 15% off the purchase of reusable incontinence products from our partnering suppliers. With products such as pants, briefs and pads suitable for men, women and children, we’ve got you covered! 
Enjoy your local park during Love Parks Week   Love Parks Week invites us to head into the Great Outdoors and celebrate the many wonderful green spaces we have in Hertfordshire.  If you manage a green space such as bowling green or publicly-accessible land, you can sign up for a resources pack to help offer activities such as building a bug house, live music or tai chi for your visitors between 26th July and 4th August.
Pass-on outgrown uniform   Summer holidays are almost in sight! If your child is moving schools or has outgrown their uniform, give it a new lease of life.   Many schools offer a second-hand uniform sale where wearable items are passed onto other families. If yours doesn’t, see if the PTA might set one up, or try a local charity shop or online resales like Vinted or dedicated sites like Uniformerly or Grown Our Of It.  Recycle any unwearable items at your nearest textiles bank.
Share your Update Me with friends and family   Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for news stories, updates and tips on making your life that little bit more WasteAware.   Invite family, friends and colleagues to sign up to our ‘Rubbish and Recycling’ bulletins. You might also like the Sustainable Hertfordshire e-newsletter to help us live in a cleaner, greener, more environmentally sustainable county.

Oak Processionary Moth – warning issued

Oak Processionary Moth Hertsmere’s parks and open spaces are a haven for residents during the summer but we’re asking visitors to be vigilant against a pest found in oak trees.

The Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) has been found in a number of parks and open spaces across the borough and residents are advised to avoid all contact with the caterpillar and their nest as it can cause itchy rashes, eye irritations and, in severe cases, breathing difficulties in people and pets.

Hertsmere’s parks team is working to manage Oak Processionary Moths in our area and will be putting up safety notices in those parks affected to warn the public. If you discover an OPM nest or caterpillar, we ask that you ‘spot it, avoid it, report it’.

This time of year is when the caterpillars emerge and feed before pupating into adult moths, but nests, even old ones, should not be touched at any time.

The nests are typically dome or teardrop-shaped, ranging in size – from a ping pong ball to as large as a rucksack. They are white when fresh, but soon become discoloured and brown. The caterpillars have black heads and bodies covered in long white hairs and are easily recognised by a distinctive habit of crawling in large groups, nose-to-tail forming long lines on or around oak trees.

If you see any oak processionary nests or caterpillars (OPM) in a council park you should report them immediately on 020 8207 2277 or email: customer.services@hertsmere.gov.uk

If they are on a privately owned oak tree, report them to the Forestry Commission using the Tree Alert online pest reporting form. If you cannot use Tree Alert, you may report them by telephone on 0300 067 4442 or by email at opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk.

For more information on the Oak Processionary Moth, including distribution maps and more detailed guidance on treatment visit: www.forestresearch.gov.uk/treealert or www.forestresearch.gov.uk/opm

Wild flower area

APC’s Open Spaces Team have created such a wonderful wild flower area at Phillimore Recreation Ground, it really is such a spectacular sight and so important for increasing biodiversity. 🌺🌼🐝

Warning after residents targeted by scam police calls

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We’ve received reports of scam calls to residents claiming to be from Hertfordshire Constabulary asking for donations. Police would never cold call asking for donations. If you receive such a call, please do not make any payment or pass on personal details and report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online via www.actionfraud.police.uk, where you can also find advice on fraud.  For all other non-emergency enquiries, report information online, speak to us via web chat or call via 101 (in an emergency, always dial 999).