The aim of The Network is to build a more sustainable environment and community in Chalgrove and its surrounding area. Our objectives are:
 
(a) To represent and act as a collective ‘voice’ for organisations, groups and individuals with an interest in sustainability and the environment;
(b) To promote networking, sharing of information and resources and co-operation between such groups and organisations;
(d) To promote the work of member groups and organisations;
(e) To help member groups and organisations access the support and resources which are available;
(f) To support and undertake work that promotes or builds the sustainability of the community of Chalgrove and its environment.

There are a number of Member Groups, running different activities:

Swap Shops

Chalgrove held its first Swap Shop on 5th February 2011, around 150 people attended and we prevented 440kilos going into landfill. The remaining useable items were collected by Helen & Douglas House for sale in their shop, unusable items were recycled where possible. There were a total of 23 people helping to organise the event, helping with the flow of people, organising the tables, serving teas and monitoring what was taken.   The biggest problem for people to understand was that it was free! After this first experience we feel "word of mouth” will dispel any further confusion.

Please keep an eye on the CAG events list for further details of Swaps Shops and other events in Chalgrove.

Cleaner Chalgrove

Launched in 2009 Cleaner Chalgrove’s aim is to make Chalgrove a cleaner and nicer place to live by reducing litter and dog fouling.  We have carried out a poster campaign for both Litter and Dog Fouling and have raised the awareness within the village of the issues around the effect it has on our wildlife, pets and children.

Since its beginning we have held three Litter Picks, the latest on March 27 2011, around 30 people turned out on a lovely day, with an age range between four year olds and Pensioners.  We covered the entire village, including the brooks, and collected over 30 bags of litter which was recycled where possible.  The local pubs the Red Lion and The Lamb have provided affordable refreshments following the litter picks, from a family barbecue to hot pork and apple rolls!  We will be holding 3 litter picks a year and encouraging the residents of Chalgrove to get out and about in the village doing some worthwhile exercise.

Dog Fouling

We carried out a test to provide free ‘poo’ bags in three of the worse affected areas in the village.  After the dispensers were put up, the incidents of dog fouling dropped by 28% and, in the worst area, Chapel Lane, it dropped by an astonishing 78%!  We have three temporary bag dispensers and have recently obtained two permanent dispensers donated by the Chalgrove Parish Council and Grundons.  We will continue fundraising to obtain further permanent dispensers and to cover the cost of providing the bags.

We have also organised and ran a free fun dog show in April this year and will be repeating it  on 11th September 2011 in the Chalgrove Recreation Ground.  Entrance and all activities are Free to owners and their dogs.  The aim of this event is to promote good and healthy dog ownership including educating owners on the health risk to people (especially children) and to dogs and other animals as a result of not picking up dog mess and litter.

For further information

Email: Chalgrove Environment Network

Visit the Chalgrove Environment Network Facebook page