The Longworth Environmental Network (LEN) has been set up to promote a positive response to the challenge of reducing carbon emissions and reducing waste. The group is looking at ways for people in Longworth, Hinton and nearby communities to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and make the best use of local facilities. Individuals can make a difference, and working together is better still!
The picture shows children from Longworth school at LEN's ECO day on 30th March 2009 teaching adults in the village what to put in (green) recycling boxes, in "other plastics" boxes, in (brown) garden refuse boxes for composting, and in the rubbish bin for landfill.
Christmas tree shredding event
The shredding of Christmas trees at Longworth School on 9th January was a great success. Some 25 trees were brought by sled, wheelbarrow or shanks pony - amongst other things, the current questionnaire may indicate how many use artificial trees or none at all. Rather than make a massive pile for a photograph, many children saw theirs turned into chippings as they watched and their parents enjoyed mulled wine. The snow added atmosphere, if not colour or warmth. All chippings are now on the allotments for use by all when composted in 12 to 18 months time. When combined with the same amount of "greens", they should become 1500 litres of compost (Ericaceous "acid" type) which is good for blueberries, raspberries, rhododendrons, azaleas, etc. - especially useful in Longworth soil.
Film Show
The film "Home", shown on 15th January, displayed in glorious photography many of the ravages being committed on our planetary resources - forests, fish, minerals, soil, oil, climate and land (accommodating rubbish). It also contrasted how many of these actions increase the load that goes on the poor against the wealth that is given to the rich. Fortunately it ended with examples where some (often the poorest) nations are putting some resource matters to rights. If you missed and still wish to view this film, the full version can be watched on You Tube: "HOME"
Recycling
The VoWHDC's Green Box service, collected on Fridays, takes glass (must be wrapped if broken glass), plastic (must have recycling logo or go in "other plastics" boxes elsewhere), paper, cans, clean foil and batteries (must be in see-through plastic bag)
To get a free green box telephone 01235 520202.
To get a brown bin at £34.50 per year for cardboard (including "Yellow Pages) and garden waste collected alternate Tuesday telephone 01235 520202. Two of their members (Robert and Yvonne Longstaff) are master composters. To find out more contact the group.
Stop junk mail: register with Mail Preference Service Telephone 0845 7034599 or email: www.mpsonline.org.uk
Videos, books, CDs, cardboard and mixed plastics are collected at Millets Farm shop (A415)
Old mobile phones, printer cartridges, toner inks (not Epsom) can be taken to Mustard Seed in Faringdon or left at Warren Cottage, corner of Hinton Road and Lodge Lane, Longworth.
Transport
Make use of the Local Bus Service to Oxford, route 63, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. White's Coaches: telephone 01865 340515.
Shopping
Use local markets to reduce "food miles"
Appleton - am 2nd Sunday of the month
Abingdon - am every Monday and Farmer's Market 3rd Monday of the month
Faringdon am 1st Tuesday of the month
Organic Box Scheme: veggies, eggs, fruit delivered to Longworth from Coleshill Organics, telephone 01793 861070
Longworth Tree Planting
Late in 2008, 25 volunteers gathered on a one-third of a hectare site offered by the Landowner of Longworth Manor, for LEN to create a new copse of largely local and native trees, for the enjoyment of local people and of course to benefit biodiversity and offset some carbon. Villagers sponsored a tree for £2.50 including stake and guard, enabling us to plant 800 trees to a detailed plan drawn up by our project coordinator Bob Plumptre.. Insurance for the day was arranged through our membership as a CAG with Oxfordshire CC Waste Management Group.
On the fourth of July 2009, a dozen helpers cut back grass and brambles from the trees, nearly all of which we were delighted to see in very good health.
Litter Picking 
At the annual Spring Litter Pick, some twenty LEN volunteers collected 30 bags full of refuse and some additional larger items from hedgerows in Longworth - about a ton in total. The red bags are collected by VoWHDC and sorted for recycling, rather than going into landfill. We then finished with much needed refreshments!
At the Autumn Litter Pick, on 8th November, there were more people (28) taking part, as we were working with staff, parents and children from Longworth School. This time there was somewhat less litter to collect, presumably due to our productiveness last spring. The village is now much tidier, and hopefully we will have even less to collect next spring!
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