JOIN THE DOTS: arts, science community conference

<<Climate Action Newcastle supporters were delighted to be “dots” taking part in this creative and empowering gathering.

It brought together more than 100 people from science, arts and community groups, to celebrate and take forward everyone’s work to achieve a sustainable world. Here’s some highlights from the “Joining the Dots” micro-conference, hosted at Northumbria University’s David Shaw Lecture Theatre. Conference background and links are below.>>

CAN SPEAKER OLWYN HOCKING’S FOLLOW-UP THOUGHTS (EVENT REPORT BELOW):

"Great oaks from little acorns grow": many of the climate initiatives shared at the conference fit this description! - but it was joyful to see real acorns shared as well. Plus the tip to plant them on their sides. All participants took away acorns to plant, in habitats suitable for oaks to flourish.

This was an inspired example of ensuring the enthusiasm that people felt during the conference stayed with them once they left. Scores of people went out of the lecture hall determined to take immediate action that would have an impact centuries from now. Let's hope many more "little acorns" of climate action will take root in the weeks and months to come.

It was great to learn more about the initiatives planned by other groups. And to meet new supporters at our Climate Action Newcastle stall.

CAN SUPPORTER/STALL VOLUNTEER HELEN RAFFLE'S COMMENTS

It was wonderful to see a collection of over 100 individuals from a wide range of organisations and perspectives, all connected to addressing the biodiversity and climate crises in a variety of different ways. Community groups such as Planet Action Street Arts (which initiated the event), Scotswood Community Garden, Canny Wild and Summerhill Trust work in their local communities to provide vital access to green space. All generations can develop nature connectedness and benefit from time in nature and enjoy growing together, building communities who will protect nature. 

Blue Green Newcastle and Newcastle Nature Networks projects were examples of statutory organisations involved in initiatives to improve the green infrastructure of the city, improving biodiversity and reducing flooding , while at the same time greening the urban environment for the health and wellbeing of us all. 

Speakers enabled us to consider the ways in which we are all able to contribute to tackling the climate emergency and reflect on the best ways to this. Manujye Ghosh, a creative writer and PhD student, talked about how we need to reframe climate responsibility from the epic novel which leaves us with feelings of powerlessness , to that of ongoing everyday decisions which we can all be involved in. Olwyn, from CAN , reminded us of how important bringing people together is, plus bridging the gap between good intentions and action by providing information, signposting and support for people to begin where they are on an individual level and then work upwards to community, citywide , regional and then national levels. 

Lauren Healey  talked about the need to find a new narrative to replace the narrative of continual growth , with creative thinking challenging this model with more sustainable narratives; amongst her examples was the  Dwellbeing Shieldfield project .

Wonder in the natural world came from Mike Jeffries (Northumbria University) with the amazing biodiversity of ponds, and David De la Haye,  underwater sound recordist who invites us all to listen to the life below the surface. Finally, keynote speaker Lars Chittka from University of London inspired us to understand more about the amazing abilities of bees and read his book 'The Mind of a Bee'.

We ended with the excellent question from the audience about how best to enable those least lively to be involved in volunteering in the biodiversity space to become involved and helpful ideas from the range of speakers, which included the importance of seeing other people involved who look like you and ways in which to support people to take the first steps. 

CAN SUPPORTER/CONFERENCE RECEPTION VOLUNTEER ALAN TREVETHAN’S

ROUND-UP REPORT ON MICRO-CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

Keynote Speaker

• Professor Lars Chittka: A renowned scientist and author of The Mind of the Bee, a book that draws on decades of research to explore the cognitive abilities of bees. Lars, who travelled from London for the event, gave a fascinating talk featuring brilliant slides and videos. His work highlights that bees exhibit complex behaviours and that they may even possess a form of consciousness. The video clips included bee flight paths over successive day, different examples of learned behaviour and even bees at play. His presentation connected his scientific findings to broader themes of biodiversity and planetary care. (For more information: www.chittkalab.qmul.ac.uk)

Presenters and Organisations

• Simon Tarrant and Marianne Sice: Simon Tarrant is an artist and curator who works on projects to provide public platforms for artists. Their joint presentation, “The dance of the insects & live music,” used artistic and musical expression to explore the world of insects. (Seen in the top photo either side of Lars Chittka)

• Ben Walton (Newcastle Nature Networks): Ben Walton’s academic background is in ecology. Newcastle Nature Networks is an initiative that works to improve and connect local green spaces. His presentations connect his academic work to the practical application of building healthier urban ecosystems. (For more information: www.ncl.ac.uk/sustainable-campus/themes/biodiversity/)

• Andy King (Blue Green Newcastle): A chartered engineer, Andy King is a senior advisor for the Blue Green Newcastle project. Andy presented a series of slides illustrating how to integrate nature-based solutions into the city’s infrastructure, including urban water management and the creation of green spaces. (For more information: www.ncl.ac.uk/engineering/research/research-case-studies/water/blue-green-cities/)

• Mike Jeffries: An academic in the field of ecology and a prominent researcher on pond ecosystems. His talk, “Planet of Ponds,” centres on the ecological significance of these habitats. Who knew there was so much diversity in ponds. It is estimated that two-thirds of all freshwater species can be found in ponds (not forgetting that they are great carbon sinks). Research, including some from Northumbria University’s own experts, has found that the rate of carbon burial in ponds can be 20 to 30 times higher per square metre than in woodlands or grasslands.

• David de la Haye: An award-winning ecological sound artist and composer. He uses specialized hydrophones to record freshwater environments. His presentation “Pondscapes: Musical Collaborations with Aquatic Plants” showcases how he uses these recordings to create art and raise awareness of aquatic life. It is fascinating how looking at life from a different perspective can not just teach us more but engage a wider breadth of society getting involved.

• Jennie Maughan (Scotswood Community Garden): The garden is a community hub and permaculture space that works to inspire learning about nature and sustainable living. It delivers programs including therapeutic horticulture and environmental education. Nicky also spoke an evolving network of community gardens. (For more information: www.scotswoodgarden.org.uk)

• Mark and Diane Thurston (Canny Wild CIC): The co-founders of Canny Wild CIC, a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Jarrow. The organization works to address the decline in biodiversity and improve mental health by reconnecting communities with nature through ecological surveys, green skills training, and environmental education. (For more information: www.projectwildcic.com)

• Anthony Sargent (Summerhill Trust): As Chair of the Summerhill Trust, Anthony Sargent spoke about the way this historic local community institution has developed and raises funds to achieve its purposes. Volunteer Lead Maysie Sharp shared the history of this little known oasis and in particular the ultimately successful principle of being totally organic. (For more information: www.summerhilltrust.org.uk)

• Lauren Henley (Research Climate Hub): The Research Climate Hub serves as a platform for fostering creative thinking and solutions related to the climate crisis.

  Lauren Henley’s work focuses on moving beyond traditional responses to the climate emergency framing a new narrative. (See pic below, on left. For more information: www.kcl.ac.uk/research/kings-climate)

• Manujya Ghosh: His presentation, “Reframing Climate Responsibility: From Epic Fiction to Everyday Realities,” argues for a more equitable distribution of climate responsibility and was based on his research that has been featured in publications by the Club of Rome.

  Manujya also read to us a story to illustrate this idea. (See pic below, on right.)

• John Wilson (Pesticide Free Newcastle) & Rachel Locke (Save Newcastle Wildlife): These individuals are key figures in local environmental advocacy. John Wilson campaigns for Pesticide Free Newcastle, which lobbies to end the use of herbicides like glyphosate. (For more information: www.pan-uk.org/pesticide-free/) Rachel Locke of Save Newcastle Wildlife advocates for policy changes to protect habitats from overdevelopment. (For more information: www.save-newcastle-wildlife.org.uk)

• Olwyn Hocking (Climate Action Newcastle): As a campaign organiser for Climate Action Newcastle, Olwyn volunteers with a local network dedicated to helping local residents make a difference at all levels, from personal lives to regional, national and global environmental sustainability. She shared information of what CAN supporters are involved in and the importance of doing what we are able to do. (For more information: www.climateactionnewcastle.com)

Read more of Alan's blogs here: https://planetandpeople.online/join-the-dots-planet-and-people-micro-conference/ 

Background to conference

This conference on 12 September at the David Shaw Lecture Theatre at Northumbria University was programmed by Planet Action Street Arts CIO charity 1198746 (for more information: www.planet-action-street-arts.com).

It was generously supported by The Natural History Society of Northumbria (for more information: www.nhsn.org.uk), with a grant from the Community Foundation. It provided a platform for participants to discuss the interconnected issues of biodiversity, community and climate action. An additional value was the opportunity to meet and network with an amazing group of people.

The event was filmed; we look forward to when it is uploaded to https://www.planet-action-street-arts.com/