KEEP IT GREEN! ECO-FRIENDLY EVENTS THIS JANUARY
Feeling ever so slightly guilty about overconsumption at Christmas? Do your carbon footprint a favour and show mother earth some love with these eco-friendly events happening in Surrey this January.
THE MOUNT VOLUNTEERS – WINTER CHALK GRASSLAND CONSERVATION / JANUARY 11 + 31 / THE MOUNT, GUILDFORD
Thinking about going a club? The Mount Volunteers are group of volunteers seeking to help the nature on the Mount in Guildford. This north facing chalk grassland is a rare and highly-biodiverse habitat for plants, insects and birds. Through winter they enhance the site through regular hands-on nature volunteering and, in the summer, run a series of nature education events. Join the on their “digs” this winter and keep things green.
For more, visit zerocarbonguildford.org
BASIC MENDING SKILLS / JANUARY 14 / THE SPRING GROVE, KINGSTON
Could 2026 be the year you finally learn some essential sewing survival skills? Keen to reduce your carbon footprint by learning how to mend your clothes, instead of just adding them to landfill? In this fun and informal workshop, led by professional milliner and seamstress Bee Smith, you’ll be taught how to sew various types of buttons onto clothes, fix torn hems and tears in cotton, hem skirts and trousers using both stitching and Bonda web and also darn holes in jumpers and socks. If you’ve any clothes lying around that need some TLC, why not bring them along and get help mending them during the class?
For more, visit handmadeworkshops.co.uk
PEOPLE, PLANET, PINT / JANUARY 21 + 28 / KINGSTON + HORSHAM
For those keen on cutting down on their carbon footprint in both a professional and personal capacity, get together and chat over nibbles and some of the wet stuff at People, Planet, Pint. Started in Glasgow after COP26, this is an informal meet-up for like-minded folk with a passion for the planet to network and share ideas and practices.
For more, visit small99.co.uk
MACRAME BAG / JANUARY 24 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
In this macramé class, you’ll learn the beautiful art of knotting while creating your own stylish, boho-inspired macramé bag with a stunning pattern. Choose from a variety of handle styles to design the perfect bag to suit your look. Whether you’re looking to reduce your use of plastic bags or simply want a chic accessory that complements any outfit, this macramé bag is a must-have.
For more, visit farnhammaltings.com
THE GREAT SEED SWAP / JANUARY 31 / RHS GARDEN, WISLEY
After last year’s successful inaugural event, join RHS Garden, Wisley for the biggest collection of seeds they’ve ever had in one place! RHS garden collected seed, rare and unusual Plant Heritage seeds, specialist seed from some from various plant societies and hundreds of packets from the RHS Garden plant centre. Visitors can join free talks throughout the day to learn more about the fascinating world of seeds.
For more, visit rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley
REPAIR CAFE
Broken vacuum cleaner? Faulty toaster? Modern conveniences have a habit of failing us, don’t they? Such is the convenient nature of life; sometimes, the easy thing to do is bin it and pick up another one. Avoid landfill and take your broken items to one of the county’s excellent repair cafes, as a team of dedicated volunteers put their experience to the task, and fingers crossed, fix up that favourite electric hand whisk that has seen better days.
For more information, search ‘Repair Cafe Surrey’
