image credit (Devon Live)

On a brisk Saturday morning, the village of Uffculme transformed into a bustling hub of environmental activism and artistic expression. The Uffculme Green Team, a local environmental group, hosted a community action day on March 23, bringing together residents of all ages to tackle litter and promote sustainability through creative activities.

Jenny Fruitbat, a spokesperson for the Uffculme Green Team, shared her enthusiasm for the day's events, which included a community litter pick and a novel junk art event. "We’ve got our community litter pick going on and a junk art event, which is the first one we’ve ever done," Fruitbat explained. Participants wove shapes out of willow and adorned them with single-use plastics, transforming discarded materials into eye-catching art installations.

The art installations, particularly the woven willow hearts decorated with plastics, aimed to highlight the pervasive issue of single-use plastic pollution. "We’re hoping to get these hearts up around the village with messages about loving a litter-free Uffculme," said Fruitbat. The initiative seeks to encourage residents to reconsider their plastic usage, explore recycling options, and maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings.

This year is particularly significant for the Green Team as it marks its tenth anniversary. Looking forward, Fruitbat revealed plans for a grand celebration on May 11. "We’ll be doing much more junk art, showcasing all our projects. We’ll be having fun, getting outside, doing nature activities, and celebrating what has been achieved in the last ten years," she said.

The Uffculme Green Team's efforts reflect a growing community commitment to environmental stewardship and collective action. As the village prepares for its upcoming celebration, the echoes of change spurred by local initiatives promise a greener, cleaner Uffculme.