The Great Big Green Week – together for good

Great Big Green Week - Riverfly Survey

The Great Big Green Week (GBGW) is a UK-wide celebration of community action tackling climate change and protecting nature.

Last year, 1.2 million people took part, and this year’s GBGW, running from 6-14 June, promises to be bigger and better than ever.

There’s plenty going on in Berkhamsted and the surrounding area. Previous GBGWs have featured nature hunts, fireside stories, film screenings, arts and crafts fairs, and live music recitals accompanied by birdsong. If you’d like to get involved in planning this year’s activities, head to the Bull on 17 March at 7pm.

GBGW was first held in 2021 and is organised by The Climate Coalition, a group of more than 100 organisations including the National Trust, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and Women’s Institute. This year’s theme is Together for Good, with the emphasis on encouraging ‘swaps’ that benefit both the planet and the local community.

John Bell, chair of EcoBerko, said: ‘By showing the level of public support for climate action and by showcasing solutions such as reducing waste, restoring biodiversity and transitioning to renewable energy, GBGW wants to send a clear message that the UK is ready to ‘swap old ways for better ways  – now’.

Details at greatbiggreenweek.com or email john.bell@ecoberko.uk.

EcoBerko

John Bell, chair, EcoBerko, explains more about the local eco group.

What is EcoBerko?

EcoBerko is a non-profit voluntary organisation that aims to help nature and reduce emissions in Berkhamsted, Northchurch and the surrounding area.

What have you achieved so far?

Getting solar panels on the Ashlyns School sports hall; saving huge amounts of rubbish from landfill; powering refrigeration with an EV battery for Berko Beer Fest; attracting high-profile speakers to the Ashlyns Lectures series – and much more.

How can people get involved?

If you feel that changing lightbulbs and doing recycling isn’t enough, let’s work together as a community and deal with what we can control.

What are you looking forward to in 2026?

There’s the Neighbourhood Plan, which lets the town have their say about where and how developments happen – EcoBerko is part of the steering group; the habitats group will be mapping wildlife corridors; the energy team will help people reduce their bills; and we’re trying to get planning permission to create a community garden on the unused tarmac between St Mary’s School and High Street.

Find out how to get involved at ecoberko.uk.