VILLAGERS in Neston are being urged to take action on climate change and its impact on the world’s environment.

The call comes from the parochial church councillors at the St Philip & St James Church who have organised a programme of activities as part of the national response to the climate emergency.

They are being held as part of the national Great Big Green Week, which is being held from September 18-26.

Charles Todd, of St Philip & St James Church PCC, said: “The activities here in Neston are supported by over 27 households, the village school, brownies, guides, rainbows, cubs and many individuals.

“The Church of England has recognised the climate emergency and intends to be carbon neutral in all its operations by 2045, five years before the UK government’s intended target date.

“The church of St Philip & St James is considering all options in order to cut its own carbon footprint in relation to all its functions.”

The activities include a Neston COP26 Safari trail which takes people on a route around Neston in search of information cards highlighting the challenges species face to adapt and cope as temperatures rise across the globe.

A community art installation - a butterfly wall - has been attached to the church wall facing Church Rise where residents can pin an oversized butterfly made from weather resistant recyclable materials to celebrate the beauty and importance of insects in the natural world.

In addition, a COP26 letterbox has been set up in the churchyard, where residents can post their messages to the COP26 delegates telling them what they think should be done to address the dangers of climate change.

Mr Todd said: “The messages will be sent to the conference members so they have time to read them before they start their debates.”

Residents are also being asked to create a Neston Rainforest around the village by hanging green ribbon bunting around the front of their house/garage or front garden and, if they wish, hang appropriate animal cuddly toys amongst the ribbons for a ‘wild’ effect.

A public meeting will be held in the church on Thursday, September 23 at 7pm with a professional climate change advisor informing the audience about the issues created by climate change and how we need to address them. The talk will be followed by a Q&A session.

Lastly, a service of celebration and thanksgiving for planet Earth and prayers for its protection, regeneration and its future security is being held in the church at 10am on Sunday, October 10.