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The Environment Group started in 2009. Our aim is to understand how earth’s natural systems – for example the oceans, climate, hydrology, soils, biodiversity - operate and how human society has progressivle modified earth’s natural systems, especially over the last century and a half. Specific problems we have looked at, at international, national and local scales, include changing climate, water pollution in our rivers and lakes, renewable energy options, the loss of biodiversity, oceanic circulation and climate, floods and droughts, waste management, food production and farming, and rural and urban planning.

The group has enjoyed talks by experts and field visits as well as open-ended discussions among ourselves. Field visits have included trips to Drumburgh, Thacka Beck and Eycott Hill Nature Reserves, Grizedale Forest's restoration scheme for native woodland, Low Lucken's Organic Resource Centre and the National Trust 'Footprint' which is an educational centre built to show how to reduce energy consumption. We have visited Cragside to see the newly installed Archimedian Screw which generates hydro electricity following Lord Armstrong's early ideas on electrical energy and the Blencathra Field Study Centre to see how they are becoming more sustainable. We also visited the local Linstock Castle Farm Anaerobic digester, Watchtree Nature Reserve, Northumberland National park centre, RSPB Geltsdale, and the River Eden at Wetheral to watch streamflow being measured by the Environment Agency.

We are presently looking at the detailed story of how Cumbria’s natural landscape has evolved from its geological past, the impacts of early and medieval settlers, the destruction of our woodlands for iron and steel making, and the modern state of our natural environment and efforts to protect it. This is being done through a series of Powerpoint presentations and group discussions.

The meetings are informal and we have room for a few more members if anybody wishes to join us. There is ample parking close to the venue.