Worcestershire Gleaning Network Coordinator

The developing gleaning network in Worcestershire is looking for someone willing to act as the County Gleaning Coordinator for the forthcoming season (July – November). The post, which is voluntary, would require from 0.5 days to 2 days per week. It would involve contacting farmers and growers to explain the concept, practicalities and aims of gleaning, along with the benefits and considerations for the farmer. The coordinator would encourage volunteers to sign up to the Worcestershire gleaning network and would organise a number of gleaning days in the next few months.

The coordinator would be supported by a steering group from Growing Worcestershire, Gleaning Network UK and a number of local Gleaning Coordinators.

If you or someone you know would like to find out more about what would be involved in taking on this role, please contact John Rhymer (john.rhymer50@gmail.com or ring 01299 403424)

Please pass on this request to others who you think might consider helping us get started with the Worcestershire Gleaning network.

They would also like to find some District Gleaning Coordinators to build local networks of volunteers, identify farmers and growers who might potentially allow gleaning and support the County Coordinator in organising Gleaning Days.

In the next few weeks it should be possible for Worcestershire volunteers to register on the Gleaning Network UK website.

The Time for LED is now





They contain Mercury.





The do not contain Mercury.







Halogen bulbs






Notes on LED bulbs:



This article first appeared in our March to June 2015 Newsletter and on iccaldwell.com

Question Time: How can we keep our green and pleasant land?

ballot-158828_1280If you’ve ever wondered how to compare parties on their  environmental policies, here are some ideas on question to ask.

Guiding principles

What importance does the party give to environmental issues?


Are any steps being taken to encourage the thrifty use of finite resources?
Is endless growth the only way run an economy?


In what ways are you looking at land use to ensure support for local farming and a sustainable food supply?


How will your party significantly reduce the amount of waste produced through encouraging waste reduction at source?


How will your party reduce society’s dependency on oil?
How can less energy be used?
How will the production of renewable energy be encouraged?
(NB oil and gas are cheap now, but the market is volatile)
How would you run the Green Deal to make it easier to understand?


What policies does your party have improve transport infrastructure and to integrate public transport?


How do tax breaks/subsidies for renewable energy production compare with breaks/subsidies for fracking/conventional energy?


As a high percentage of the UK’s current housing stock is ageing and poorly insulated, would your party introduce a nationwide affordable home insulation programme help reduce fuel poverty?

Rural issues and rural poverty

To what extent does your party recognise rural poverty and how does it perceive its policies may have different impacts town and in the countryside?
(eg bus passes, fuel duty, cavity insulation)

Where to look

Party websites, publications, meetings, canvassers… Good luck!

This article first appeared in our March to June 2015 Newsletter