| Source GCC It’s Bees’ Needs week! 🐝 Bees, and other pollinating insects, are vital to our ecosystems and food production. Bees’ Needs Week is an annual campaign, organised by a range of conservation groups, businesses and charities.The aim of the week is: to raise awareness of the importance of bees and other pollinators share ideas, actions and activities that highlight the ways in which everyone can help them thrive If you have any inspiring stories or pictures about how you help pollinators, we would love to find out more! Email us at glosclimate@gloucestershire.gov.uk 5 ways you can help pollinators 👇 🌸Grow more nectar rich flowers, shrubs and trees. Using window or balcony boxes are good options if you don’t have a garden. 🦗Let patches of land grow wild. 🌾Cut grass less often. 🐝Do not disturb insect nests and hibernation spots. ❗Think carefully about whether to use pesticides. You can also download this wild bee action pack from The Wildlife Trust to give you information, tips and ideas on how to make a pollinator friendly garden 💛  Second hand September challenge 🤗 This summer, the second hand September challenge makes its exciting return to Gloucester! From now through to 24 August 2025, you can explore the city’s fantastic charity shops, collect a stamp on a loyalty card, and be entered into a prize draw for Gloucester Gift Cards. There are six prizes to be won! How it works: Pick up a free stamp card with any purchase at a participating charity shop. Make six purchases across at least three different city-centre charity shops. Submit your completed card before 24 August 2025 for a chance to win Gloucester Gift Cards. Keep going – if you complete a loyalty card, start another for even more chances to win! Charity shops feature goods ranging from vintage fashion to homewares, all while supporting vital causes. Why is buying second hand supporting climate change action? Producing clothes uses a lot of natural resources and creates greenhouse gas emissions which are responsible for climate change. Overall, the fashion industry is responsible for 8-10% of global green house gas emissions – more than the aviation and shipping combined. By supporting second hand, you’re reducing the demand for new clothing, preventing clothes from being wasted and it can save you money too! 🤗  |