UDC Housing Services

16/06/2026

🌿 That’s a wrap on the Uttlesford Big Green Festival 2026! 💚

What an incredible 10 days it’s been - almost 50 inspiring events, brilliant ideas and passionate people all coming together to make a difference. From workshops and talks to hands‑on activities across the district, this year’s festival showed just how powerful our community can be when we work together to protect our environment.

A huge thank you to every host, organiser and attendee who made it happen - you brought the festival to life!

The festival may be over, but the momentum continues…

https://orlo.uk/N0oBc

Let’s keep the conversations going and the action growing. 🌱✨

Sustainable Uttlesford

Listen to Neil Reeve's summary of the Uttlesford Big Green Festival

16/06/2026

🌿 A Big Green Festival Weekend Across Uttlesford!

Friday’s Imaginarium kicked off the festival’s final weekend with live music, powerful ideas and thought‑provoking discussion led by artists, young voices and leading thinkers. Many left inspired by how storytelling, culture and heritage can spark wider climate action across our communities and landscapes.

🛠️ Repair cafés in Berden and Radwinter kept much‑loved items out of landfill, while refill shops in Radwinter, Thaxted and Stansted offered great discounts on zero‑waste shopping.

🔆 In Stansted, Peacock Community Energy hosted a full day of expert demonstrations on solar panels, heat pumps and the importance of insulation to cut energy use and household bills.

🦋 Nature lovers explored wildlife sites across Seward’s End, Little Sampford, Littlebury, Great Chesterford and Little Walden — and more than 15 young adults took part in a full‑day wildlife ID field course at Pounce Hall, Saffron Walden.

🎨 Creativity also had its moment. In Thaxted, a local artist’s sculptures invited visitors to see the climate and biodiversity crisis from a new angle, while an open wildlife garden in Saffron Walden offered live music in peaceful, green surroundings.

💚 A brilliant weekend of community action, creativity and climate inspiration across Uttlesford.

16/06/2026

The Learning Disability Festival — a West Essex‑wide celebration marking Learning Disability Awareness Week will be held on 19 June at Harlow Rugby Club, from 11am to 3pm..

Over 40 organisations will be there with activities, performances and information to support people with a learning disability and those who work alongside them.

A day to celebrate strengths, share ideas and connect.

15/06/2026

This week’s waste collections, starting tomorrow, will be for your green-lidded recycling bin and brown kitchen caddy.

Further information on waste and recycling in the district can be found on our website: https://orlo.uk/xVEyn

12/06/2026

🌿 A Fantastic Week - And a Big Green Weekend Still to Come! 💚

It’s been an incredible week of community climate action across Uttlesford as the Big Green Festival has brought people together for nature, creativity, learning and low‑carbon living.

And the good news is… there’s still plenty happening this weekend!

Here’s what’s coming up:
🌳 Nature Reserve Open Day — explore local wildlife, meet volunteers and enjoy guided walks
🌼 Community Orchard Activities — family‑friendly fun among the fruit trees
🐦 Open Wildlife Garden — discover how to make your own garden a haven for nature
🌱 Natural Burial Ground Open Day — peaceful tours and insights into sustainable resting places
🐞 Family Nature Day — crafts, wildlife spotting and outdoor play
💡 Energy Saving Showcase — practical tips, demos and expert advice

Running until 14 June, there’s still so much to enjoy.

📅 Full programme: https://orlo.uk/mBBXt

💚 Let’s make the final weekend count.

12/06/2026

Uttlesford Big Green Festival Spotlight: 🔌 ‘Cut Your Energy Bills’ -

If you only make it to one event this weekend, make it this one. The ‘Cut Your Energy Bills’ session in Stansted brings together real‑life examples, expert guidance and simple steps you can take right now to reduce your home energy use - and your bills.

Expect:
Clear, practical advice on low‑carbon heating
Real stories from local residents
Tips that work for all home types
Friendly experts ready to answer your questions
A brilliant chance to learn how small changes can make a big difference.

When: Saturday, June 13 10.30 am to 3.30 pm
Where: St Theresa's Catholic Church High Lane, Stansted Mountfitchet Essex CM24 8LQ

The Big Green Festival is running until 14 June, there’s still so much to enjoy.

📅 Full programme: https://orlo.uk/qaGkj

💚 Let’s make the final weekend count.

12/06/2026

🌼 Let It Bloom June 🌼

Good for your garden 🌱

Great for everyone 💚

This June, our Waste & Recycling team is encouraging residents to compost at home and let nature thrive by letting your garden grow. Turning food and garden waste into compost helps feed your soil, support pollinators 🐝🦋 and reduce waste collected ♻️

Small actions at home can make a big difference — for your garden and the environment 🌍

📸 Share how you’re supporting nature this June!

11/06/2026

Looking forward to seeing you at 🐧🌊 Penguins, Whales & Icebergs - Tonight at Saffron Walden Town Hall!

Edward spent January this year sailing in the Antarctic peninsula, enjoying close encounters with whales, observing the hilarious antics of penguins and kayaking amongst beautiful icebergs, all captured in photos and film clips. It is the most astounding place: a vision of what the planet looks like when nature is left alone!

Edward spent January this year sailing in the Antarctic peninsula, ...

11/06/2026

Great to see the first of three events exploring the real-life benefits of low-carbon heating as part of the Uttlesford Big Green Festival!

A brilliant start yesterday (10 June), with David Thomas from Elsenham Bowls & Social Club sharing how solar PV and air source heat pumps are helping cut both the club’s bills and carbon.

More sessions coming up:
• Friday 12 June, 5pm
• Sunday 14 June, 2pm

Why not pop along, have a go at bowls, and check out the clubhouse bar!

These events are part of the Uttlesford Big Green Festival – with plenty more happening over the next few days.

https://orlo.uk/OvrP7

Sustainable Uttlesford
Elsenham Bowls and Social Club

Great to see the first of three events exploring the real-life bene...