Sustainable Overton, a volunteer environmental group from Overton who work to combat climate change, has celebrated its fifth birthday.
In September 2019 Laura Harrison asked Overton Parish Council to declare a climate emergency and since then the volunteer group have launched several initiatives to work towards their aim of Overton village being carbon neutral by 2030.
Chair of the group Laura Harrison said: “I never imagined we would be able to create such a strong positive group of volunteers who have achieved so much already.”
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Basingstoke Green Week team and Laura Harrison, Chair of Sustainable Overton (right) and Sarah Warriss-Simmons (front).- giving people a chance to get involved in fun and practical activities (Image: Sustainable Overton)
Their key objectives are making it simpler for all people to make better choices, sharing ideas and information, working with groups in the community, encouraging a diverse range of people to volunteer and educating people about climate change and the environment.
Laura said: “Sustainable Overton grew out of the idea that Climate Change affects us all, but that we can all play our part in the solution, and that many people doing something small is far more effective than one person trying to do everything”
In 2020 they introduced the Overton Cup, a reusable cup which can be picked up from local businesses and cafes in Overton which you return after use.
After receiving a grant from Hampshire County Council, the group opened the Repair Café in 2022, a monthly mending service where people can bring in broken items which will be fixed by expert volunteers.
In the last 20 months 916kg has been saved from landfill in the 490 hours their volunteers have worked.
To spread the word about sustainability the group has also delivered environmental sessions to the Woman’s Institute, neighbouring green groups, Scouts, Beavers and cubs and work closely with Overton Primary School where they support year 6 eco ambassadors and work with the PTA to reduce single use plastic.
Sustainable Overton also work alongside other local groups including the Eco Church team at St Mary’s Church, Plastic Free Overton and Overton Biodiversity Group.
She said: “We are so much stronger acting together and can share our knowledge and efforts to ensure everyone maximises the impact of their work.”
Sustainable Overton also launched The Nappy Library, now the Basingstoke and Overton Nappy Library, with a Hampshire County Council grant, which is a service which offers new parents the chance to try reusable nappies and rents out reusable nappies for newborns, toddlers and reusable wipes.
Their Environment Team have also agreed with Basingstoke District Borough Council to reduce the mown area on Overton Hill as to increase the wildflowers growing there.
The group acquired the Community Kitchen Garden and have transformed the neglected land behind Red Fort into a pesticide-free vegetable garden which giving Overton residents the opportunity to harvest, learn, volunteer or use it as a peaceful retreat.
Laura said: “Throughout 2025, we will focus on enhancing local biodiversity and encouraging residents to make small, impactful changes in their gardens and neighbourhoods.
“We aim to inspire the community to embrace a reuse, borrow, and repair ethos.”
Earlier this month the group held their first Wassail, a traditional event in which people sing and dance to ensure a bountiful harvest at the Community Orchard on London Road, where they grow native fruit trees.
They are recruiting members for this year to achieve their goals and build on their already successful initiatives.
Laura said: “Whether your passion lies in biodiversity, sustainability, or community engagement, there’s a place for everyone to contribute.
“Join us and make a difference where it counts.”
The group are holding an Overton Hill Conservation Work Party on January 25 and their next Repair Café is at Overton Community Centre on February 1.
For more details see https://www.sustainableoverton.org.uk/