Local Links

"Our work covers:

- Local food, transport, energy, and waste minimisation activities

- Community engagement & consultation

- Training and facilitation

- Event management

EcoLocal is based in Sutton in south London. Our projects and services are designed to engage, and be accessible to, local communities. We are keen to develop links with statutory organisations and others in the region working toward low carbon and sustainable communities.

EcoLocal recognises that there is not a single “community”, but a diverse range of local communities. We reflect this in our approach. We have developed and piloted a range of tools and services covering environmental information, training, practical support, and neighbourhood engagement and social networking on energy, local food, transport, waste and recycling solutions. http://www.thecei.org.uk/project-detail.php?id=65

This is a local cinema run by volunteers. I'm that old but I remember going to the cinema and there being an intermission where someone comes down to the front selling ice creams. They do that here and sell cups of tea.

Its part of th Methodist church so the films seem to often have a religious theme but they have some good films on. More importantly, its a local community thing so its non profit. http://www.carshalton-methodist.org.uk/cinema-on-your-doorstep/

Sutton’s first community farm has started and we need your help! The farm provides a shared growing space for the local community to grow fruit and vegetables on a large scale, with a range of other activities and events.

The first monthly activity day at the farm will start on Saturday 27th February from 10-3pm.

We also need seeds and equipment so if you have any old spades gathering dust in your shed please drop us a line. http://www.suttoncommunityfarm.org.uk/

This is Sutton's first community pub.

Pubs up and down the country are slowly closing down or being turned into large soulless chain pubs, so what's better than a real pub selling real ales, served by nice helpful staff and a warm welcoming atmosphere? http://hopecarshalton.co.uk/

"The award-winning Carshalton Lavender project has revived the once famous lavender fields of the Carshalton area of London, the “lavender capital of the world”..

Three acres of disused allotments have been transformed into lavender pastures in the London Borough of Sutton. The changes at the site, which was formerly subject to fly tipping, were originally initiated by environmental organisation, BioRegional Development Group, with help from a partnership of other organisations and volunteers. They all collaborated towards the regeneration of the environment and community..

The lavender project has its roots in a long-term collaboration with local prison HMP Downview. Cuttings of the traditional varieties of the area were collected from the public and grown in an ambitious horticulture project within the prison, providing prisoners with useful skills. Once ready for planting, after two or three years, prisoners on day-release helped BioRegional staff clear and plant up disused allotments." http://www.carshaltonlavender.org/

Part of Ecolocal but deserves its own link as this is a great local event with lots of great bands, stalls and alcohol :) http://www.ecolocal.org.uk/event-detail.php?id=28

"Across the world there are traditions of creating a figure from the last cuts of the grain harvest. Wolves, Bears and Men are the most common, sometimes they are beaten out of the village, sometimes thrown into water, and sometimes burnt.
Here in Carshalton we decided to make a Straw Man or 'Jack' and burn him at the end of his travels. He is accompanied by Musicians, Drummers, Characters and Sweepers. " http://www.strawjack.co.uk/

"The grounds are an excellent place for a stroll, or to find out about wildlife habitats, composting, organic and wildlife gardening.

The grounds are open to the public from 10.00 am till dusk every day of the week, all year round.

Access for people with mobility disabilities:

The grounds are wheelchair accessible and there are numerous seats. There is a multi-access toilet in the grounds and another in the Old Rectory." http://www.sutton.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1658

Sutton foodbank gives free emergency food to people in crisis. We continue to provide help and support until the appropriate agencies can step in. This project saves and changes lives. http://www.suttonfoodbank.org.uk/

"A fascinating variety of habitats can be seen in this site, ranging from ponds and wetlands, to woods and wildflower meadows. " http://lwt.elmbrook.eu/NatureReserves/WildernessIsland/tabid/146/Default.aspx

"For over forty years the Carshalton Society has actively campaigned to preserve and improve the amenities of Carshalton, by protecting its open spaces from encroachment, by combating attempts to increase the capacity of its roads, and by encouraging good architecture.."

The Society also organises the Carshalton Charter Fair, held in September... The first fair dates back to 1259 in 'Kersaulton' as it was then known. The Society has resurrected the idea and held successful events since 1983. http://www.carshaltonsociety.org/

An independent registered charity
whose aim is to promote the arts in
the London Borough of Sutton. http://suttonartscouncil.org/

This link is for the Carshalton Arts group. It provides info on arts events at All Saints Church including Open Weekends in which you can look round the church which is stunning and everyone that wanders is who is local tends to regret not going to see it earlier.. http://www.carshalton-arts.org/index.php