Member Article

Eco loo-gical support at Gosforth Nature Reserve

Children at the West End Youth Enquiry Service in Newcastle officially opened a new eco-toilet on a visit to a local nature reserve.

The toilet was installed at Gosforth Park Nature Reserve by the Natural History Society of Northumbria following an award of £6,660 from the Local Environmental Action Fund. The eco-toilet does not use any water, electricity or chemicals and turns the waste into useable compost. It uses the wind and heat from the sun to drive the composting process.

James Littlewood, Director of the Natural History Society of Northumbria, which manages the nature reserve said:

“We needed a toilet for visiting schools and youth groups but one that was suitable for the middle of a nature reserve. The eco-loo is perfect and it will also help visitors to learn about water conservation. The average person uses 5 buckets of water a day flushing a conventional toilet.”

Katie Wellstead, Principal Advisor for Environment at the Community Foundation said:

“We are delighted to support the new waterless eco-toilet at Gosforth Park Nature Reserve. Without any toilet facilities, this was a significant barrier for schools wishing to visit the reserve for educational studies, as well as other visitors. Whilst this has many practical benefits it will also form part of the educational offer to visiting schools, enabling young people to learn about environmental issues such as water, energy and waste conservation as well as some of the technological solutions.”

The project has been made possible by funding from the Local Environment Action Fund (LEAF). LEAF is a collaborative Fund which allows donors to pool resources and make a bigger impact at a local level. Current funding partners include the Shears Foundation, Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, and Greggs Foundation, as well as individual and corporate donors. The Fund is hosted by the Community Foundation.

The project was also supported by Parklands Ward Councillors at Newcastle City Council and donations from the Society’s members.

For more information about the Local Environmental Action Fund visit http://www.communityfoundation.org.uk/funds/local-environmental-action

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Adam Lopardo .