NEWS
CANTERBURY LISTED AS ONE OF BRITAIN ’ S TOP 10 PLACES DRIVING POSITIVE CHANGE
The city of Canterbury has been highlighted as one of the top 10 places in Britain to drive positive change in 2022 .
On-line news publication , Positive News , praised the city for the efforts being made in the area to combat the climate and biodiversity crises . in particular , highlighting the efforts of Kent Wildlife Trust and Wildwood Trust and their work in implementing the Wilder Blean Project , a wilding initiative involving the release of wild bison into West Blean and Thornden Woods .
Three members of the herd were released into the Blean in July last year , and immediately begun transforming the landscape around them , creating corridors through the woodland and bringing light and life to areas that had previously been thrown into shade . Through their natural behaviours the bison helped to create habitats and encourage wildlife to thrive that had struggled previously .
In November , the nation welcomed the news of the surprise arrival of a bison calf , the first free-roaming to be born in the UK in thousands of years , while in December , the Wilder Blean Team rejoiced at the arrival of the final member of the herd ( for now ); a bull from Germany .
Dan Watkins , lead councillor for Climate Change at Canterbury City Council said : “ This ground-breaking project is rightly receiving international attention , as a blueprint for tackling the climate and nature crises which can be replicated elsewhere in Kent , across the UK and globally . Wilder Blean will also create new jobs in the growing industry of eco-tourism , complementing the many fantastic seaside resorts we have locally . As such , the council is giving the project its full backing and look forward to seeing it expand in the years to come .”
JOHNBOY SMITH
WE ARE BEAMS WELCOMES NEW PATRONS
DAVID RIBI AND WE ARE BEAMS HEAD OF CHARITY KATRINA ADAMS
In a double boost for Hextable-based disabled children ’ s charity , We Are Beams , British Paralympian and wheelchair racer JohnBoy Smith and actor and television presenter David Ribi have become new patrons .
Both will be great assets to the charity having real life experience of both disability and special education needs and their enthusiasm and energy will not only help to raise awareness but also drive forward the future plans for the charity .
JohnBoy was just 16 when he was shot in the spine in a tragic case of mistaken identity which resulted in paralysis . He has shown great courage in the face of adversity and proved that anything is possible taking up wheelchair racing and winning gold and silver medals in the Commonwealth Games and representing Team GB in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games .
JohnBoy is a fantastic role model for the disabled children and young people at Beams and says of his involvement : “ Beams is an absolutely fantastic charity and I am honoured to join as a patron and really looking forward to using my knowledge and experience of disability to support the charity and the children and young people that access the vital services .”
David Ribi is best known for presenting the UK ’ s number one kids TV show Milkshake ! but also has featured in many West End theatre shows and is a keen singer and songwriter .
We Are Beams has been providing care and support to disabled children , young people and their families for over 26 years with a menu of services to support the whole family . It needs to raise £ 2 million a year in order to provide care to over 450 families with disabled and young people in Kent and Medway . For more information about We Are Beams please visit www . wearebeams . org . uk .
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