Leaside and ecoACTIVE Unite for a Day of Family Fun and Community Sustainability

On Sunday 24th September, our amazing community converged for a truly memorable day of family-oriented excitement and an immersive exploration into sustainability. The stage was set at the "Leaside and ecoACTIVE Together" event, a collaborative effort by ecoACTIVE and The Leaside Trust. The goal? To reconnect our residents with nature and champion sustainable living right here in the heart of Hackney.

As the event unfolded, our friendly entrance volunteers extended warm greetings to everyone, including those serendipitously pedaling by on a leisurely canal-side bike ride. Over 300 local community members graced us with their presence throughout the day. While the event was free of charge, our attendees enthusiastically seized the opportunity to contribute donations, backing our community-driven initiatives.

Overall, the event was a huge success with over 465 people coming through the gate.Some came as an individual, others with friends or family with ages ranging from four months to 84 years! Over 36% of attendees were children and young people, over half of who lived locally which was very encouraging.

The resounding feedback we received from the day left us inspired: "Can we do this more often?" was the chorus.

Adventures on the River Lea

The star attractions of the day were undoubtedly the water-based activities along the serene River Lea. It was heartwarming to see a blend of newcomers and familiar faces. Throughout the afternoon, groups embarked on leisurely canal boat trips aboard our traditional narrowboat, the Martin Sinclair. For many, it marked their inaugural journey on a canal boat.

Adventurers, both young and seasoned, ventured into the world of kayaking and paddleboarding, immersing themselves in the pristine beauty of our riverside location.

ecoActive Discovery

Families with young ones in tow found endless delight at the ecoACTIVE learning stall, featuring mini-beast hunting activities. Meanwhile, the adults delved into an informative exhibit offering insights into reducing their carbon footprint. Our wormeries took centre stage, underlining the importance of composting and curbing organic waste.

Musical Interludes

The vibrant tunes of Flamin Pie permeated the atmosphere, injecting infectious joy into the event. There were even impromptu dance moves from a few attendees (and instructors) on paddle boards, grooving to the music!

Culinary Delights

Food enthusiasts savoured a gastronomic journey at the event, with choices ranging from hands-on food activities and tasting sessions courtesy of Made in Hackney to delightful snacks and refreshing drinks from the kitchen. Harriet's Roving Café tantalised taste buds with delectable treats, while volunteers at the Leaside Stall provided an array of snacks and sandwiches.

A Sea of Bicycles

Our ample cycle storage was pushed to its limits, with cycling being the preferred mode of transportation for most. The London Cycling Campaign was on hand to introduce their latest projects, and local Metropolitan Police officers offered bike security advice and marking services. Attendees also had the opportunity to receive bike maintenance and repairs from Dr. Bike and our exceptional team of mechanics.

Nature at Your Fingertips

The East London Waterworks Park booth displayed scale models of ongoing projects, encouraging participants to contribute their ideas for nature-related activities in the park.

Artistry in Clay

Visitors indulged in creative clay crafting under the guidance of Pip the Potter, fashioning clay tiles adorned with charming bugs, fish, and leaves.

Exploring Nature

The Tree Musketeers led captivating tree walks around Springfield, fostering a deeper connection between attendees and the natural world.

The Springfield Park Rangers orchestrated engaging nature activities that strengthened our bond with the local environment.

Immersive Learning with Now Press Play

Children and even a few adventurous adults immersed themselves in captivating audio experiences, enhancing their learning through the magic of sound, storytelling, and movement. A fortunate few had the chance to explore our brand-new NET-Zero classroom while being enraptured by their audio adventure.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Energy

Syzygy enlightened visitors on the inner workings of solar energy, offering practical examples that demystified this sustainable power source and to provide adults with insights into renewable energy options.

Recycling Wisdom

Visitors received invaluable advice on recycling and repurposing materials, accompanied by informative leaflets and eco-friendly recycling products from the Hackney Recycling Team.

The UK’s first cargo bike share pilot

The Zero Emissions Network also popped along to showcase one of their electric cargo bikes that can be hired in Hackney. Cargo bikes are available for on the spot hire, or reserve in advance.

Cinematic Insights

A curated selection of inspiring sustainability films illuminated the main hall, delivering profound insights into pressing environmental issues.

The Grand Finale

As the sun began its graceful descent towards the horizon, the talented performers from Collectif and then took center stage on their circus canal boat, wowing the crowd with their mesmerising acts. It was a breathtaking finale to an extraordinary day.

Is Hackney on the Verge of Welcoming Its First Female Mayor?

In the spirit of community and sustainability, we were honored to have guests from the Hackney Council at our event. Visitors included Caroline Woodley, Cabinet Member for Families, Parks and Leisure, who is a strong advocate for sustainability in our community. The very next day Cllr. Woodley was confirmed as Labour’s Hackney Mayoral candidate.

Could this be a historic moment for Hackney, with the potential for its first female Mayor in the making? The support and commitment of leaders like Caroline Woodley are certainly promising signs for a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Until next time

The "Leaside and ecoACTIVE Together" event transcended our expectations, serving as a beacon of community unity and a rich source of sustainability education. We joined hands to celebrate the natural world, gain insights into reducing our carbon footprint, and fortify our resolve for a greener, more sustainable future. To all who participated and contributed to this enchanting day of family fun and community-driven sustainability, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.