The Wombles, pioneers of the environmental movement, and Salt and Tar, Bootle’s newest outdoor venue, are teaming up in an exciting new partnership.
From their Wimbledon Common residence, they have travelled both underground and above ground to Bootle Strand, where they are collaborating with Sefton Council to raise awareness of the value of recycling, environmental preservation, and education.
The Wombles are already well-known at Salt and Tar, having contributed to the 2023 Climate Change event in the past. When this becomes their Sefton home in 2024, they will be even more noticeable.
The two organisations will collaborate to organise neighbourhood activities, maintaining strong ties with neighbourhood youth and environmental organisations. The environment and how individuals can make tiny adjustments that have a big impact on their surroundings will be the main topics of discussion.
Additionally, The Wombles will leave their mark on events hosted by Salt and Tar, emphasising that suppliers and event planners should be careful to use less single-use plastic and non-recyclable materials.
Additionally, there will be a stronger emphasis on recycling and minimising visitor littering.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council said:
“As well as being tidy and clean, Wombles are organised and work as a team, which makes them ideal partners for Sefton Council.
“Their dedication to looking after the environment and taking care of the world around us reflects the values we hold dearly in Sefton.
“Our regeneration of Bootle town centre is not only focused on retail and business, but on creating greener, community-based spaces where we can come together and support one another to make an impact on the local area. And Uncle Bulgaria and co can help us achieve that.”
Salt and Tar is the Borough’s newest centre for community and large-scale events, as well as food and drink, and is tucked away between Bootle Strand and the Liverpool-Leeds Canal. A comedy and music weekend was held by Salt and Tar last year, and Sir Tom Jones will perform twice in August this year.
Cllr Atkinson added:
“Even though people don’t notice them and never see, even though under their noses a womble may be, The Wombles are a huge and happy part of many people’s childhood.
“Being able to work closely with such influential figures at Salt and Tar is a fantastic opportunity.
“The Wombles are the perfect role models for this, and I am looking forward to seeing the projects that we are able to work on together.”
Great Uncle Bulgaria from The Wombles said:
“We are delighted to be working with the Sefton Council to promote the positive environmental story behind the Salt and Tar project. We also want to encourage everyone in the area to take a more active role in the conservation, protection and improvement of their local environment.
“Together we can create a wonderful place for humans and Wombles.”
The first environmentalists were The Wombles. Their first television appearance was 50 years ago this year, and since then, their show has grown to become one of the most watched children’s programmes ever. They were definitely ahead of their time because from the start, their adventures involved recycling and reusing the abandoned items left behind by humans.
The Wombles have inspired a new generation with their positive environmental message since emerging from hibernation in 2020. They think that every action can have a positive impact on the world. They were the UK government’s mascots at COP26 and have appeared in campaigns for the Great British Spring Clean, recycling, tree planting, beach cleaning, cutting down on plastic waste, and upcycling.
To find out more about Salt and Tar, and any future events in collaboration with the Wombles, visit their website here.
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