ONE of the leading names in the ‘Green Movement’ is coming to Tenbury just days after the end of the COP26 conference in Glasgow.

Activists from Tenbury took part in a national campaign in the run-up to the conference and marchers stayed in the town on their way to Glasgow to lobby world leaders.

Baroness Natalie Bennett, a previous leader of the Green Party of England and Wales entered the House of Lords in 2019, where she is a regular speaker, especially on issues affecting the environment.

She will be in Tenbury to talk about land use.

This is especially important in a area like Tenbury and the Teme Valley that is heavily dependent upon agriculture.

Because of this issues like pollution, the methane gases caused by the rearing of farm animals and the use of chemicals and fertilisers in agriculture are high on the agenda.

The area is also facing increasing housing development on green field sites and concerns about how infrastructure and services will be able to cope with the new development.

Tenbury has been at the brunt of what many describe as the impact of climate change with three major floods in just over a decade.

Work is planned to start next year on a flood defence scheme.

John Raine, District councillor and co-Chair of the local Greens, said “This is a topical event about issues close to the heart of those who live in our area. We are all concerned about the environment but also to answer the needs of local farming and rural deprivation.

“Baroness Bennett will be talking with us about how these needs can be balanced and what this could mean for our local community”. He added “We are opening the event to all, as we know this subject will interest many local people beyond our members.”

This free event starts at 1930 on Friday, November 26, in the Pump Rooms. Prior booking is required to ensure space and Covid safety. Book via tinyurl.com/yy4fp7bf or emailing engage@malvernhills.greenparty.org.uk