Saving the planet, one Big Lunch at a time!

Forming the Eco Gang

With climate change an increasing concern for the community, co-organiser Scott used the neighbourly connections formed through The Big Lunch to rally a group of young people aged between 6 and 18, all keen to work together on local eco-friendly initiatives. The Eco Gang was born, and since then, the group has been hard at work on a range of projects, from running litter picking events and plant swap shops, to working with the RSPB to conserve a nearby lapwing habitat. 

In 2021, The Big Lunch marked a chance for the whole community to get together after a difficult 18 months. With 15 year old Freya, the Eco Gang’s resident filmmaker, at the helm, the event saw people sharing food, chatting and enjoying entertainment including a stall selling the Eco Gang’s handmade clay jewellery and painted pebbles – with proceeds split between charity and funding for the group’s next green ventures.    

Tirion, 12 is one of the Eco Gang’s 20 members, and joined the group after moving to Warton. She said, “When I was little I loved nature and when I heard about global warming I felt so sad. My favourite thing about being in the Eco Gang is that it feels amazing to feel like you’re making a difference.” 

This year, the Eco-Gang held one of their best Big Lunches yet, with torrential downpours all afternoon failing to dampen enthusiasm and community spirit! One member, Oscar, saved the day by liaising with a local scout leader to borrow a gazebo, which along with a garage, kept all 40 attendees dry. With a new family on the street to welcome, friendships were formed and best of all, over £100 was raised through stalls and donations for the Eco-Gang’s charity of choice, the East African Famine Appeal.