Speaking at Bulphan Women's Institute on climate change

It was great to be invited to visit Bulphan Women's Institute for its recent Green Hearts event, raising awareness about climate change.

Speaking at Bulphan Women's Institute's Green Hearts event

Needless to say it is an extremely important issue and we can always do more to help tackle threats to the environment. It is topical too: the Prime Minister, Theresa May, announced in September that the government has begun the domestic process for ratifying the landmark Paris Climate Agreement before the next United Nations climate talks.

I enjoyed seeing so many people, both old and young, engaging with environmental concerns and coming together as a local community.

Stephen Metcalfe MP visits Woodland Warriors

Stephen Metcalfe, Member of Parliament for South Basildon & East Thurrock, recently visited Woodland Warriors, an outdoor programme that teaches young children basic skills through play.

Stephen receiving 'carbon footprints' from
Tiffany Belford-Fry and the Woodland Warriors.

Woodland Warriors, based in Wat Tyler Country Park, helps local children to become more self-confident and to care about the environment, while encouraging them to try cooking, whittling, den-building, and mini-beast hunting.

Mr Metcalfe said: "It was great to visit Woodland Warriors and see the amazing work that they do with local children and to be presented with the childrens' thoughts on how they can help the environment, written on their own cut-out 'carbon footprints'.

"I was very impressed by the dedicated and friendly staff at Woodland Warriors and also by the children, who enjoyed a fantastic opportunity to learn about the environment."

He added: "It is crucial that the next generation grows up with good environmental awareness, as protecting the planet must be a key priority now and in the years ahead."

Stephen displaying the childrens' thoughts on
the environment in Westminster Hall.