Learn new ways to live sustainably at Darlington Eco-Fair today

SECRETS of bee-keeping, the mysteries of candle-making and tips on upcycling are among dozens of environmentally friendly attractions for visitors at Darlington’s annual Eco-Fair today, (Sat June 7th).

The free event features traders and organisations from across County Durham, Teesdale and North Yorkshire and coincides with the start of national Great Big Green Week.

Organised by Darlington Borough Council, the Eco-Fair will take place in the Market Square and run from 11 am to 3 pm.

Among the exhibitors are Darlington Beekeeping Association and Askews Candles, while making the most of material that might otherwise be discarded are the likes of Litter Bug Crafts, Leah Sophie Designs, Heather and Hawthorn and Pretty and Preloved.

There will be an abundance of environmentally friendly foods on offer, with stalls taken by the likes of The Jamporium, Pure Nougat, Suma Wholefoods, and The Tea Enthusiasts.

Quirky stands include Myriad Stained Glass, Plantopia, Pretty Wild Seeds, Respect Soap and Budget Seeds.

Meanwhile, among the environment organisations represented are the County Durham branch of CPRE, (formerly the Campaign to Protect Rural England), Durham Wildlife Trust, the RSPB and the Tees Rivers Trust.

Other local organisations include the Darlington Credit Union and the Darlington Disability Association.

Andrew Thompson, chair of CPRE Durham, said: “It’s a great event to attend, whether as an exhibitor or a visitor, so I hope we see plenty of people today.

“Our charity is the voice of the countryside, and we enjoyed talking to people last year about the way we seek to protect our beautiful green spaces and inviting them to get involved.”

The Eco-Fair starts the same day as Great Big Green Week ,the UK’s biggest celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature, which this year runs from June 7th-15th.

During the week, communities, schools, businesses and organisations join together in a wave of support across the country for action to protect the planet.