Harrogate sports clubs' worries over waterlogged pitches inspires new Zero Carbon Harrogate event
The growing threat of waterlogged pitches in the Harrogate has inspired a positive new event by Zero Carbon Harrogate this week.
There are only a few places left for this Wednesday’s The Future of Sports in a Changing Climate session - a sure sign of how worried a wide variety of sporting clubs are of the impact of the changing climate on match cancellations.
The invitation for local sports clubs to come along to Harrogate Cricket Ground for an inspiring evening exploring what can be done together to protect the sports we love had been issued by local charity Zero Carbon Harrogate.
With rising rainfall and flooding forcing local clubs to cancel matches, cope with waterlogged pitches, and manage growing maintenance costs, places have been snapped up.
A spokesperson for Zero Carbon Harrogate said: “We'll be bringing local sport clubs together at the Balcony Sports Bar for a friendly event in which they will share their experiences dealing with increased rainfall, flooding and unpredictable weather; something we know is starting is taking its toll on many venues.
"Many are now facing the challenge of adapting their facilities to a changing climate - or risk losing them altogether.”
Examples of flooding problems for sporting clubs in Harrogate area
Beckwithshaw Cricket Club has launched a Crowdfunder campaign to prevent changing weather patterns ruining approximately 25% of the season.
Harrogate RUFC have launched a a Crowdfunder campaign to improve drainage systems across all four of its pitches at Rudding Lane.
Harrogate MP Tom Gordon has raised the problems of Knaresborough Club's flooded pitch in Parliament.
Zero Carbon Harrogate’s The Future of Sports in a Changing Climate event on April 22 is free to attend, offers free parking and will run from 7pm to 8.30pm.
Attendees will hear directly from speakers representing North Yorkshire Sport, Harrogate Town Football Club, Knaresborough Town Football Club, and Claro Orienteering Club, followed by an open discussion and audience Q&A.
The aim is for people to leave with useful tips and practical information to bring to their own clubs.
Speakers will include: Lynsey Barraclough, Harrogate Town Community Foundation CIO; Ged Maloney, Knaresborough Town Football Club; David Rochester, Claro Orienteering Club, and Garth De Roux, North Yorkshire Sport.
To book a place, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-future-of-sports-in-a-changing-climate-tickets-1986044845596?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
More information at: https://www.zerocarbonharrogate.org.uk/