​Warwick District residents have been chosen as the first in the County to recycle plastic bags and wrapping along with their usual recycling at the kerbside.
Plastics such as plastic bags, confectionary wrappers, foil lined packaging, plastic film, bubble wrap, food wrapping, fruit and vegetable net bags and more can now be placed in the blue lidded recycling bin (or red box/bag) for fortnightly collection. The plastic must be empty and clean, free from food residue and other contaminants.

A full list of what flexible plastics can be recycled in your blue lid bin is available at the Sherbourne Recycling website.
​

Dozens of buildings in our district, some of which are not normally accessible to the public will be opening their doors for free next month for Heritage Open Days.
Running from 6 to 15 September, Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture and over the ten days there will be over forty local venues taking part.
During the festival visitors will get a chance to visit the oldest tennis club in the world, the church where JRR Tolkien was married, the ancient location where Guy of Warwick lived and died as a hermit or a historical site dating back to the Knight’s Templars. There is also the opportunity to join a variety of themed guided walks around Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth.
Many of the district’s churches will also be open with volunteers on hand to show visitors around their stunning interiors designed by the leading architects and artists of the day. Other local attractions including the Lord Leycester, Packwood House, Baddesley Clinton, Hill Close Gardens and Bagot’s Castle will be offering free admission at limited times.
Amongst the venues taking part is the Collegiate Church of St Mary in Warwick, who will be offering visitors the chance to tour the tower and see the Victorian ringing room and bells for the first time in two years following its closure for a £multi-million restoration.

A guide listing all the venues taking part and opening times is available from libraries and visitor information centres. Further information is available on the Heritage Open Days and Warwick District Council websites.

The A429 Kenilworth Road will be closed at various times during the next couple of months as part of the ongoing construction to complete the new overbridge on the A429 Kenilworth Road.

Phase one: Monday 16 September – Friday 27 September
Stop-go boards will be operated as required during off peak hours between 9.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday only.
HS2 will be undertaking further surveys and verge maintenance.

Phase two: Monday 30 September – Friday 25 October
A 24/7 full road closure of A429 Kenilworth Road will be in place for four weeks. A fully signposted diversion will be in place.
HS2 will be undertaking the relocation of utilities to the new road alignment and completing earthworks to build the embankments.
Access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained.

Phase three: Early 2025
HS2 will install another full road closure to complete the permanent road realignment. Details will be shared early next year.

HS2 are holding a community drop-in event in Kenilworth on Tuesday 24 September to find out more about the A429 and next phase of A46 works.

A fully signposted diversion route will remain throughout the closures (diversion route below), access for properties, pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained.

Photography enthusiasts and those with a keen eye for nature are encouraged to take part in Warwick District Council’s new biodiversity photography competition, for the chance to win a £100 voucher.
The competition runs for 8 weeks from Friday 12 July to Sunday 8 September 2024, which includes the school summer holidays. There are two categories: one for those aged 17 and under, and those aged 18+. One winner from each category will receive a £100 One4all high street voucher.
Whether you are a seasoned photographer or simply enjoy snapping pictures on your phone whilst out and about in Warwick District, WDC welcome you to submit your best shot that captures the theme of 'bright, beautiful, great and small’. Some examples could include:
• Flower rich grasslands
• Woodlands and parks
• Birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and insects
• Hedgerows
• Rivers, wetlands, and ponds
To enter, visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk/biodiversitycompetition​

The Government has asked Warwickshire County Council to prepare a Warwickshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy. This strategy is to be produced by taking the views from all those that benefit from or impact on nature. That is every business, every organisation and every resident.

Through a detailed habitat mapping initiative across Warwickshire, we have identified existing valuable ecological areas and locations with potential for biodiversity enhancement. This aligns with the vision of Lawton's "Making Space for Nature" report, which calls for the creation of  'more, bigger, better and connected' wild spaces.  To explore this initiative further, a dedicated map is available by clicking on this link (map will open in a new window). This map not only shows existing designated areas like Local Wildlife Sites but also identifies potential areas for enhancing connectivity between these crucial habitats.

​When we asked people about our Sustainable Future Strategy, biodiversity was the top concern, with 90% of respondents indicating that "Improving the richness and diversity of Warwickshire's habitats, wildlife and landscapes" is very important or important to them.
This survey is your chance to share your thoughts and ideas more specifically as we develop a Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Please share your views on how we can best protect and improve Warwickshire's natural environment.

How to take part
There are several ways you can share your thoughts on the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, whether you prefer to participate individually or as part of a group:

Online Survey: Take our online survey by clicking the link here. It's the quickest and easiest way to contribute your ideas.

Paper Survey: If you prefer a paper copy or need a specific format or language, you can request this by via email ([email protected]) or telephone (01926 418060).
​
Written Response: Please send your response directly in writing by email to [email protected] or by post to: 
Hattie Fuller
Warwickshire County Council
Shire Hall post room
Rear of Shire Hall
Northgate Street
Warwick
CV34 4RL