Launton Environmental Group

This group came about as a result of a questionnaire in the Launton Village Appraisal, which took place in May 1992.
The group when first formulated was called Launton Environmental Watch. This unstructured group was lead by Barry Johns. The main focus in these early days was the maintenance of our public footpaths.
In 1994 Mr. Johns moved from the village and the Group was restructured under the leadership of Pat Mitchell. She added more structure to the group by formulating a working committee. Members of that founding committee were Pat Mitchell Chairman. Ed Hamill, Treasurer. Pat Rushton, Secretary. Maureen Roberts, Membership Secretary. Mary Brydon, Recycling Coordinator. Daphne Bellman, Researcher. Audrey Peacock, Refreshment Coordinator. All the above, with the exception of Pat Mitchell and Pat Rushton are still active working members of the Group. She also changed the name of the Group to “Launton Environmental Group”. “LEG” for short.
In 1995, The Group spearheaded a campaign to win for Launton the title of “Most Energy Efficient Village in Oxfordshire”. The £3000 prize was spent on energy improving measures on public buildings throughout the Village. We repeated this honour in 1996. The £6000 prize money became seed money for the purchasing of the field which has become “Island Pond Wood”.
We were instrumental in making the woodland a reality and continue to this day to oversee the development of this village amenity.
The group continues to be active environmentally in many other areas as well. The goals of the group are:
To increase our knowledge of the natural wonders around us.
To encourage this knowledge and appreciation in others.
To do what we can to protect and enhance our Environment.