ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners from Ludlow have been supporting two events to highlight the threat to the planet from climate change and over exploitation of resources.

These are part of a national pilgrimage or ‘Camino’ from London to Glasgow, ahead of the opening of COP26 in early November.

On Tuesday, September 14 was a launch event at St Laurence Church in Ludlow. “The Marches Camino: A Pilgrimage For The Planet” is an event to which everyone is welcome no matter how much or little they already understand, to explain about the Climate Crisis, the importance of COP26, and the purposes of the Camino.

Speakers at the launch service, included past President of the Methodist Conference Rev Dr Neil Richardson.

Then on Tuesday, September 15 the Marches Camino started from Castle Square in Ludlow at 9am.

Walkers gathered to set off to Tenbury.

People were invited to join local dignitaries and Faith and green groups for a short ceremony to wave them off on this first leg of an epic journey to Glasgow and COP26.

The purpose of the walk was to build alliances and engage local communities along the route and to spread the word about the urgency of the need for meaningful action to address the global climate and ecological emergency.

Participants could choose to walk all the way over several days, or just for a day or less as they wish, walking about 6 to 12 miles per day.

If supporters did not wish to walk or were unable to do so, they were able to help with the organisation and marshalling.

The conference is Glasgow is being chaired by the UK and will bring together leaders and experts from around the world.

It’s objective is to achieve a common approach to reducing carbon emissions and tackling environmental problems.