WOODLAND TRUST TO BRING THE CHARTER FOR TREES, WOODS AND PEOPLE TO LIGHTS
With just four weeks until LiGHTS returns to the University of Lincoln, organisers have announced that the event will be giving people a chance to find out about The Charter for Trees, Woods and People, a campaign led by the Woodland Trust
Being held on Friday 29th September, Lincoln: Get Hold of Technology and Science (LiGHTS) is a one-day celebration of the amazing research and development activity taking place at the University.
As well over 50 free activities, featuring robots, scientific experiments, lectures, music and theatre performances and campus tours, LiGHTS will also be the first opportunity for people in Lincoln to talk to the Woodland Trust about its latest initiative: Charter for Trees, Woods and People.
Launching in November 2017, The Tree Charter, aims to secure a brighter future for the nation’s woods and trees, and to protect the rights of UK people to access the many benefits they offer. Based on ten guiding principles for the future of trees and wood, drawn from more than 60,000 stories submitted by the public, the charter will provide guidance and inspiration as to how woodlands can be preserved and increased.
The Trust, concerned that more trees are being cut down than planted, hopes that hundreds of thousands of people will sign the charter.
One of the Tree Charter’s supporters is Carenza Lewis, Professor for the Public Understanding of Research at the University of Lincoln at the University of Lincoln and organiser of LiGHTS. “Being staged for the second year on European Researcher’s Night, LiGHTS is primarily a celebration of technology, science, research, innovation and the effect these have on people’s lives,” she says. “However, science underlies so much of how we live, including how we protect the earth’s resources, so we are only too pleased to add the Charter for Trees, Woods and People to our programme.”
Sarah Rouse, Project Officer for the Woodland Charter at The Woodland Trust says: “With several thousand people of all ages expected at the University of Lincoln on 29th September for LiGHTS, I am looking forward to introducing people to the Tree Charter and explaining how its ten guiding principles will play a significant role in safeguarding the future of our woodlands, not just in Lincolnshire but across the UK.”
LiGHTS, which is supported by the European Commission, features over 50 free activities taking place between 10am and 8pm.
As well as information stands such as the Woodland Trust, LiGHTS features hands-on explorations, interactive sessions, film screenings, lectures and exhibitions.
All of the activities are designed to have a broad appeal from young school children to adults with curious minds or an interest in science and technology and those interested in seeing what happens behind the scenes at the university.
Some of the amazing activities on offer during LiGHTS include:
The Ada Lovelace Exhibition
A celebration of a remarkable lady, whose work in the 19th Century led to her being recognised as the first computer programmer.
Suffragette: Screening & Talk
A film screening of the 2015 film, ‘Suffragette’, including a Q&A session with Professor Krista Cowman who worked as a historical advisor on the film.
Virtual blacksmith forge
Produce real blacksmith artefacts using the latest 3D printer and VR headset technology. An award-winning interactive exhibition, hosted by staff from the School of Computer Science.
Making new substances
A formulation chemistry lecture on how to make new substances including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and ice cream.
Challenge Robots To Noughts & Crosses and Rock, Paper, Scissors
A chance to play children’s games against the University of Lincoln’s robots
Individuals and small groups wanting to attend LiGHTS do not need to book in advance. However, groups over 10 and school teachers wanting to bring their class to LiGHTS should email lights@lincoln.ac.uk or call 01522 837 180 to discuss their requirements with the University of Lincoln LiGHTS coordinator.
