Local residents were not the only beneficiaries of Sustainable St Albans Week, as popular green spaces also received some extra attention.

More than 100 events were organised in connection with the themed week which ran from November 19-26, with over 1,800 people taking part in activities relating to environmental sustainability.

St Albans Verulamium Rotary Club partnered up with Earthworks and residents to plant 5,000 crocuses in Verulamium Park – also the scene of a community litter pick.

Green was the theme, too, over in Sandridge, where at Heartwood Forest representatives of the Woodland Trust planted trees alongside residents in the UK’s newest forest.

The St Albans Sub-Aqua Club put on a film for divers about sharks, and walkers were invited to a guided stroll along the Alban Way, run by the Countryside Management Service.

Churches also showed their support, with St Paul’s Church in Blandford Road, St Albans, hosting 104 people during a vegetarian supper and talk by Steve Hughes, from the environmental Christian charity, A Rocha UK.

St Luke’s Church in Cell Barnes Lane, meanwhile, organised a sustainable café at its Christmas fair, which was enjoyed by 70 visitors. There were 10 events put on by local faith groups, including a home produce sale organised by St Albans Quakers.

Local businesses also took part, with special offers available throughout the week, allowing residents to save money on everything from beer and coffee, to pharmacy items, and even fish and chips at Godfrey’s in Harpenden.

The St Albans branch of the RSPB catered for youngsters by encouraging them to make garden bird feeders, for feathered visitors.

Schools and youth groups, including Cubs and Guides, ran activities engaging children on environmental issues, including the production of food.

St Albans district council’s trip to the Agrivert composting site was fully booked, and was so successful there are plans to repeat the tour.

One participant, Liz Sefton, reflected afterwards: “It was so sad to see the amount of plastic bags and all sorts of other foreign bodies that contaminate the compost. We saw masses of plastic plus all sorts of other non-compostable items such as DIY stuff, shoes and even old shirts.”

Local green thumbs attended a wildlife garden event put on by the RSPB, and a poetry recital about butterflies, presented by Dr Richard Harrington who headed the Rothamsted insect survey, was organised by charity group, Save Butterfly World.

Catherine Ross, chairwoman of Sustainable St Albans Week, said she was pleased it was “so successful, and I want to thank all organisers of the events for doing such a great job”.