NEW Leaf Alresford has declared its first eco-fair a success.

Despite a rainy start, hundreds of people attended the event, which was held at John Pearson Hall, St John’s Church and was made possible due to a grant from Winchester City Council.

There, they could learn more about saving energy, reducing household waste and protecting local habitats and wildlife.

Hampshire Chronicle: Bike Doctor Phil Butler from Wayfarer Cycle Services offered free bicycle safety check-ups Bike Doctor Phil Butler from Wayfarer Cycle Services offered free bicycle safety check-ups (Image: New Leaf Alresford)READ MORE: 'It was a really enjoyable event': Parish council celebrates eco-fair event

There were a variety of games and quizzes to try, plants from the Hairy Plant Pot Company and plant-based food from Jo’s Plant Kitchen. The Bike Doctor offered free safety checks on children’s bikes.

Meanwhile, stallholders from various local groups including New Alresford Town Trust, Alresford Men’s Shed, Cycle Winchester and WinACC, chatted to people about repair, greener transport and retrofitting.

Audiences listened to a series of talks, on solar panels and heat pumps, protecting our chalk streams, wildlife-friendly gardening and sustainable fashion. Fairgoers were also given free children’s books from The Book Faries, as well as goodies bought from Alton-based refill shop FillUp, newly discovered ‘pre-loved’ jumpers from the Sweater Swap and wildflower seed packets, collected on nature walks and decorated by children from Sun Hill Junior School’s Eco Club.

Hampshire Chronicle: Juggling Jake provided entertainment on the dayJuggling Jake provided entertainment on the day (Image: New Leaf Alresford)SEE ALSO: University academics investigating how Virtual Reality can help emergency responders

Volunteers were key to the success of the event, with local entertainer Juggling Jake bringing fun to the day.

Representatives of Hampshire & IOW Wildlife Trust Watercress & Winterbournes said that “the event provided many opportunities for inspiring and thought-provoking conversations with a wide range of people” and concluded that it “had a real ‘buzz’ of motivation and positivity”.

Find out more about what you can do to help the planet at New Leaf’s website newleafalresford.org.