A HOMEMADE wooden and metal ark is to be rowed across a treacherous Suffolk river estuary to raise awareness of the worldwide problems of climate change.

A HOMEMADE wooden and metal ark is to be rowed across a treacherous Suffolk river estuary to raise awareness of the worldwide problems of climate change.

Suffolk Coastal MP John Gummer will speak about environmental issues at the event and “King Canute” will show it's not possible to turn back the tide of change without direct action.

Campaigner Neil Winship, who is organising the happening, said it was vital the public got involved with climate change - and is hoping thousands will write letters to Ed Miliband, who is leading the British delegation to the UN conference on climate change.

“Our aim is to publish a booklet giving people advice on a range of ways they can help cut carbon emissions and have an impact on climate change,” said Mr Winship, 68, a retired army officer who lives in Waldringfield.

“We will also be encouraging people to express their views and write letters to Mr Miliband and if we can get several thousand we will put the ark on a trailer, fill it with the letters, and deliver it to his government office.”

Mr Winship built the Suffolk Ark after taking part in a march in London last year organised by Operation Noah.

“It just struck me what a hugely important issue climate change is - even the UK's chief scientist says it is a bigger threat to us than terrorism,” said Mr Winship.

The event will take place at 7pm on Friday August 21 and people are invited to gather on the shingle bank opposite the Martello Tower alongside Felixstowe Ferry golf links to watch the ark being rowed across. Children will be able to float their own model arks and boats on the lagoon, and when the ark lands go inside to see its model animals.

What are you doing to cut carbon emissions? Can we make a difference? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk