ENVIRONMENTAL enthusiasts descended on Chantry Park to demonstrate the benefits of green living.Representatives from the Ipswich Real Nappy Network, Ipswich Borough Council and the Suffolk Scrap Store were among those providing demonstrations and advice for the people of Ipswich.

ENVIRONMENTAL enthusiasts descended on Chantry Park to demonstrate the benefits of green living.

Representatives from the Ipswich Real Nappy Network, Ipswich Borough Council and the Suffolk Scrap Store were among those providing demonstrations and advice for the people of Ipswich.

Park ranger and organiser of the event Fiona Scully said: "The aim of the day was basically to provide a social event for the people in and around Ipswich and provide them with information from local environmental groups.

"People could take part in competitions and raffles, walk around and see groups and hopefully learn to make Ipswich healthier and greener."

Displays focused on recycling goods, reusing scrap material and using renewable energy.

Notices were posted through nature trails to advise walkers on the benefits of plants, including those perceived as weed.

And at the end of the trail was the grandest display of the day – a catapult set up to fire sponge bombs at a coracle on Ellenbrook Lake.

Jonathon Tyler from Suffolk Wildlife Trust said: "The aim of this is just to have fun with nature. All of the material used, with the exception of the sponge balls, is natural and locally sourced from Spring Wood."

Coracle maker, Gerry Donlon added: "We have made this from natural material, from bull skin – the bull was a pet which died.

"This shows what can be done with water. These were used and still can be used on water."

Despite the entertainment on the lake, the biggest surprise of the day came at the Real Nappy Network stand where mayor, Penny Breakwell, presented chairman Rachel Turner with an unsung hero award.

Mrs Turner said: "I feel overwhelmed, this really is totally unexpected.

"The Ipswich Real Nappy Network has been going for about 18 months now and we have just expanded county wide.

"We also came runner-up in the national community recycling awards – it is good to have something to show the work we are doing because we have so many volunteers working hard.

"I would like to say thank you to all of the people who have supported us including all of the local councils district and county."