Warwick has welcomed a visitor with a difference this week to highlight the town's commitment to tackling climate change. 

The huge recycled fish made from plastic bottles is touring the town, and was spotted at Market Square at the weekend before moving onto Hill Close Gardens, where it will be for the next few weeks.

It started its journey in Pageant Gardens and may be seen in other locations around the town in the coming weeks. 

The aquatic addition to the town was created to be part of Great Big Green Week - a nationwide celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature, which runs until 15 June and this year is themed 'swap together for good'. 

The fish was launched at the Market Square on Saturday, where it acted as a recycling point at Warwick Market collecting plastic bottles that will not only be used in local school projects, but also go towards the production of new Christmas Lights in Warwick Town Centre.

Once the fish has finished its journey around the town, the bottles used to make it will be also re-used by local schools for artwork so nothing will be wasted. 

Saturday also saw a uniform swap shop take place in Warwick Visitor Centre, continuing the Great Big Green Week theme. 

The huge recycled fish made from plastic bottles is touring the town (image supplied)

advertisement

Great Big Green Week highlights the need for urgent action on climate and nature and will see 1 million people from communities across the country swapping together for good as part of thousands of local festivals and events aimed at protecting and restoring nature, lessening the impact of climate change, and strengthening communities. 

Kelly Scott, Warwick Town Centre Manager, said the fishy fun is just one part of ongoing work undertaken in Warwick to promote sustainability and combat climate change, including regular Town Tidy Ups, as well as the creation of a new Repair Cafe at the Visitor Centre. 

Conservation also plays a key role in the Warwick Town Vision, launched earlier this year, with plans including: the facilitation of conservation-related discussions in relation to art and culture projects; work to improve air quality in Warwick; promotion of sustainable transport and linkages; and capitalising the town's open green space to help keep residents and visitors healthier. 

Kelly said: "Protecting nature, promoting sustainability and combating climate change is something we do all year round in Warwick, but we can always do more, which is why we're getting on board with Great Big Green Week, and doing something a bit different to raise awareness. 

"Our recycled fish is certainly getting people's attention and highlighting some of the great areas we have in Warwick, as well as highlighting our ongoing commitment to sustainability. It still needs a name so we're open to suggestions from anyone in the town - just let us know what you think it should be called! 

"We're also looking forward to seeing this initiative live on through artwork and other projects, reminding us of how important reusing and recycling is, as well as all of our other efforts that take place throughout the year."