CLIMATE change is a trending topic, and rightly so.

Tackling the global crisis is top of the agenda with daily reminders of the disastrous impact of the rising temperature on the planet in the spotlight.

Natural disasters, including the Australian bushfires, typhoons in China and Africa and closer to home storms Ciara and Dennis, which caused severe flooding and damage across the country, are all linked to climate change.

But while many are tuning in late to the climate change crisis, John Hall has been an eco-warrior all his life.

Mr Hall, of Grange Road, Lawford, was chief executive for the Essex Wildlife Trust for 30 years.

He understands the fragility of the environment and the enormous impact of the current crisis.

And he is keen to share his understanding, to spread the word.

Mr Hall was named a Tendring Hero for his work with Little Pumpkins preschool and Lawford Primary School where he has given up his time regularly going in to help plan their garden areas, talking about planting and growing, and talking to youngsters about wildlife and climate change.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Insects - Mr Hall built a 'Bug Hotel with children of the Lawford Primary School' to increase the habitat of bugsInsects - Mr Hall built a 'Bug Hotel with children of the Lawford Primary School' to increase the habitat of bugs

He said: “I’m a scientist and I read a lot about climate change.

“There is no doubt we are facing a climate crisis and we have to do something about it.

“It’s possible for us to change and we all have to do the best we can, but there is not a lot happening yet.

“But it will have to happen in the next ten years otherwise we will face worse natural disasters than ever. The Australian bushfires and all the flooding everywhere, might be just the start.

“We have to do something and we have to do it quickly because all the rising sea levels are forcing people to leave their houses which is tied in with migration causing social issues.

“Climate change is the biggest issue we face.

“It’s a question of will, if people have the will to do something about it, they will do it but we really need to get on with it.”

His work with Little Pumpkins preschool and Lawford Primary School aims to inform children at a young age.

“Every child built one of the rooms in the bug hotel on each floor, which is made from a wooden pallet filled with wood or pipes or bamboo canes, or packed with leaves and straws, which is a great habitat for insects and mini-beasts,” he said.

Mr Hall worked with the two schools for four years. However, he went a step further in his own battle to tackle climate change when he decided to build his own eco-house.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: ECO HOUSE: John Hall lived in his caravan for 18 months while he was building his environmentally friendly homeECO HOUSE: John Hall lived in his caravan for 18 months while he was building his environmentally friendly home

After retiring from his job, he spent 18 months living in a caravan while he thoroughly researched and rebuilt an old house, transforming it into one which is environmentally friendly.

The house has been built in a smart way to help save energy and is an energy neutral house.

It is completely wrapped by thick insulation, which is both underneath the floors and on the outside.

He has also installed 26 solar panels to provide hot water and electricity.

Another feature of the house is the rainwater capture system at the back of the house.

Mr Hall said: “We had to instal a ventilation system for fresh oxygen due to having insulation around the house to preserve the heating.

“We also used a recycled floor, which we got from Ardleigh Hall when they wanted to get rid of it.

“It is a beautiful maple wooden floor, which we used to cover the ground floor.”

Mr Hall now has his sights set on his next eco-project - to buy an electric car.