In this winter Newsletter you will find lots of festive tips and highlights from us and partners:
Welcome to the third edition of Cumberland Council's Environmental and Climate newsletter! We're thrilled to bring you a quarterly update, covering spring, summer, autumn, and winter, focusing on our climate and nature initiatives, as well as those of our valued partners.
At Cumberland Council, we put Health and Wellbeing at the heart of everything we do, and our commitment to the climate change and nature recovery agenda reflects this core principle.
In this edition, dive into our exciting trial of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil vehicles, discover top tips for a festive season, and gear up for winter preparedness. You'll also find engaging articles from our partners – making this bumper edition a real treat.
We trust you'll enjoy reading these articles, and on behalf of everyone at Cumberland Council, we wish you a happy and prosperous festive season!
Image description: Councillor Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places
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 Carbon-cutting steps are being taken by Cumberland Council to make more of their vehicles greener and cleaner.
They are launching a trial of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a replacement to diesel in some of its refuse and recycling collection vehicles.
HVO is a renewable fuel alternative to diesel that offers a 90% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, helping the council to meet its carbon reduction targets.
It can be used as a drop-in alternative to regular diesel with no modifications or changes necessary to the existing fleet.
The trial will initially run for six months on four vehicles in the Whitehaven area with the option to roll this out further to other fleet vehicles and to other areas across Cumberland contributing to further carbon reductions.
The trial will deliver carbon reductions of 81 tonnes over the six months period (135 tonnes across a full year).
Image description: From left to right on the image:
Cumberland Councillor Barbara Cannon Executive Member for Financial Planning and Assets; Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places; Colin Bowley - Interim Lead for Fleet and Laura Monkhouse - Fleet Depot Manager
As winter approaches, Cumberland Council is here to keep you warm, informed, and ready for the season with our 'winter ready' campaign. We've got you covered with everything from travel tips to the latest health advice, emergency planning, and more.
Visit Cumberland Council’s website for a treasure trove of winter-related info, and stay in the loop with our lively social media updates. Here's a sneak peek at what we've got lined up:
🌬️ Winter Vaccines: Get the scoop on the latest info, guidance, and support for winter vaccines.
🏠 Emergency Planning: Learn how to safeguard your home from flooding and discover if you're at risk.
🚗 Winter Travel: Stay safe on the roads! Get updates on weather conditions, road info, and ensure your vehicle is winter-ready.
💪 General Health Tips: Keep the winter blues at bay with our top-notch health advice.
💰 Cost of Living Support: Find valuable information and advice on getting support for the cost of living.
Count on us to keep you in the know and ready for whatever winter throws our way. Explore more on our website and follow us on social media for your daily dose of winter wisdom!
Image description: Winter Ready logo
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 As the festive season approaches, we want to make sure your holiday waste management experience is as smooth as possible.
In the spirit of the season, please note that there will be no waste and kerbside recycling collections on Christmas Day (Monday, December 25), Boxing Day (Tuesday, December 26), and New Year’s Day (Monday, January 1). Fret not! We've got revised collection dates to keep things on track - see the image above. ⬆
Feel free to refer to the list above for the complete schedule. For more detailed information, hop over to Cumberland Council’s website. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this busy festive period together.
Wishing you a happy and waste-free festive season!
Image description: collection dates infographic
 As we get ready for the festive season, place gifts beneath the tree, and let the delightful aroma of mince pies and mulled wine fill the air, it's easy to overlook packaging during the festive season.
But what if you could reimagine your celebrations not only to minimise waste but also to save some money?
Here are some festive tips for the three R's - reduce, reuse, and recycle:
1. Embrace the holiday spirit with a Christmas jumper. Consider using last year's, buying from a charity shop, or unleashing your creativity by decorating an old jumper with tinsel, ribbons, and bells. Since one in four Christmas jumpers ends up discarded or unworn, this approach not only saves money but also benefits the planet.
2. Rent a Christmas jumper! If you lack a family member skilled in crafting a classic Christmas sweater, and if you're not yet prepared to make a personal investment, here's an early gift from Santa: Lidl has introduced a Christmas jumper rental service.
For additional valuable information, visit the Recycle for Cumbria website.
Image of our Christmas tree - of building memories not landfills
 Welcome to the Solway Coast National Landscape – the new name for the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – and a new chapter in the story of the Solway Coast. We have a new name and new logo, but it is the same beautiful place it has always been!
In November 2023 every Area of Outstanding National Beauty across England and Wales became a National Landscape. The new name reflects the national importance of the Solway Coast and the 45 other National Landscapes. National Landscapes are more than new names and new logos for places – our mission is for greater collaborative effort for people, place, climate and nature in these protected areas.
Through restoring ecosystems, providing food, storing carbon to mitigate the effects of climate change, safeguarding against drought and flooding, whilst also nurturing people’s health and wellbeing – National Landscapes and the teams working in them are a vital part of the suite of designations which help us manage and protect celebrated landscapes.
Some of our officers attended their annual conference recently and it was a great success.
Image description: Criffell - Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
 Many businesses across Cumbria are now utilising the power of improved connectivity to increase sales, work more efficiently and showcase what they have to offer on a worldwide platform.
More than 94% of homes and businesses across the county can now access superfast broadband speeds of above 30Mbps with 42% now able to access gigabit speeds.
There are also opportunities to use greater mobile connectivity around the county with current outdoor 4G geographic coverage levels standing at over 90% from at least one mobile provider and 64% from all 4 major UK network providers.
Whitehaven based Marsden Makes Co. founder Abi Marsden said “having a strong, stable and reliable broadband service has been so important to me establishing my business. Our county hosts so many talents, don’t keep these hidden, get online and show these off. You may be surprised where it can lead you”.
The push to improve connectivity continues across Cumbria with the Connecting Cumbria team supporting a number of workstreams. To find out more please click the button below.
Image description: Abi the founder of Marsden makes Co, holding some of her products
Dressing for the season!
Opt for the eco-friendly choice and have some fun by styling yourself with clothes you already have. If you're struggling to find the perfect outfit, reach out to friends or family for fashion advice, or explore the treasures waiting for you at charity shops to discover your ideal Christmas party look.
Lights!
Brighten up your Christmas tree with LED lights—they're not only as beautiful as incandescent lights but also use up to 80% less energy! Don't forget to spread the cheer by turning off your lights at night and when you step out—it not only ensures safety but also contributes to lowering your energy bills.
Christmas cards - to send or not to send?
Embrace eco-friendly vibes with your Christmas cards—it's a bit of a conundrum, isn't it? To send or not to send? Well, the decision is entirely yours, and we respect that. If you lean towards sending cards, consider opting for e-cards or choose glitter-free and accessory-free options for easy recycling. It's not just a win for the planet; it might even save you some cash. Alternatively, you can spread the love digitally through social media or emails and redirect the money you'd spend on cards to a charitable cause. The choice is yours, and there are plenty of ways to be both greener and giving!
How are those New Year's resolutions shaping up?
Take a moment to think about positive changes, big or small, that you could incorporate into your daily routine—at home, at work, or within your local community. Each small step may not feel like much, but when embraced collectively, these minor changes can have a significant impact!
Image of a lady holding several hand made Christmas cards.
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Community Panels are a new way of putting people at the heart of local decision making.
Cumberland Council has eight panels, each made up of ward councillors. The panels meet four times a year to decide what their communities need, and to direct investment towards projects that tackle those priorities.
The work of the Community Panel is shaped by a network of partners, residents, businesses, parish and town councils, and third sector organisations. The panel gets input from the network in a variety of formal and informal ways, including consultations and events. The network helps set priorities, and guide the Community Panel’s Neighbourhood Investment Plan.
The plan sets out where the panel will direct resources and investment. It helps them address local need and support residents with the right investment.
Find out more about community panels – including when they meet and how to get in contact – here: Community Panels | Cumberland Council. You can also sign up to newsletters about each panel.
Image description: logo for Community Panels
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 Allonby Bay is now home to the first inshore Highly Protected Marine Area (HPMA) in English Waters and is located within the existing Marine Protected Area. This new designation protects the entire marine ecosystem across the whole site, providing a safe haven for marine life and allowing it to recover to a natural state.
Allonby Bay contains diverse species and habitats, including subtidal rock and sediment, a stunning example of honeycomb worm reef, mussel beds, and peat and clay exposures. These habitats shelter and provide for an abundance of species including sponges, crustaceans, molluscs, fish, and birds and can store carbon.
With stakeholder input, regulators are developing management measures, including a byelaw to prohibit fishing activity within the site. This is expected to be applied in early 2024 with additional measures to be developed including for recreational activities.
Natural England will monitor the site to build a baseline of evidence on the ecosystem and assess how it recovers into the future. Natural England have also been helping local communities to explore and celebrate our coastal heritage - please have a look at this link.
Watch this video to learn more about Allonby Bay HPMA: Pilot HPMA Allonby Bay
Contact us with any questions: hpma@defra.gov.uk
Image description: a map highlighting the Allonby Bay boundary
Food waste poses a significant challenge, especially during the Christmas season. While it's a year-round concern, the holiday period sees an alarming increase in discarded food, reaching up to 80%. Recognising Christmas as a 'hotspot' for food waste encourages us to rethink how we manage uneaten food and our expenditures. To assist in this effort, here are five valuable tips to minimise food waste:
Plan Before Purchasing: Consider meal planning to regulate portion sizes and avoid overcatering. The Love Food Hate Waste website provides a helpful portion planner at https://recipes.lovefoodhatewaste.com/portion-planner. Creating a list and adhering to it can also curb unnecessary purchases.
Shop Wisely: Opt for local and organic products for fresh, great-tasting ingredients. Explore the diverse offerings at local Farmers' markets to discover tempting, high-quality goods.
Utilise Leftovers: View leftovers as a beneficial resource, saving you from cooking anew for a couple of days. Visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com for a variety of recipes that transform leftovers into delightful dishes, breaking away from the typical turkey curry.
Proper Storage: Ensure proper storage of food and leftovers to extend freshness. Utilise both your fridge and freezer effectively.
DIY Creations: Leverage your culinary skills, whether in baking or making jams, to craft a personalised hamper of homemade treats for a unique and thoughtful gift.
Lastly, savor and cherish the time spent with your family, and have an excellent time.
Image of words saying Fight Food Waste made of vegetables
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What is the Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS)?
Local Nature Recovery Strategies are ground-breaking new mechanisms to plan for nature recovery at a local level; they agree priorities for nature recovery and propose actions for reversing the decline in biodiversity. LNRS are required by law under the Environment Act 2021, and will be reviewed every three to ten years.
The Cumbria LNRS will outline our county’s priorities for nature recovery and identify key locations that could contribute to achieving these priorities. Westmorland and Furness Council are the responsible authority for the Cumbria LNRS, with Cumberland Council, Lake District National Park Authority, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and Natural England acting as supporting authorities. There are also many other organisations involved in the development of the LNRS such as Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre, Forestry Commission, Environment Agency, Cumbria Wildlife Trust and many more NGOs, organisations and individuals.
Why is the LNRS important?
- Protect our wildlife: Cumbria is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna, which the LNRS aims to conserve and enhance.
- Restore ecosystems: From ancient woodlands to peatlands, the LNRS aims to support the creation of resilient habitats for species.
- Thriving landscapes: Investment in nature recovery can enhance the condition of Cumbria's landscapes, making it an even more attractive place to live, work, and visit.
- Deliver wider benefits to communities, including to our health and wellbeing, and to Cumbria’s economy.
Your role in nature recovery
🙌 Get Involved: Your passion, knowledge, and support are essential in helping produce and shape the successful delivery of the LNRS. Email us at Cumbria.LNRS@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk to see how you can get involved.
Image provided by Naomi Kay, Solway Coast National Landscape
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 We'd like to gently remind everyone about the convenient 'recycling bring sites' scattered throughout Cumberland, including those in supermarket car parks. Your active participation in recycling has been crucial, and we appreciate your continued support.
During the upcoming holidays, please be aware that the bring sites won't have collections on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. However, rest assured that our dedicated team is committed to regular emptying to maintain a clean and eco-friendly environment.
In the spirit of community, we kindly request that if the bins or cages are full, please refrain from leaving items on the ground to prevent any potential issues. Our enforcement officers, supported by CCTV surveillance, will be diligently monitoring these sites to ensure the community's well-being.
If you encounter full bins or cages, we politely ask you to take your items home and return on another day. Let's work together to keep our bring sites clean and accessible for everyone.
A friendly reminder: foil or glitter wrapping paper, polystyrene, and other types of poly wrap or cellophane are non-recyclable. Please dispose of them in general waste bins to help us maintain an effective recycling process.
Thank you for being a fantastic and environmentally conscious community. Let's continue making Cumberland a greener and cleaner place for all!
Image description - electric car at a supermarket bring site
 Thanks to the Environment Fund from Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council, Cumbria Wildlife Trust is partnering with communities across Copeland, South Lakeland, and Barrow for the Planting for Pollinators project. Running until March 2024, the initiative aims to create or restore 22 acres of flower-rich habitat in 19 community greenspaces, benefiting native insect pollinators with food, shelter, and nesting sites.
This autumn, volunteers have planted 5,100 wildflowers and 3,000 bulbs across Copeland, including areas in Whitehaven, Cleator Moor, Egremont, St Bees, Calderbridge, and Drigg. Activities included creating flower-rich road verges, establishing wildflower banks, and enhancing all-season flower beds.
Thanks to the support of schools, councils, and community groups, these restoration efforts have been successful. While activities slow down for winter, more wildflowers will be sown and planted next year in Whitehaven and Cleator Moor. To join in, contact Charlotte Rankin, Pollinator Conservation Officer at Cumbria Wildlife Trust, via pollinators@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk.
Charlotte Rankin, Pollinator Conservation Officer at Cumbria Wildlife Trust, expresses a high thank you to project partners and volunteers, emphasising the hope that these restored areas will serve as flower-rich havens for both communities and pollinators. Cumbria’s Plan Bee, launched in June 2023, encourages individuals and organizations to share their pledges for pollinators at https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/cumbria-plan-bee, fostering collaboration for a flower-rich landscape and sustainable pollinator future in Cumbria.
Image description: pupils planting seed
During this festive season, Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) will remain open, except on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, when they will be closed. Additionally, all HWRCs will close at 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve – more details can be found on the council’s website.
Image description: a sign that reads Household Waste Recycling Centre.
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 We are working in partnership with Raise: Cumbria Community Forest to plant trees on a site in Cummersdale in Spring 2024. The site is located behind Cummersdale Primary School, adjacent to the Cummersdale Allotments and existing community woodland ‘Cummersdale Copse’.
Proposed plans have been drawn up and will be on display at a drop-in community engagement event taking place on:
- Monday 15 January from 2.30pm – 8pm
- at Cummersdale Village Hall (CA2 6BH).
- All welcome 💚
Representatives from the council and Raise: Cumbria Community Forest will be on hand to listen to your thoughts and views – and answer any questions. We are also interested in learning how residents currently use the site and their hopes for the future.
Those unable to attend can complete an online survey - by hitting the button below. The survey will remain open until Wednesday 17 January.
For more information, please email: info@raisecumbria.co.uk or call 01228 470 444.
Thank you in advance for all your help.
Image description is of a poster about the consultation for Cummersdale
Thanks to the diligent monitoring efforts of specialist naturalist Steve Hewitt, Wild Ennerdale has gained valuable insights into the invertebrate world of Ennerdale. While the winter landscapes may paint a different picture, Steve's focus during the spring and summer seasons has provided intricate details about his findings.
Looking ahead to 2024, Wild Ennerdale is excited to continue building on this fascinating baseline of information. Future surveys will extend to diverse habitats, including woodlands, mires, montane regions, scrub areas, and river shingles. Steve, along with the team, has captured stunning images of these invertebrates, and you can delve into the comprehensive report on his report is now available on the Wild Ennerdale website on the ‘Monitoring’ tab.
Explore the captivating world of Ennerdale's invertebrates through Steve's lens, and stay tuned for more discoveries as we delve deeper into the rich tapestry of our local ecosystems.
For more information about Wild Ennerdale or to sign up to their newsletters, please go to their website.
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Image description: an invertebrate on a rock
After the successful launch of our metal packaging recycling campaign initiated by Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council, there has been a concerted effort to enhance kerbside recycling rates in households across the region. Residents are actively urged to recycle various metal packaging items, such as food and drink cans, aluminium wrapping foil, foil trays, as well as empty aerosols and metal screw tops.
The six-week initiative has made a significant impact, reaching out to over 228,000 households across the two local authorities. Since its inception in 2012, MetalMatters has garnered support from more than 121 local authorities, resulting in noticeable improvements in recycling rates. This widespread adoption highlights the positive momentum generated by our collective commitment to sustainable practices.
Please lets keep the momentum going – continue recycling your metal packaging items, including food and drink cans, aluminium wrapping foil, foil trays, as well as empty aerosols and metal screw tops. Don't hesitate, even with items you might find challenging to clean; a quick swill in used washing up water works wonders – and Bob's your Uncle - you're making a positive impact!
Image description: recycling metal at a container in Stanwix, Carlisle
Cumbria Libraries are taking action in response to the climate emergency by establishing free climate reading groups throughout the county.
Join a community of over 80 enthusiastic readers, with the numbers steadily growing. Connect with like-minded individuals in your area to read, learn, and engage in discussions about the climate emergency.
If you're keen on discovering or initiating a local climate reading group, reach out to Hannah Clarke via email. Let's read, learn, and act together
Image description: people chatting and reading a book at the library
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Exciting news: The Community Energy Fund (CEF), a recently introduced £10 million grant scheme by HM government, presents a fantastic opportunity for urban and rural communities to develop local renewable energy projects. This includes ventures like wind farms, hydro power, rural heat networks, electric vehicle charging points, and electric car clubs. Administered by Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP) in collaboration with the North-West Net Zero Hub, the CEF aims to boost community and locally owned renewable energy generation, contributing to the government's net-zero carbon emissions targets.
If you're part of a community group interested in this initiative, don't wait! Express your interest by contacting brian.white@thecumbrialep.co.uk, sharing brief details of your plans and your group's current status. Not incorporated yet? No problem – you're still welcome!
The fund operates in two stages, offering up to £40k in Stage 1 for testing clean energy ideas and developing feasibility reports. Stage 2 provides up to £130k for feasible projects to conduct more detailed investigations and secure planning permission. Successful projects are encouraged to showcase innovation, ambition, a willingness to share learning, and replicability.
Eligible community groups include legal entities like Community Interest Companies, cooperatives, community benefit societies, charitable organisations, and more. At least 50% community ownership is required for the final project.
Let's power up our communities with clean energy initiatives and make a significant impact together!
Image description : jars with money in them and plants growing out of them
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 The Government introduced a ban on certain single use plastics on 1 October:
- Single-use plastic plates, trays and bowls
- Single-use plastic cutlery
- Balloon sticks
- Ready-to-consume food and drink in polystyrene containers
The ban will be enforced by Local Authority inspectors with the power to inspect premises, obtain samples of the items in which the food and drink are being provided and impose fines for non-compliance.
Cumberland Council officers are now able to:
- visit a shop or store
- make test purchases
- speak to staff
- ask to see records
If you break the law, inspectors can order your business to cover the cost of the investigation.
Complaints about a business breaking the law can be made to Trading Standards.
More information is available on the Government's website.
Image description: examples of single use plastic
Exciting news! The Flood Hub, Geography South West, and the Environment Agency have joined forces to create an educational gem for GCSE students. The collaborative effort brings you a captivating case study centered on flood management in the picturesque Low Crosby, Cumbria.
The case study comprises of PowerPoint presentations and student worksheets which make extensive use of photos and OS map extracts.
For more information - pop over to their website.
Image description: taking a test
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 Earlier in the year, Cumbria Wild Life Trust gathered at Brathay Hall in Ambleside to honor and express gratitude to their devoted volunteers. The event brought together 100 volunteers from various regions, offering a platform for insightful talks, engaging stalls, and an afternoon filled with nature activities led by the passionate staff.
Adding a touch of prestige to the day, Cumbria Wildlife Trust presented their annual Golden Badger’s Paw Award. This esteemed accolade has been a longstanding tradition, recognising exceptional contributions to Cumbria's wildlife through volunteer efforts. Among the deserving recipients was Chris Dove, the Waste Reduction Officer of the hosted waste team. Chris was celebrated for his unwavering dedication to Gosling Sike gardens and nursery in Carlisle, the northern nature reserves, and his valuable support to the health and safety committee. A hearty congratulations to Chris for this well-deserved recognition!
Cheers to all volunteers for their commitment, and a special shout-out to Chris Dove for making a positive impact on Cumbria's natural treasures. Well done, Chris!
Image description: Volunteers were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the conservation of wildlife with Gold Badger's Paw Awards © Cumbria Wildlife Trust
Did you know that in the UK, around 40,000 tonnes of batteries were sold in 2020, with only around 18,000 tonnes being recycled - that’s 45% - but we need to do better.
It’s easy to think you are doing the right thing by popping dead batteries into your general household waste bin, but did you know that they can cause fires in bin wagons and waste processing plants if you do?
When your waste or recycling is collected, any batteries that are in there are likely to be squashed, compacted, punctured or shredded. When this happens, they can ignite resulting in dangerous fires.
Lithium-ion batteries are thought to have caused over 250 fires at waste facilities over the year to March 2020 - over a third of all fires. These are the type of batteries usually found in laptops, tablets and mobile phones as well as some toys, shavers, electric toothbrushes and even e-cigarettes.
Batteries can also hide in toys and other items where it is difficult to remove them if the item no longer works.
Why not try rechargeable batteries? They could save you money, are overall better for the environment, and can even last longer per charge than most disposable batteries.
To avoid the risk of dangerous fires and help the environment, we should all try to remove batteries from items wherever possible and never put items with batteries into your general waste bin or regular recycling. Make sure you recycle them separately instead.
Batteries can be recycled easily at our Household Waste Recycling Centres.
You can find your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre, across the Cumberland area, by clicking this link.
All supermarkets and a lot of other shops also have battery recycling bins. The ‘Recycle Now’ website has a helpful battery section where you can pop in your postcode and find your nearest battery recycling facilities.
Image description: batteries to be recycled.
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 Did you know there are over 18.2 million ‘FadTech’ kitchen items gathering dust in UK cupboards, that could be donated or recycled?
From trendy blenders to one-hit waffle makers, we've all been drawn into the fashion of kitchen FadTech. In fact, our latest research shows 92% of us own FadTech!
😮 But for one reason or another, a lot of them end up unused or gathering dust in the back of our cupboard.
Like anything with a plug, battery or cable, your old kitchen electricals contain precious metals that could be recycled into something incredible. Just imagine, the 2.4 million blenders gathering dust across the UK could be transformed into 2.1 million defibrillators!
With the help of actor and presenter Joanna Page, and TV host and presenter of The Gadget Show Ortis Deley, we’re encouraging the nation to fish out their FadTech and give it a new lease of life!
Find out what FadTech Ortis and Joanna have in their cupboards on our YouTube 📺 and let us know what FadTech have you got stashed away! Don't be shy, let us know in the comments 👇
https://bit.ly/441eDrP
#FadTechRecycle #recycleyourelectricals
Image description: Joanna Page, and TV host and presenter of The Gadget Show Ortis Deley smiling at the camera
 As the year concludes, we wanted to thank you for your unwavering support over the past nine months. Your engagement has been invaluable. Wishing you a joyful festive season filled with warmth and happiness!
As always. your feedback is crucial to us. If you have any comments or ideas for future newsletters, please click the button below to share. Your insights guide us in shaping content that matters to you.
Thank you, and wishing you all the very best for the festive season and the New Year.
Image description - festive greetings
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