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SEEN
Somerset Environmental
and Ecological News
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Hello SEEN readers
This month we're bringing you an extended festive edition of SEEN. We will see you again in January.
Our highlights this time are:
- Green Transformation for Wellington Sports Centre
- Have your say on Sea Eagles
- Celebrate National Tree Week
- New Strawberry Line sections open
- Walking in a winter wonderland
- Local Nature Recovery Strategy update
We wish you a peaceful Christmas and a happy sustainable New Year.
Best eco wishes
The Climate Team
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 Wellington Sports Centre has announced the official completion of its £3.6million decarbonisation and refurbishment project.
The centre, which is operated by Everyone Active in partnership with Somerset Council, has had a major overhaul of facilities and a grand open day will be held on Saturday 30 November.
Thanks to a successful £1.54m Somerset Council bid to the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, the project included a dramatic carbon-cutting makeover. The scheme is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix.
This included replacing old gas boilers with an Air Source Heat Pump, upgrading the air handling system with improved heat recovery, and a new roof with better insulation and solar panels.
With its gas heating system removed and its energy efficiency improved, the centre should save nearly 220 tonnes of carbon per year.
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A new project aimed at improving the health of the River Axe and its catchment is set to get underway.
Starting early next year, it will be funded by over £250,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and £60,000 from the Environment Agency’s Water Environment Improvement Fund.
Led by Blackdown Hills National Landscape, in partnership with Dorset and East Devon National Landscapes, the Rivers Run Through Us project will involve communities in restoring the River Axe, its tributaries, and surrounding valleys. It will address environmental challenges through a collaborative approach, empowering local communities to monitor river health and support farmers and land managers. New educational programs will also be developed to engage people with the river and its heritage.
The project has received initial funding of £250,630 to develop its plans and will later apply for a full grant of £1,237,391.
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Earlier this month positive progress was made to ban the sale of peat in England by 2025. Somerset MP Sarah Dyke's horticultural peat bill secured a second reading in the house of commons, scheduled for 24th January.
What's so great about peat?
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Peatlands store vast amounts of carbon. Harvesting peat releases this carbon, worsening climate change.
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Peatlands are home to many rare species. Harvesting peat destroys these habitats.
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Peatlands help control water flow and quality. Destroying them increases flood risks and water pollution.
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Peat takes thousands of years to form. Sustainable alternatives like composted bark and coconut coir are better options.
Did you know you can buy peat free compost from Somerset Council? The garden waste collected by Somerset Council is composted in the county and turned into Revive soil conditioner by our contractor Biffa.
Let's leave peat where it belongs!
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Exmoor National Park Authority is working to support the White-tailed Sea Eagle reintroduction programme in southern England.
Led led by Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation (RDWF) and Forestry England, Exmoor has become a hotspot for White-tailed Eagles (also known as Sea Eagles). Since the project began, seven different birds have visited, spending time along the coast and in the combes across the moor. It's hoped to reinforce the establishing population with a small-scale release of juvenile White-tailed Eagles on Exmoor. The Exmoor coast with its large areas of woodland provides perfect breeding habitat for the birds, which prefer to eat fish when they are rearing young. The project would involve the release of up to 20 birds over a three-year period, and we would like to know people's thoughts on this.
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 It’s National Tree Week (23 November to 1 December) and we’re encouraging everyone to celebrate trees!
As part of our ongoing commitment to the Somerset Tree Strategy join us on our mission to create a thriving wood culture in Somerset. We're calling on everyone to celebrate National Tree Week by thinking about trees and taking action to enhance our local environment and strengthen community bonds.
Get involved and find out more about the many tree planting initiatives happening this week...
Today we're shining a spotlight on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day (27 November) to raise awareness about the challenges faced by households struggling to afford adequate heating.
Fuel poverty affects many families in Somerset, particularly during the colder months, with 57% of UK homes considered fuel poor.
We're here to help. Click on the read more button below and discover resources to reduce energy costs, improve home heat retention, and lower energy bills.
Let's work together to keep our community warm and supported.
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Members of our team joined residents and volunteers to celebrate the opening of another two new sections of the Strawberry Line, a traffic free greenway through the county.
Earlier this month, our representatives joined volunteers for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, to formally open the Dulcote Extension and the West Shepton Link. The Dulcote Extension is an 800m stretch from Dulcote Quarry to Churchill Batch Lane. The West Shepton Link runs from Hitchin Lane to Ridge Road, a 1.3km stretch that includes a 15ft-long bridge that was craned into place last month and allows path users to safely cross the B3136.
The Strawberry Line is a traffic-free path reaching from the Mendips to the sea. The path is a unique multi-partnership project between, charities, volunteers, contractors, community groups, councils, Historic Railways Estate and private landowners. Somerset Council, and before, Mendip Council, has helped the project by providing guidance and investment where possible.
The converted railway line now provides a link for walkers, cyclists and horse riders through wonderful Somerset countryside.
The project encourages people out of cars, reducing congestion and pollution, while promoting active travel and a healthy lifestyle. It also supports local businesses along the route too, helping to achieve a number of the council’s key priorities.
Work is also progressing on further sections of the Strawberry Line and Somerset Circle that will the traffic free network continue to grow in coming years.
A major scheme that will strengthen Chard Reservoir’s barrier and help protect local communities from its potential to flood is due to get underway.
The Council is budgeting up to £831,000 for the work with a further £160,000 held for contingencies, having awarded the contract to Kier.
The project involves building a low wall along one section of the reservoir to reduce the risk of the reservoir failing. In the worst case scenario this could lead to severe flooding downstream, potential loss of life and multi-million pound damages.
Currently the chance of flood waters overflowing and leading to failure of the dam in any given year is approximately 1 in 5,000. With the wall in place, this chance reduces to about 1 in 400,000.
The scheme will be phased with work on culverts taking place before Christmas with the wall and stabilisation works likely to start in the New Year.
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Somerset Council is urging people to prepare for winter by finding ways to save energy and money this year with our energy saving tips.
Since October, the energy price cap for households using gas and electricity has gone up by around 10%, which makes it the perfect time to look for ways to cut energy use and keep your bills down.
Small changes can make a big impact on our environment and save on our energy bills. There are a variety of low-cost useful tips to save money, energy and the environment during the cold winter months.
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 An innovative mobile classroom is on the way for Somerset Council’s Chard Reservoir Local Nature Reserve thanks to a £1500 grant from the Tesco Stronger Starts Scheme.
The grant, applied for by the Chard Reservoir Volunteer Group and chosen by Chard Tesco shoppers through the blue disc scheme, will fund a mobile woodland classroom and support environmental activities for local children at the reserve.
Led by Somerset Council’s Community Ranger Edd Chilcott, the new mobile classroom project will allow a fresh programme of outdoor education sessions from next spring.
Constructed with rope, fencing, and a parachute tarpaulin roof, the new innovative mobile classroom will provide shelter, warmth, and creative space for children to appreciate and learn about nature at Chard Reservoir. Its portability means it can be set up in various places so students can explore and experience different areas of the reservoir.
The fund will also help supply binoculars, outdoor cooking supplies, hammocks, and tables to go with the resources already held at the reservoir.
An exciting partnership bid involving Somerset Council and West Somerset Railway could see scheduled train services from Taunton to Bishops Lydeard restored.
Somerset Council and West Somerset Railway PLC have jointly submitted a Strategic Outline Business Case to the Government to restore scheduled train services between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard.
In what would be a significant step towards boosting local transport choice and preserving heritage, the business case supports the long-term sustainability of the West Somerset Railway, one of Britain’s premier heritage railways.
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This festive season, join Somerset Wildlife Trust for their 12 Days of Wild Festive Challenge from December 25th to January 5th. Embrace the magic of winter and discover the wonders of nature during those cosy days between Christmas and New Year!
Each day, do something wild! Whether it's helping nature by recycling your Christmas tree or feeding the birds, or connecting with the natural world by taking a refreshing walk in the woods or stargazing on a clear night.
Join in and make your holidays a little wilder!
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This Saturday 30 November visitors can drop in to the Ink Jam Angel Workshop at Glastonbury's Rural Life Museum and help create a 3D angel using recycled materials with gold and silver embossing and see them suspended in flight as part of their ‘Chorus of Angels’ Christmas display. Check out other days out on their website.
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Check out all the other brilliant eco events happening across Somerset. There's something for everyone. Click on the Event Calendar button below to find out what's on. Don't forget to let us know about your eco events too so we can promote them for you here. Please send details to climateemergency@somerset.gov.uk.
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 Community run businesses, charity organisations and those who rent community spaces can get support to make their buildings fit for the future.
Join the Decarb Somerset Programme and get free one-to-one support for your building from the Community Council for Somerset (CCS) Community Advisors. They can help you carry out your DIY Energy Check and produce a Carbon Reduction Plan. Equipped with this greater understanding of the fabric and usage of your building, you are then eligible to apply for a limited number of fully funded technical energy audits, valued at £700.
Sign up and they will help you get ‘application-ready’. The last chance to apply for a technical audit is between 16 December – 13 January 2025. Audits take place in February 2025.
Green Ilminster are looking for a marketing and communications volunteer for roughly eight hours a month to support with their website and newsletter management, event promotion and social media engagement. A small time investment for a big impact!
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 Visit our Grants and funding page to see what see what opportunities are available for your community environmental project.
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When the wintery weather sets in, it can be easy just to snuggle up and stay indoors, but with so much wonderful wildlife to experience over the winter, it really is worth venturing out for a winter wander! There are plenty of options right on your doorstep, or for a trip out for the day.
We’ve put together some ideas for places you can explore Somerset’s wildlife this winter, along with some of the species you might see.
Take a walk-through Great Wood in the Quantock Hills to see towering 'Christmas trees’ out in the landscape. You may also catch a glimpse of roe deer and red deer flitting through the trees. Head to the wetlands of the Somerset Levels to see spectacular displays of overwintering birds, not least the mesmerising starling murmurations.
You'll find lots of winter wildlife close to home too, be it in your garden, neighbourhood or a local park. Wintertime can encourage garden birds to venture closer to us, especially when bird feeders offer them much-needed nutrition. Plants like holly, ivy and mistletoe not only bring us Christmas cheer but they also help support other wildlife through challenges of these colder months. Look out for flowers like lesser celandine, primrose and snowdrops, that brighten up a winter’s day.
Click on the places to explore button below to find out more about these and other wonderful winter wildlife destinations.
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Many of you will know Somerset Council (in collaboration with Somerset Local Nature Partnership) is working on a Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Somerset, to provide a framework for targeted, co-ordinated and collaborative action for nature.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the draft LNRS consultation earlier this year. Work on the Strategy is progressing well and we’re aiming to open the draft strategy for public consultation in March, with a view to publishing the final strategy in May 2025. You can find more detail on the various stages of progress on our web page by clicking on the button below.
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The festive season is a wonderful opportunity to embrace sustainability and make a positive impact. Here are some unique tips to help you celebrate a green Christmas and contribute to a healthier planet:
Eco-Friendly Decorations: Opt for natural decorations like pinecones, dried oranges, and cinnamon sticks. They not only look beautiful but also smell amazing!
Sustainable Gifts: Choose gifts that are eco-friendly, such as reusable items, handmade crafts, or experiences like a nature hike or a workshop.
Wrap Responsibly: Use recycled paper, fabric wraps, or reusable gift bags. Get creative with old maps, newspapers, or even a scarf!
Energy-Efficient Lighting: Switch to LED fairy lights and set them on a timer to save energy.
Support Local: Buy from local artisans and farmers' markets to reduce your carbon footprint and support your community.
Reduce Waste: Plan your meals to avoid food waste, and compost any leftovers. Use reusable plates and cutlery for your gatherings.
Eco-Friendly Tree: Consider a potted tree that you can replant after the holidays, or rent a Christmas tree from a local farm.
We wish you a festive season that's both joyful and kind to you and to our planet.
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 This is your newsletter, and we want to hear about the great environmental work happening where you live, or what you do to make a difference every day with your brilliant eco hacks and tips.
You can make suggestions about what you would like to see more of in future editions of SEEN and have your say on previous stories and topics.
We would love to hear from you.
Get in touch at climateemergency@somerset.gov.uk.
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