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SEEN
Somerset Environmental
and Ecological News
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We're thrilled to be back and we're ready to dive into another year of making our beautiful county greener and more sustainable.
Together with you we can make a real difference!
This month's highlights to inspire us are:
- £500K for new trees in Somerset
- Big School bird watch
- Join Somerset's Act to Adapt Journey
- Eco tips for a greener 2025
We wish you all a great year ahead.
Best eco wishes
The Climate Team
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 Picture One: Tree planting at Collett Park, Shepton Mallet. From left to right: Andy Turner (Landscaper, 360Landworks), Councillor David Crisfield (Chair), Angela Morley Garden Design Consultant with Gary, Trevor, Danny (Town Rangers) Picture two: Tree planting at Taunton Green. Left to right: Mayor of Taunton, Councillor Vanessa Garside and representatives from Taunton Town Council.
Somerset Council has secured half a million pounds of Government funding to bring hundreds of trees to towns across the county. The £500,000 grant from the Urban Tree Challenge Fund will see nearly 700 mature trees planted and cover the costs of their maintenance and care for the next three years.
This initiative will benefit parks managed by the Town Councils in Shepton Mallet, Crewkerne, Taunton, and Castle Cary, as well as several council-owned parks in Yeovil. Somerton Sports Ground Trust will also receive new trees.
Somerset Council’s Woodland Creation Team is collaborating with all beneficiaries to ensure the right trees are planted in the right places for the right reasons, with proper aftercare in place.
Planting has already begun and should be complete by the end of the planting season at the end in March. Last month, the Mayor of Taunton, Councillor Vanessa Garside joined in to plant a wild cherry tree in Taunton Green.
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Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) has set out draft ambitions on how it intends to collaborate with partners, people and organisations to help secure a positive future for Exmoor.
Following an extensive survey of your views, evidence gathering on the state of Exmoor’s 'special qualities' and workshops with delivery partners, the draft Plan is now open for public consultation before it’s formally adopted by the National Park Authority in Summer 2025.
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 The tree planting season is well underway.
If you are planting trees don’t forget to make every one of them count by registering them on the Somerset Tree Planting Register. Whether you're planting a single sapling or a whole grove, your efforts contribute to a greener more sustainable Somerset. We need to get the county's tree canopy cover up from 8% to at least the national average of 13%.
Registering your new trees helps us track progress, support local biodiversity, and inspire others to join in. Let's root for Somerset together and create a lasting legacy for future generations. Register you new trees today and be part of the change!
Big Schools’ Birdwatch is back for 2025 to help the RSPB monitor how well our wild birds are faring. There is still time to join in with thousands of schools to find out which birds visit your school grounds.
Taking part is as easy as one two three. Register today, get counting and submit your results by 17 February.
Together, we can make it count for all our feathered friends.
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Burnham and Weston Energy CIC, a local community energy enterprise, has launched a pilot project offering 10 FREE professional retrofit assessments to selected homes in Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge. To access this benefit local residents are invited to sign up to use the Fairer Warmth app.
‘Retrofitting’ involves making upgrades to your home to help it use less energy. From small, simple fixes like draught-proofing to larger improvements like energy-efficient heating, retrofitting creates a warmer, greener, and more affordable home.
Unlock savings with Fairer Warmth. Their App is easy-to-use and designed to help you:
• Discover personalised local and national retrofit support options.
• Access grants for energy efficiency improvements.
• Explore practical tips to save energy and cut costs.
• Burnham on Sea & Highbridge residents can register interest for free.
Sign up in just five minutes. The app will guide you through the process and provides instant access to valuable energy performance insights, personalised support options and energy-saving tips!
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Considering an electric vehicle or already made the switch but unsure where to charge in Somerset?
Good news! There are over 300 electric vehicle charging points across Somerset and 115 in council owned car parks and enterprise centres. To easily find all these charging points, just check out the Zap-Map app and you'll be all set to locate the nearest charging station. Happy driving!
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 Climate Adaptation Officer, Natalie Barnett at a recent Act to Adapt event in Wells
Somerset Wildlife Trust (SWT), funded by Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), is empowering communities to create Climate Adaptation Plans through their 'Act to Adapt' initiative.
Act to Adapt empowers communities to tackle climate change through collaborative events. In three simple steps, communities create and implement climate adaptation plans, addressing local climate threats, building community, supporting wildlife, and enhancing wellbeing.
The scheme involves three key stages:
Talk: SWT hosts workshops to discuss local climate impacts and priorities. A recent workshop in Martock saw great community engagement.
Shape: Draft plans are shared at local events to gather broader feedback.
Act: Final plans are launched at events where community groups take charge and receive £1000 to kickstart actions.
Successful launches have taken place in Glastonbury, Poldens and Minehead, and your community can also be part of the Act to Adapt journey! Contact Somerset Wildlife Trust to start your community's climate adaptation initiative and grow stronger together.
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 Members of the Yeovil Crematorium team with representatives from the Josaphine Star charity receiving their cheque
Yeovil Crematorium have raised an amazing £11,600 through its recycled metals scheme, and have donated it to Somerset based children's grief counselling charity Josephine’s Star.
The Recycling of Metals Scheme is a not-for-profit initiative managed by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM). As a member of the ICCM, Yeovil Crematorium can donate funds to local charities and causes. John Ranger, Specialist Operations Manager and his team at Yeovil Crematorium are passionate about this initiative.
John said: "Through the ICCM’s scheme, our team at Yeovil Crematorium can support local charities doing invaluable work. Despite the sad circumstances, with the consent of bereaved relatives, they can safely and sustainably reclaim metals, preventing land contamination and reducing environmental impact."
Fixy, which began in May 2022, promotes reuse and community repair groups as well as being a roving collection point for smart tech donations.
Reusing and extending the life of the things we already own, by repairing them, is a simple step to help tackle climate change while also save money.
The team will be visiting Frome Town Hall on 2 February from 10am to 1pm and The Quaker Meeting House, Street on 22 February, 10am to midday.
Key achievements since May 2022:
• 5,000 conversations about reuse and repair, fostering a culture of sustainability. • 10,000 kg of electrical items collected for repair, reuse, or recycling, reducing waste and conserving resources. • More than 5,500 tech items donated to Fixy, benefiting individuals in need.
For a full list of what is accepted by Fixy visit: www.somerset.gov.uk/Fixy
Find out more about the 25 repair groups in Somerset.
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We're pioneering kerbside collection of empty toothpaste tubes for recycling.
With an estimated 3 million toothpaste tubes discarded annually in the UK, this initiative aims to significantly reduce plastic waste. Residents are encouraged to squeeze out as much toothpaste as possible and check for the recycling symbol before placing tubes in the Bright Blue Bag. Other recyclable items include plastic pumps, metal tubes, pots, tubs, trays, tins, cans, foil, and aerosols.
Check out what other items can be collected at kerbside.
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A new cycling and walking route complete with eco-friendly lighting and forming part of an ever-growing network has been opened in Bridgwater.
Children from Northgate Primary School were on hand to celebrate the completion of the new route, a shared use cycle route from Linham road to the docks, extending the cycle network and linking with the Council’s previously delivered route over Saltlands bridge and along the eastern side of the river to Express Park.
The whole route now extends to Puriton and will take a further step forward when the Dunball scheme is complete which will provide a crossing into Downend and make the connection to the route between Express Park and Dunball. The new section also links to the network accessing Chiltern Trinity (from Linham Road end) and into Northgate and the town centre from the docks side.
The scheme was funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and Hinkley Point C, and delivered by our contractor Octavius Infrastructure.
 We're pleased to announce the start of the next phases of North Taunton’s Woolaway Regeneration project.
Last month representatives from Somerset Council, Homes England and Classic Builders met to officially kickstart phases B and Ci. The scheme has the benefit of regeneration funding from Homes England.
Phase A of the North Taunton Woolaway project was completed earlier in 2024 and delivered 47 new energy efficient homes.
This next stage of the development will deliver 53 homes composed of 13 flats, 4 bungalows, and 36 houses spread across 2 parcels of land.
Each home has been designed to Lifetime Home Standards, ensuring tenants can comfortably remain in their homes as their needs evolve. Ecology friendly measures such as bat boxes, bird boxes, bee bricks and hedgehog highways are also incorporated into the plans.
Work is underway to remove 14 trees along the embankment wall of Chard Reservoir Dam and cut back two trees affected by ash die-back. We've commissioned this work to prepare for the work to strengthen and raise the reservoir's retaining barrier. Future work includes building a low wall to prevent water overtopping at Chaffcombe Road, protecting the dam from potential failure. These actions are required under Section 10 of the Reservoirs Act 1975.
The 14 trees being removed, including sycamore, ash, and oak, are under 50 years old and deemed of low ecological value following a full independent ecological assessment. An Ecological Clerk of Works will check for bat roosts in the two older ash trees before work begins. Brash and dead wood will be used on-site to create a hibernaculum, supporting local amphibian and insect populations.
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 We’re inviting Somerset Farmers to our strategy mapping events in February, to view and discuss the draft mapping and the 'Statement of Biodiversity Priorities' for the Somerset Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Supported by the National Farmers Union, Country Land and Business Association, and the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South West, these FREE events are a great opportunity for anyone from the farming community to:
- Learn about the mapping and get the latest information on grants and funding to boost productivity, manage your land sustainably, and support your business.
- Review and discuss the mapping and document for your area before they go out for public consultation.
Input from the farming community is vital in shaping a sustainable future for our community.
Book your free place at:
Quantock Hall, Junction 24. 13 February 1pm to 4.30pm
Porlock Village Hall. 24 Feb 1pm to 4.30pm.
Red Brick Building, Glastonbury. 26 Feb 1pm to 4:30pm.
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and we're ready to show some love for Somerset's beautiful nature!
Oh, Somerset, with fields so green, where rolling hills and valleys gleam, rivers dance, woodlands sing, in every season, life takes wing.
From Quantock's heights to Mendip's crest, in your embrace, we find our rest. The moors and meadows, wild and free, A haven for both bird and bee.
Yet, gentle folk of Somerset, to keep this beauty, do not forget. Join hands in nature's grand design, preserve, protect, and let green life shine.
Embrace the local nature strategy, to heal the land, rivers and sea.
Plant trees, clean streams, let wildlife roam, make Somerset a thriving home.
For in our care, the future lies, beneath these ancient, open skies. Together, we can make it last, and leave a thriving legacy for the future cast.
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Frome Town Council is hosting a tech amnesty with Somerset-based charity Donate IT at Frome Town Hall car park on Sunday 2 February from 10am to 1pm.
Donate IT collect, refurbish and redistribute phones, laptops, tablets and other digital devices to people who need them. Anyone with devices to donate can bring them to the drop-off point in the town hall car park to hand to the team.
Can't make it? Devices can also be dropped off at Frome Town Hall throughout the year. To find out more about Donate IT and how to get digital support, or to obtain a refurbished device, visit Donate IT.
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 Join us at Somerset Film's Engine Room in Bridgwater on Friday 31 January 3 from 10am until 12 noon to explore sustainable retrofitting with air source heat pumps and solar panels. Learn how the Decarb Somerset project helps voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector organisations in Somerset reduce their carbon emissions through practical solutions and resources. Deborah Richardson, Creative Director at Somerset Film, will share insights on the role of audiences in sustainability. Don't miss this chance to gain practical advice and be part of the movement towards sustainable creative spaces.
Find out how they’ve approached retrofit in a multi-purpose building, see their air source heat pump and solar installations, and get ideas on how to grow your “green influence” with your user groups. And coffee!
Check out all the other brilliant eco events happening across Somerset, there's something for everyone.
Don't forget to let us know about your eco event at climateemergency@somerset.gov.uk so we can tell our readers. Our events page is one of our most popular clicks!
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We have a fantastic opportunity for community groups and schools to apply for funding for local tree projects. We are excited to distribute a generous donation from Sustainable Film & Stills Production Services | Carbon Aware Productions to support these initiatives.
If you have a project that needs funds to help get trees in the ground, please get in touch with our woodland creation officers. Projects of any size will be considered. Email them at woodlandcreation@somerset.gov.uk with details about your plans. They will get back to you for an informal chat and may visit your site if needed. Don't delay! - trees from this scheme must be planted this tree planting season.
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Thanks to some amazing local tree lovers, we're now collaborating with seven new tree nurseries across the county. They're eagerly waiting for their locally gathered seeds to germinate, with shoots expected in April. These local species will thrive as they're better adapted to local conditions and should be more resilient to pests and pathogens.
Could you be a Somerset tree hero and set up a tree nursery? Carbon Aware Productions has generously funded two more. All you need is a space as small as 15m². Interested? For support, guidance, and possible funding, contact us at woodlandcreation@somerset.gov.com
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Exciting News! We're supporting Edventure Frome to launch the Enterprising Women course this February, to help Somerset women turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
If ever there was a time to take a leap and harness your potential it's now.
Why join? Learn business planning, fundraising, marketing, and more. Connect with like-minded women and supportive peers. Fits around school hours on Fridays from February 7 to June 27, 2025.
It's free for eligible Somerset residents; £880 for others, with financial assistance available.
Some impactful projects already up and running:
- Community Fridge: Reducing food waste since 2016.
- Share Shop: Promoting the sharing economy.
- Loop Frome: Composting initiative.
- Green and Healthy Frome: Focusing on sustainability and health.
Unlock your potential, create change, and be part of an empowering initiative!
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Reimagining the Levels is looking for individuals and community groups interested in planting native trees, shrubs, or hedgerows. Whether you're a Parish Council, school, or landowner, they can help you enhance your land.
In partnership with the Somerset Rivers Authority Trees for Water scheme, they plant trees and shrubs along watercourses to prevent flooding. So far, they have supported 57,000 plantings through 130 schemes. Additionally, with support from other organisations, they have added over 50,000 trees to the Somerset landscape.
They offer guidance on tree types, planting locations, and provide necessary supplies. If you're interested, visit their website or email Katetowers.rtl@gmail.com, or you can call 07872 664543.
They are waiting to hear from you and make your planting plans a reality!
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Somerset Community Foundation are offering grants of up to £20,000 for community buildings.
Who is it for? Organisations that run community buildings in Somerset for the benefit of local people. For example village halls, community centres, sports pavilions and other assets used by the whole community.
What is it for? To improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of community buildings.
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Visit our Grants and funding page to find more funding opportunities for your community environmental project.
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Smart eco habits for a sustainable 2025.
A new year, a fresh start and the perfect time to adopt more eco-friendly habits to embrace a greener 2025.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Start by minimising waste. Opt for reusable items like water bottles, shopping bags, and refillable containers. Make recycling a routine part of your life. Did you know that you can recycle most packaging plus batteries, clothes and even empty toothpaste tubes in your weekly recycling bin collection. Find out more on our website.
Energy Efficiency: Save energy by switching to LED bulbs, unplugging devices when not in use, and using energy-efficient appliances. Consider investing in renewable energy sources like solar panels. You can see how much energy your appliances use at Sust-it. Get a smart energy meter to manage your energy usage and real time cost helping you reduce your energy bills
Sustainable Travel: Reduce your carbon footprint by walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation. If possible, switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle. Check out the best sustainable travel options at Action Net Zero.
Mindful Consumption: Support sustainable brands and buy locally-produced goods. Reduce meat consumption and opt for more plant-based meals to lower your environmental impact. Ethical Consumer can help you make the most sustainable choices.
Water Conservation: Be mindful of water usage. Fix leaks, take shorter showers, and use water-saving fixtures. Collect rainwater for gardening and other non-potable uses. Find tips and water saving solutions at Waterwise.
Green Spaces: Plant trees, start a garden, or join community clean-up efforts. Green spaces not only improve air quality but also enhance mental well-being. Find a local community tree plant or request trees for your community at Reimagining the Levels.
Educate and Advocate: Stay informed about environmental issues and share your knowledge with others. Advocate for policies that promote sustainability and support organisations working towards environmental conservation. See which community led organisations are near you at Somerset Climate Action Network.
Calculate Your Carbon Footprint: Understanding your carbon footprint is a great starting point. Use a carbon calculator to measure your emissions and identify areas for improvement.
Want to find out more? Then read 'How Bad Are Bananas?' to understand the emissions from your actions and choices.
Make your garden wildlife friendly: Support wildlife and encourage wildflowers to survive and thrive. RSPB have some great advice about making your garden more wildlife friendly.
By incorporating these tips, tricks and solutions you can contribute to a healthier planet, improve your wellbeing and inspire others to do the same. Let's make 2025 a year of positive change for our environment. Happy New Sustainable Year!
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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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