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SEEN
Somerset Environmental
and Ecological News
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Hello SEEN readers
Welcome to the June edition of SEEN – this is the month of the Summer Solstice the longest day and shortest night of the year.
With the exceptionally dry spring trickling still affecting the water table levels and the trees and plants including farm land, we all seek ways to reduce water wastage such as using left over bath and washing water to flush toilets and water the garden with (ensuring chemical cleaning products that may affect the plants haven't been used), to having shorter and less frequent showers.
It's also an extraordinary year for blooming flowers and we hear from Yeovil in Bloom in this edition about their progress towards this year's competition and aiming to improve the sustainability of plant management in a changing climate.
This time of year is great to consider installing solar panels and upgrading to a heat pump as well as other retrofit upgrades which can help reduce your energy bills. You can find out below about the additional support and technologies Thermly can help householders with.
There are also updates and events to join in with the Somerset Countryside Team, plus other nature based highlights to inspire us this month:
And do send in any of your eco stories to include from the wider community of Somerset – contact details at the end of this newsletter.
The Somerset Council Climate Team
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Blooming Yeovil
Following devolution from Somerset Council, the newly created team is managed by Katy Menday - Director of Leisure and Environment, with Estates Manager Adam Butcher, plus three Estates Officers and new Parks Engagement Officer Sue Wheeler.
Power for the people
 Did you know that there many community energy groups in Somerset that have delivered local renewable energy for their community?
7 community energy groups across Somerset have installed Photo Voltaic solar panels on community buildings, schools and churches.
Thermly launches more help to support communities in Somerset
 Thermly is helping residents across the county take practical, supported steps towards cleaner, more efficient energy.
They're proud to also introduce Thermly Commercial, a free service for local businesses, designed to help them secure tailored energy contracts while giving back to the community through the Thermly Community Impact Fund.
Ken Grainger / Hinkley Point 'B' power station / CC BY-SA 2.0
The Environment Agency (EA) is inviting views on proposed changes to EDF Energy’s radioactive substances permit for Hinkley Point B. The consultation focuses on how these changes could affect people and the environment, particularly in relation to the management and discharge of radioactive waste.
Stakeholder feedback will help inform the EA’s decision-making process. Comments can be submitted via the consultation page until 4 July 2025.
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James Chapman, Somerset Tree Strategist has been working on a forest research project looking at possible replacement species for ash (Fraxinus excelsior).
Ash dieback was first reported in the UK just over 12 years ago. Its spread has been disastrous with very few woodlands unaffected and in Somerset it accounts for nearly 20% of all our trees.
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Countryside updates
We’ve been spoilt with beautiful sunny weather recently. Only 30mm of rain fell between March and April, which has allowed invertebrates to flourish.
Flora has also benefited from the warm weather, especially hawthorn, which has looked amazing during late April and early May.
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We sadly lost a couple of mature oak trees to various storms during the winter period, but with the help of the wider countryside team, we managed to harvest much of this wood and transform them into solid natural planks of oak.
Since then, the practical volunteers – as well as external volunteers from Xylem Water Solutions Ltd – have begun creating rustic picnic benches out of these planks, which will be a welcome addition for families and visitors alike around the reserve. Keep a look out for them as you visit us this year!
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Working in partnership with Donate IT, our Fixy van now travels around Somerset promoting repair and reuse messages, attending events, supporting repair cafes and holding tech amnesties.
This month, Fixy had a great day out at the Green Scythe Fair on 8 June at Thorney Lakes near Langport. This one-day eco fayre run by volunteers, celebrates environmental solutions, community projects, local food and beverages, including a local homemade cider competition, local music, kids entertainment, as well as holding the South West Scything Championships.
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Local Nature Recovery Strategy update
 It’s been a while since we last shared an update on the Somerset Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), but we’ve made plenty of progress.
In collaboration with the Somerset Local Nature Partnership, we’ve been working closely with a wide range of people, including local communities, farmers, and landowners to help shape the strategy and decide on the key priorities and actions.
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Visit our events calendar below for a fantastic array of upcoming climate-related activities designed to engage and inspire you – our SEEN community!
Whether you’re interested in environmental conservation, local wildlife or simply looking for a fun day out with the family, these events provide the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and learn something new.
Similarly, if you’re holding an eco-event of your own, email us at climateemergency@somerset.gov.uk so we can tell our readers.
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What is biochar?
Sustainable Earth Institute YouTube video: Biochar: Reigniting the Past for a Sustainable Future
Biochar is a charcoal-like substance produced by heating organic material without oxygen. It's been used for 1,000’s of years and has recently gained attention due to its numerous applications, including soil health improvement and water filtration.
The University of Plymouth’s Net-Zero Exchange Team at the Sustainable Earth Institute recently hosted a webinar, featuring speakers involved in biochar research. They discussed its benefits such as carbon capture, soil enhancement, water filtration, and building performance improvement.
Click the Sustainable Earth Institute’s YouTube thumbnail above to watch a recording of the webinar and learn more.
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Great British Energy Community Fund soon to be opened
The Government announced funding for a new round of the Great British Energy Community Fund (GBECF), previously known as the Community Energy Fund (CEF).
A total of £5m of funding nationally will be made available to town and parish councils, community organisations, sports teams, charities and faith groups – helping to generate clean energy closer to where it's used and which local people benefit from.
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It’s the time of year where webbing clothes moths and pale-backed clothes moths may enter homes, laying eggs that hatch into larvae which feast on natural fibre carpets and clothes. To prevent damage, freeze affected clothing for at least 72 hours to 2 weeks to kill any larvae. This also helps to freshen clothes without overusing the washing machine.
For repairing holes, consider darning with bright-coloured threads to create a trendy feature known as ‘visible mending’. Visit CAG Somerset’s Repair groups page for a list of repair cafes across Somerset that can assist.
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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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