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SEEN
Somerset Environmental
and Ecological News
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Hello SEEN readers,
Welcome to the August edition of SEEN. This month, much of the country has been hit by drought, following 4 heatwaves so far this summer. With average temperatures from 1 June to 17 August reaching 16.2°C – a 1.6°C above the long-term norm – this summer is on track to be one of the hottest ever recorded. These extreme conditions have made it difficult for farmers, as grass fails to grow and crops face major setbacks.
And autumn has arrived early – known as a “false autumn”, the drought has stressed trees to lose their leaves ahead of time, and berries and fruits have ripened significantly earlier than normal.
Such persistent heat and dryness are clear signs of climate change, mainly driven by greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels. We can all help by switching to electric heating solutions like heat pumps and using renewable energy such as solar PV panels or wind through a green energy tariff. Choosing electric vehicles, or better yet walking or cycling, also helps reduce emissions.
Incentives for heat pumps, solar PV, and batteries mean you can lower your carbon footprint and save money. With solar and an electric vehicle, you could literally drive on sunshine! To see if your home is eligible for a £7,500 heat pump grant, visit thermly.co.uk.
This month we share:
As always, we warmly invite you to send us your eco stories to share with Somerset’s wider community – contact details at the end of this newsletter.
Best eco wishes,
The Climate Team Somerset Council
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Heat waves highlight need for adaptation and resilience
 This summer, Somerset has experienced several heat waves, with the hottest July on record. As our summers become hotter, it’s vital to support those most at risk of dehydration and heatstroke, both at home and at work. We must adapt our homes, communities, and workplaces to withstand rising temperatures.
Retrofitting with increased insulation not only protects against cold winters but also helps keep our interiors cooler in summer. Improved ventilation further reduces overheating.
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Free tree initiative to tackle floods, drought and biodiversity loss
Image courtesy of RtL
After a year of heavy rainfall and extensive flooding across Somerset, followed by the hottest and driest spring and summer on record, the importance of planting trees has never been greater. Trees mitigate flooding by drawing water underground into their roots and provide essential shade for both animals and people during the summer. With Somerset’s tree canopy among the lowest in the country, increasing tree planting in well-chosen locations is essential to support climate resilience and biodiversity.
Reimagining the Levels (RtL) has supported tree planting in Somerset for the past 5 years, administering grants for establishing up to a hectare of woodland and approximately 150 metres of new native hedgerow throughout the county. Grants are also available for small agroforestry schemes and for planting fruit trees and shrubs in community areas.
Image courtesy of SCF
15 community buildings across Somerset have received grants totalling almost £200,000 to fund vital energy efficiency upgrades. The grants will help reduce running costs, lower carbon emissions and ensure these well-used spaces remain sustainable into the future.
The funding was administered by Somerset Community Foundation (SCF), with expert support from the Community Buildings Team at Thrive. Grants have supported a wide range of energy-saving improvements, such as solar panels, insulation, double glazing, and air source heat pumps.
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Somerset Energy Investment Plan adopted
We’re pleased to announce that we’ve adopted the Somerset Energy Investment Plan – a clear route map designed to deliver renewable energy, zero-emission transport, and greater energy efficiency for communities across Somerset. Developed with input from energy specialists at Regen and a broad range of stakeholders, our plan sets out practical steps to help Somerset flourish, both now and in the years ahead.
By investing in cleaner air, local and affordable energy, comfortable and healthier homes, and improved transport, we’re committed to making Somerset a better place for everyone.
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We’re updating Somerset’s Local Transport Plan (LTP) and we want to hear from you.
The LTP is a key document that sets out how we plan and deliver transport across Somerset. It helps ensure that transport supports our wider goals – like improving health and wellbeing, protecting the environment, and supporting the local economy.
Our current plan is out of date and doesn’t reflect national policy or the challenges we face today. That’s why we’re creating a new plan that will guide how people and goods move around Somerset in the years ahead.
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Visit our events calendar 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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Funding opportunities to power Somerset’s climate action
Our grants and funding page is a one-stop resource for individuals, communities and businesses looking to take climate-positive action.
From waste reduction and energy efficiency to sustainable transport and wellbeing, the page showcases a range of live funding opportunities, including support for community-led environmental projects, fuel-poor households, and small businesses aiming to cut carbon.
Whether you’re planting trees, insulating homes or greening your operations, these grants are designed to help Somerset thrive in a low-carbon future.
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The importation of new goods has a significant impact on valuable resources, greenhouse gas emissions, and our finances. Nevertheless, vast quantities of perfectly usable or repairable items are discarded each year.
Across Somerset, numerous repair cafés run by volunteers have been established, offering people the opportunity to bring in their belongings for repair on a monthly or weekly basis. In Glastonbury, the initiative has gone even further with the opening of a weekly shop, where customers can purchase refurbished and even PAT-tested products at reduced prices, giving these items a second life. The shop is open Fridays and Sundays from 10am to 12pm at the Red Brick Building in Glastonbury.
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Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can harm the environment, pollute ponds and streams, and damage both your clothes and kitchen surfaces. Fortunately, you can achieve sparkling, eco-friendly results using everyday, inexpensive ingredients.
To clean surfaces, descale kettles, remove mould and stains, unblock drains, try using bicarbonate of soda (commonly used in baking), lemon juice, and white vinegar. Each of these can be used on its own or combined for even greater cleaning power, tackling most grime and dirt with ease. For windows, apply your homemade cleaner with newspaper and buff for a streak-free finish. These solutions are non-toxic and deliver outstanding results for an environmentally friendly home clean.
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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’d like to see more of in future editions of SEEN and have your say on previous stories and topics. We’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch at climateemergency@somerset.gov.uk.
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