|
|
Welcome to the first edition of the Somerset West and Taunton Climate News.
Please share this newsletter with friends, family and your community, this will help us engage with more residents and support more people to take action.
We hope you find this newsletter useful and we would love to hear from you.
|
|
If you have a story to share, please contact us here.
|
|
|
The first Repair Café organised by Taunton Transition Town in January was a great success.
A steady stream of customers arrived with their broken items, and within two hours, 21 items were fully repaired, including computers, electrical goods, clothing and two teddy bears.
Repairs are carried out by volunteer specialists free of charge, however, Taunton Transition Town are very grateful for any donations from satisfied customers which help to cover their costs.
They hope to run the Repair Café every two months, on the second Saturday of the month.
|
|
It is anticipated that demand will grow, and there is always a need for more volunteer repairers. Electrical repairs are especially popular, but Taunton Transition Town are also looking for someone to do garden tool and knife sharpening.
If you have a skill that you are willing to share for free, or if you would like to help with the running of the Repair Café, please get in touch with the organisers at tauntontransition5@gmail.com or contact Jean on 01823 282413.
|
|
|
Quantock Eco, are initiating a fuel poverty project to focus on draughtproofing in the local area, starting by supporting households who need help the most.
Phase 1 of the project will involve working with local schools in Williton. The schools will refer households who are in need of support and would benefit the most from draughtproofing.
Quantock Eco are receiving advice from Spark Somerset on funding per household to pay for draughtproofing materials and associated labour costs.
|
Phase 2 of the project will be evaluated and money will be raised to increase the scale of the project.
This is exciting for Quantock Eco as it meets their objectives of working on a project that has social benefit but will also lead to the promotion of sustainable lifestyles.
|
|
 The hedge planting on Longrun this winter is part of a project called Hedges and Edges.
This is a joint project through the Green Forum and includes Comeytrowe Park, Netherclay Community Woodland, Victoria Park, Longrun Meadow and Somerset West and Taunton Council.
The Green Forum successfully bid to the Climate Emergency Community Fund with the aim of increasing biodiversity, improving carbon capture and storage to help the environment to mitigate against, and adapt to, the impacts of climate change.
The groups have restored existing and ancient hedgerows, planted new lines of hedges and lowered the canopy to create ecotones (transition areas between two biological communities, where habitats meet and integrate) at the margins of wooded areas.
We have begun to develop a mosaic of habitats through changes in grassland management and structural management of the edges and margins of hedgerows providing connectivity between habitats.
|
|
This connection creates a nature network which allows species to travel through the landscape.
The Somerset West and Taunton grassland management changes have played an important part in building up connections between green spaces and to encourage biodiversity.
Click here to read more.
|
|
A new initiative supporting and promoting repair and reuse is due to hit the road next month.
Fixy will see an adapted van travelling the county providing practical help, useful tools and a PAT testing service for Somerset’s network of Repair Cafes and similar groups.
It aims to encourage people to get things fixed and reused rather than throwing them away or recycling them. Recycling is great, but repair and reuse is even better. It’s easy, saves money and helps save the planet – it’s a no brainer.
|
|
In its first year, Fixy will be dedicated to all things electrical - from toasters to tablets, record players to remote controls. If it has a plug or takes batteries and has stopped working, Fixy wants to give it a new lease of life if possible.
As well as supporting the existing network, the van - named Fixy McFixface in a public poll that saw 1,500 votes cast - will also visit events, schools and businesses to provide help and training, and promote repair and reuse.
Somerset Waste Partnership is working with Resource Futures on the project. Together we are busy getting the van fitted-out and ready to roll before the end of May.
We are also partnered with Donate-IT, a local Community Interest Company which refurbishes laptops, tablets and phones and distributes them to families who need them. The van will have a collection point for these items and Donate-IT will securely data wipe donations.
We expect to unveil the new van in mid-May so keep an eye on @somersetwaste on Facebook and Twitter and sign up to our monthly SORTED E-newsletter (scroll down at somersetwaste.gov.uk to the green button).
Fixy will be coming to you soon.
|
|
GetWaterFit
GetWaterFit is Wessex Water's water calculator tool that helps customers save water, save money on their bills and claim free water saving devices for their home.
|
|
It’s free to sign up and the calculator takes around five minutes to complete, at which point you will be presented with recommendations on where you can easily cut your water usage and a selection of water saving devices will appear which you can claim.
Click here to try GetWaterFit for yourself
|
|
|
SomersetCAN have an opening for someone to join the team as treasurer. Click here for more details.
|
|
Somerset West and Taunton News |
|
|
In February 2022 the Queen reached her Platinum Jubilee, as part of these celebrations the Queen created a national project called the ‘Queen’s Green Canopy’.
The project supports climate change by encouraging everyone in the UK to plant a tree of some form and to mark it on the official website.
Somerset West and Taunton Council took part in the project by helping to create three different tree planting schemes across the district.
|
Click here to explore the Queen's Green Canopy interactive map.
|
|
|
At Higher Holway Open Space we have created five different areas planting 85 trees and 41 different species to provide a palette of ever-changing colours and tones throughout the year as well as provide a variety of habitats for wildlife.
Click here to read more about the five locations.
|
|
|
At Culvercliffe in Minehead we have created a grassy avenue of trees adjacent to the start of the coastal path using native species.
Shown on area F of the plan; the avenue consists of Common Beech, Silver Birch, Hawthorn, Lime, Field Maple, Rowan and English Oak.
|
|
|
In partnership with Transition Town Wellington, Fox’s field has been transformed into a biodiverse nature area.
The field consists of a Wildflower Meadow, Forest Garden, Natural Amphitheatre and Remembrance Garden.
The field has a circular path around the edge to enjoy the views, sounds and smells of the ever changing environment.
|
|
|
We are encouraging the use of electric vehicles and have recently installed a network of electric vehicle charging points in car parks across our district.
You will find our charging points in the following car park locations:
Wood Street, Taunton TA1 1UW
Castle Street, Taunton TA1 4AS
Belvedere Road, Taunton TA1 1HE
Alexandra Road, Minehead TA24 5DP
Blackbrook Sports Centre TA1 2RW
North Street, Wellington TA21 8LZ
North Street, Wiveliscombe TA4 2LJ
North Road, Minehead TA24 5AY
Killick Way, Williton TA4 4QD
Porlock Central, TA24 8PH
Exmoor House, Dulverton TA22 9HL
|
|
To ensure our charging points are available to multiple users throughout the day, we have restricted the stay for each use to 3 hours. To enable this to be monitored, we require all users to also pay and display for the duration of their charge.
|
|
|
In response to changes in legislation and policy, Somerset West and Taunton Council has updated its interim planning guidance with regards to consideration for the Climate and Ecological emergencies.
Originally approved and published in February 2021, the Climate Positive Planning: Interim Guidance Statement on Planning for the Climate and Ecological Emergency supports the Council’s Carbon Neutrality and Climate Resilience (CNCR) Action Plan and the countywide approved Somerset Climate Emergency Strategy by ensuring that consideration for climate and ecological factors have been applied when submitting and approving development proposals.
Intended as a temporary measure, it seeks to clarify related policies adopted within the Council’s existing Local Plans.
|
|
Click here to read about the latest updates, including improved references to the Council's Climate and Ecological emergencies, and the approval of a Net Zero Carbon Toolkit intended for building professionals and homeowners, which sets out best practice approaches in designing, specifying, constructing and fitting out a net zero compliant new build or retrofit project.
|
|
|
Somerset West and Taunton have been working with Somerset Wildlife Trust to write a grassland management strategy that allows us to improve biodiversity in our parks and open spaces, whilst still ensuring that their main purpose as spaces for residents to enjoy is retained.
Somerset Wildlife Trust have helped us to create a ‘decision tree’ which best identifies opportunities for changing mowing routines to support wildlife, depending on whether open spaces are high use, moderate use or infrequent use.
Where an area is high use, such as one of our flagship town parks, play areas, where children play sport or people enjoy picnics, or open spaces close to houses, we are committed to mowing frequently. These areas will always be maintained with access for people as a priority.
|
|
Where areas are identified as moderate or infrequent use, the decision tree helps us to identify the best suited and most efficient mowing ‘themes’ for that area. The decision tree is designed to consider nature recovery, whilst still understanding the needs of local residents.
The strategy is designed to be flexible, so if certain areas are deemed not suitable to continue being cut in the new way, they can be returned to their original cutting style.
Read more about the four themes, which the Council will begin implementing during Summer 2022 here.
|
|
|
Somerset West and Taunton Council is proud to once again support the Great British Spring Clean, to help keep local communities clean, green and litter-free.
The district’s neighbourhoods, parks and public spaces have become very popular in recent years with more people opting to exercise outdoors.
Despite the best efforts of Somerset West and Taunton's Street Cleansing team and those of countless volunteers, with the increase in footfall, this has caused a spike in littering.
|
|
Consequently, and in addition to the normal work carried out by the Council’s street cleansing contractor, staff will be tackling litter in locations across the district, targeting problem areas such as residential streets, highway verges and open spaces.
As part of this year’s efforts, the Council is encouraging members of the pubic to take pride in their neighbourhoods by picking up after their dogs and disposing of litter responsibly.
If the nearest public bin is full, we ask that litter should be disposed of at home. Full or overflowing bins can be reported using the Council’s online Litter and drug debris form.
The public is also encouraged to get involved by pledging to pick up litter in their local areas through the Great British Spring Clean’s #BigBagChallenge.
Somerset West and Taunton is keen to support community groups or individuals wishing to take part through the loan of equipment and PPE, and any rubbish collected can be removed and disposed of by Somerset West and Taunton, with prior arrangement.
To find out more, visit Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean and SWT’s Community litter picks webpages, or email us here.
|
|
Grants and Funding Opportunities |
|
|
Free Cycle Stands for Local Businesses and Community Groups
If you're a local business or community organisation in the Somerset West and Taunton and Sedgemoor districts, then Life Cycle UK have some exciting news for you!
The cycling charity are offering eligible groups FREE delivery AND installation of four sturdy 'Sheffield Stands'. These will come at zero cost, thanks to the HPC Community Fund and the Somerset Community Foundation.
The scheme will help organisations cater to the increased numbers of cyclists, whilst contributing towards cleaner air and healthier communities by encouraging more people to cycle.
|
|
For more information, full terms and conditions and to apply, click here.
|
|
Life Cycle UK are offering £100 off the cost of a new bike and one-to-one cycle skills from qualified instructors.
To find out if you're eligible, click the link here.
|
|
|
The Environment Fund supports charitable and community activities that aim to have a positive impact on the local environment.
Grants of up to £1500 are available covering a period of up to 12 months.
Applications for the fund close on Friday 27 May 2022.
Click here for more information on how to apply.
|
|
 Free trees for Schools and Communities
The UK needs millions more trees to reach its 2050 carbon net-zero target. By digging in with us, you'll help bring us nearer this important goal.
Woodland Trust want to make sure everybody in the UK has the chance to plant a tree.
|
|
So they're giving away hundreds of thousands of trees to schools and communities. Together, lets get millions more trees in the ground.
Find out more here.
|
|
 Retrofit Discounted Plans
With the heating and energy crisis continuing, please remember that the Somerset Retrofit Accelerator Project is ongoing, in collaboration with Future Proof.
There are up to 50 discounted Home Retrofit Plans available to households in Somerset, starting from £50 for an introductory guide to retrofitting your home, and from £100 for a detailed survey and report.
|
|
If you want to make your home a more comfortable and sustainable place to live, but don’t know where to start, these plans will help you understand what measures may be the most appropriate and impactful for your home and will be based on your needs and budget.
Find out more and apply here.
|
|
|
On 23 May 2022, a new Government grant scheme for home owners upgrading from gas boilers to either an Air Source Heat Pump, a Ground Source Heat Pump or a Biomass Boiler may be eligible for a grant of £5,000 or £6,000.
|
|
Find out if you could be eligible for money off low carbon heating technologies here.
|
|
|
The Green Register is delighted to offer a number of fully funded places for construction professionals on their online Futureproof Essentials training course.
The course will help you to improve your confidence when discussing retrofit with householders, understanding materials and technologies used in retrofit and provide practical skills that you can take straight to your projects.
Find out more here.
|
|
|
Greater Quantock Landscape Development Fund
The Quantock Hills AONB Service is delivering the Greater Quantock Landscape Development Fund providing grants of up to £5,000 to local communities, farmers, landowners, individuals and landscape enhancement projects.
The fund has been provided by EDF Energy and is part of the mitigation measures associated with the Hinkley Point C development.
|
|
|
Taking place between the 17th and 26th June, the Big Count 2022 is our big flagship wildlife count of the year and part of our Great Somerset Wildlife Count initiative - a programme of citizen science events and activities that aims to get you inspired and involved in collecting important data about the wildlife on your doorstep, in your local green spaces, parks and communities.
It's a chance to celebrate our amazing wildlife as well as help inform the work needed to stop species decline.
|
 Click here to find out more and take part.
Never have your eyes on the ground been more vital!
|
|
 Love Nests, Love Hedgerows
Spring is well and truly here and with it the landscape is bursting into colour, the air is filled with the scent of blossom and our gardens and hedgerows buzz with the sound of birdsong.
It’s nesting season again and our flying friends are busy building their nests and feeding their young. Our garden hedges and hedgerows provide the shelter for nesting birds as well as wildlife corridors for mammals and invertebrates.
Yet, while it’s a time for hope, the UK has lost 40 million individual birds over the last 50 years, (RSPB, 2020) mainly as a result of habitat loss.
|
|
This tragic statistic may seem overwhelming, yet if you have a hedge in your garden, or maintain a hedgerow, you have a great opportunity to support birds and other wildlife.
With appropriate management, the hedgerows that remain can offer the next generation of birds a good start in life. Firstly, make sure any cutting is done outside peak nesting season, which runs from March to September and secondly trimming can be done on a two – three year rotation, rather than an annual basis.
Find out more: Wildlife Trust; Nature.net
|
|
 |
|
No Mow May
|
Join legions of gardeners and say “no” to the mow this May to help our bees, butterflies, wildlife and us!
Plantlife’s No Mow May campaign doesn’t ask you to do much. In fact, it asks you to not do anything at all… Just lock up your lawnmower on May 1st and let the wild flowers in your lawn bloom, providing a feast of nectar for our hungry pollinators.
|
|
Plantlife’s annual campaign, #NoMowMay launches this year on 29 April 2022.
Find out more here.
|
|
|
Walk to School Week 16 – 20th May 2022
Living Streets five-day walking challenge is an annual celebration of walking to school and the perfect activity to celebrate National Walking Month this May.
Find out more here.
|
|
It's Bike Month this May!
This month, Love to Ride are running a Bike Month campaign to try and encourage more people than ever to switch to active travel.
You can create a team and earn points for every mile you and your team cycle throughout May. The more points you earn, the more likely you are to win a prize.
Keep an eye on our social media channels for more information.
|
|
World Bee Day
Friday 20th May 2022
Slovenia proposed that the United Nations (UN) proclaim 20 May as World Bee Day. On 20 December 2017, following three years of efforts at international level, the UN Member States unanimously approved Slovenia’s proposal, thus proclaiming 20 May as World Bee Day.
|
|
|
National Children’s Gardening Week
National Children’s Gardening Week celebrates the fun that gardens hold for our children.
Children love growing plants and love being involved in the garden but they’re often impatient, wanting to see instant results.
National Children’s Gardening Week aims to capture children’s enthusiasm at a time when results are more immediate.
|
|
National Children’s Gardening Week takes place annually in the ‘warm’ week of 28th May to 5th June 2022.
Find out more and get involved here.
|
|
We want to improve our communication and engagement with you around the sustainability of our area.
If you have enjoyed Somerset West and Taunton Climate News, please forward it on to someone who you think will enjoy it too.
If you have something you think would be useful to include, would like to share your story or be featured in an upcoming issue, please get in touch with us, email climatechange@somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk
|
|
|
|
|
