In order to meet its targets for de-carbonising energy production in the UK, recent governments have resorted to consenting large-scale solar PV installations on farmland in our countryside.
On Saturday 15th March an enthusiastic group of 19 composting enthusiasts, both experienced and novice, from communities across South Hams joined Dr Compost, Nicky Scott, and SusSH compost mentor, Melissa Harvey at the Sustainable South Brent (SSB) community composting site, for an afternoon masterclass on home composting.
In a few weeks SHDC’s “South Hams Tree, Woodland & Hedge Plan 2024 - 2029” will be published. This plan recognises that it is not only trees and woodland that are vital for mitigating climate change and biodiversity in our landscape but that our network of hedges have to be included as well.
We connect with like-minded individuals and organisations within the PL:21 area to collaborate on projects beneficial to the community, and our goals of addressing climate change, reducing fossil-fuel dependency, and increasing local economic robustness. Our key areas of interest are: Food; Energy; Transport; Community; Ecology and Economy. As the groups have evolved and expanded some have become separate while still working closely with PL:21.
Bigbury Net Zero is a community group promoting cooperation between neighbouring parishes in Aveton Gifford, Thurlestone, Ringmore, Kingston & Modbury in order to reduce our joint carbon footprint and rebuild nature between the River Avon and the River Erme.
We now have a number of well-established projects, including the Marsh Composting Centre, a school garden, a hedges and woodland group and the 4B's. We have more than 200 members. SSB works closely with South Brent Parish Council who declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency in 2019. The Trustee group is presently reviewing strategic priorities and is currently focussing new effort around transport and energy projects.
A joint project led by SMASH with speakers, stalls and networking opportunities
Sturtlebury Woods and Ponds have been developed to bring people closer to nature
Dittiscombe Rewilding offers a great example of how land can be transformed