Collaboration at the Climate and Nature Symposium

The Climate and Nature Symposium for South Hams Councillors held in Totnes on 16th October, saw group leaders and councillors gather to find ways to collaborate for climate and nature. Video summaries of the event can be found here and here.

Prior to the event, Sustainable South Hams gathered feedback from more than 50 councillors to help design the structure of the day and identify any support they needed to connect with local groups. 

We were joined by community groups, exemplar projects, council officers, and councillors, bridging the gap between town and parish councils and community action.

The event was opened with talks from Sune Nightingale from Dittisham Parish Council, Katie Wilkinson from Devon Wildlife Trust, Isabel Carlisle from Bioregional Learning Centre, and Phil Baker from South Hams District Council.

A delicious lunch was provided by Food in Community, and attendees were able to explore the exhibitor stands to discuss local initiatives and meet representatives from organisations such as Share Shed, South Devon National Landscapes, CAG Devon, and more. 

This was followed by dedicated spotlight rooms to enable discussion and Q&As.

Spotlight Room 1 looked at Community Engagement and the South Hams Festival with Jane Nichols, Helen Vines, and Paul Liengaard. 

Spotlight Room 2 looked at themes of Adaptation and Resilience with Isabel Carlisle and Bridie Kennerley from Bioregional Learning Centre.

Spotlight Room 3 saw the Devon Wildlife Team discuss Nature Recovery and practical projects that communities can get involved in. 

Finally, Spotlight Room 4 looked at Connecting Communities with Food and Farmers with Becky McKee, Lynda Kelly, David Markson, and Chantelle Norton. 

Organiser and Project Manager Ruth Leonard-Williams said: “We were delighted that so many South Hams towns and parishes were represented at the Symposium. They really welcomed the opportunity to meet other councillors that are prioritising climate and nature and to share experiences and advice. They also really valued meeting such a wide array of organisations that can support them to take action more climate and nature action with their communities - whether that's with nature projects, food, resource use, travel or energy. We hope that lots of collaborations will be sparked by this event.”

For more information on ways that you can get support from your councillors, contact ruthlw@sussh.org.

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