Climate Change / Environment
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Sevenoaks Mayor Libby Ancrum signed the purchase papers in the summer to save Longspring Woods and has received congratulations from King Charles. | ROYAL BACKING FOR CAMPAIGN A successful campaign to save Longspring Woods for Sevenoaks has received a surprise message of congratulations – from His Majesty King Charles III. SEVENOAKS TOWN COUNCIL received the message on headed paper from Buckingham Palace ahead of celebrations of the purchase of the ancient woodlands. It read: “His Majesty was deeply touched to hear of the community effort involved in preserving this ancient woodland for public use and hopes that you will be so kind as to convey The King’s warmest thanks and good wishes to everyone who was part of this important initiative. “His Majesty, trusts that you, the town councillors, and residents of Sevenoaks, will enjoy a most memorable celebration.” The appeal for funds, launched in January, had a magnificent response from the Kent community with pledges coming in from £5 up to £50,000 to buy the 14-acre site. More than £100,000 was pledged in 23 days, which was matched by the town council with £100,000 from its funds from a previous sale of land. Those who were unable to donate pledged help in kind, including litter picking, gardening and manual labour. Conveyancing work for the purchase was given free by Warners Solicitors and Mayor of Sevenoaks Libby Ancrum signed the purchase papers in the summer. The Mayor said: “The purchase of Longspring Woods is an important contribution to the greening of Sevenoaks town and the pathway to Net Zero carbon reduction plan. It is great to see the community benefit from this council initiative in its 50th anniversary year.” Clerks & Councils Direct, November 2024 |
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The Prince and Princess of Wales are keen to raise awareness of the benefits of parks and green spaces. | PRINCE CHAMPIONS A GREEN FUTURE HRH The Prince of Wales has become the patron of FIELDS IN TRUST. His role will be to advocate for the crucial role parks and green space play in the nation’s towns and cities and he succeeds his grandmother, Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was patron for 70 years. Trust chair Jo Barnett said: “The Prince of Wales has championed the importance of creating a better future for parks and green spaces since 2013 and we are honoured and delighted that he will now become patron. “We believe parks and green spaces can be pivotal in addressing some of the biggest challenges we face. His Royal Highness has been instrumental in helping us raise awareness of the importance of these spaces for health, wellbeing and the environment; issues that are all close to his heart.” Clerks & Councils Direct, November 2024
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Temujen Gunarwardena painting the mural. | ARTIST GETS TOWN INTO THE FLOW A mural, painted by Frome-based artist Temujen Gunawardena, showing the local water cycle and its relationship with the River Frome, has been added to the former Shoe Zone unit in the Market Place. It is the latest element of Frome Families for the Future’s River Vision Project, a collaboration with Frome Future Shed via Green and Healthy Frome, and supported by FROME Town Council. The project’s aim is to foster a closer connection between the people of the Somerset town and the river, with benefits for mental health and well-being, creating opportunities for play, and increasing awareness of the river’s vital role in our ecosystem. Clerks & Councils Direct, November 2024 |
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Drayton Meadows has been transformed into a haven. Picture: Elizabeth Johnston. | COMMUNITY WILDLIFE AREA MAKES NET GAINS Pride of Place grant funding from East Cambridgeshire District Council has led to SOHAM TOWN COUNCIL turning a community wildlife area into an internet attraction. The town council bought a piece of land two years ago with the intention of making it a wildflower meadow and well-being area for residents and Drayton Meadows has been transformed from a piece of waste land into an area where residents can walk, sit and enjoy the peace and quiet. Native trees and hedgerow have been planted with wildflower seeds and plug plants attracting birds and insects. Bird and bat boxes will be put up and members of the local Men’s Shed group have made an owl box. A wildlife camera has been erected to enable residents to watch from afar via a website. An introductory guided walk saw 20 residents in attendance, with two town councillors and a volunteer on hand to provide expert knowledge. Clerks & Councils Direct, November 2024
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■ Children from several schools across an area of West Yorkshire have been contributing to a greener future by teaming up with KIRKLEES COUNCIL to create new woodland areas. Pupils from Fieldhead Primary Academy, Netherthong Primary School, Kirkburton CE First School and Newsome Junior School helped to plant more than 7,000 trees.
Clerks & Councils Direct, November 2024
■ Two parks in NEW MILTON have been upgraded as part of a programme to enhance local green spaces in the New Forest. Improvements in Carrick Wood and Ashington Park, include new seating areas, better and accessible footpaths and bridge, and new planting to support and enrich wildlife habitats as part of the Green Way recreational mitigation programme in Hampshire.
Clerks & Councils Direct, November 2024
■ A Wiltshire school’s request for support to help keep their local environment clean and tidy has reaped rich reward. WARMINSTER Town Council litter pick champion Jack Jones visited The Avenue Primary School to deliver 10 litter pickers to pupils after the school wrote to Wiltshire Council to ask for support in keeping the area in and around the school litter free.
Clerks & Councils Direct, September 2024
■ Sunpower Services and Swanley Town Council have joined forces in an eco-friendly alliance to help transform SWANLEY into a leader in sustainable energy, whilst saving money. This progressive partnership has commenced with the completely free installation of state-of-the-art solar panels at Swanley Park, where the rooftop of the soft play area and cafe now showcase cutting-edge renewable energy innovation, in the form of PV solar panels. A greener future is welcomed, as Sunpower Services lights up Swanley with the power of the sun.
Clerks & Councils Direct, September 2024
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Attention2Place’s Sophie Evingar | CELEBRATING RARE STREAM’S BEAUTY A year of events centred on a rare Somerset winterbourne chalk stream culminated in a glorious summer celebration of its unique beauty and ecology. Prompted by the stream’s deteriorating quality, BISHOP’S SUTTON Parish Council invited Sophie Evingar and volunteers, from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to give a series of presentations. Villagers learned about the wonder of the stream and their impact on its ecology, particularly through wastewater from cesspits and septic tanks. Financed by the trust and Heritage Lottery Fund, activities continued with a series of events run by Attention2Place, a partnership of independent scholars who engage in place-responsive education and community projects, which encouraged people to interact with the stream in many creative ways. Clerks & Councils Direct, September 2024
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 | DUNSTABLE GOES GREENER Thirty climate-tolerant trees have been planted at the Mentmore Recreation Ground by DUNSTABLE Town Council. Council officers joined the grounds team, Mayor Liz Jones, councillors Richard Attwell and Nicholas Kotarski, local volunteers and Central Bedfordshire councillors Eugene Ghent and Nigel Young in planting the final phase of a tree and hedge planting project. Over the past two years, in collaboration with Central Bedfordshire Council’s sustainability team, Earthwatch Europe and The Woodland Trust, the town council has made different initiatives a reality. That has included the Queen’s Green Canopy for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, establishing a tiny forest, a native hedgerow, and planting a further 30 trees. Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2024
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 | TRUSTING PUPILS TO ‘BEE’ SO FRIENDLY Pupils from Oakfield Academy and Critchill School have worked with the Bee Friendly Trust to prepare a number of planters with pollinator-friendly plants. The planters were installed ahead of FROME Town Council’s 18-month Safer School Streets trial in April. Also included as part of the scheme are ‘walking buses’ with Mojo Moves, Dr Bike cycle repair clinics and BMX stunt shows. Ten-year-old Jacob, a Year 5 pupil at the Somerset town’s Oakfield Academy, said: “It was fun getting the planters ready and it’ll be great to see the bees and other insects enjoying what we made with the Bee Friendly Trust. “I completed my Bikeability training to get ready for the trial and I’m looking forward to riding my bike to school without so many cars.” The planters created by the Bee Friendly Trust with Oakfield and Critchill children were placed along Oakfield Road as part of traffic-calming measures. Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2024
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 | HUNDREDS OF NEW TREES GIVE NEW LOOK TO TOWN Oaks, limes, walnut, cherries and other trees have been planted across BUCKINGHAM thanks to funding from the Local Authority Treescapes Fund as part of the town council’s commitment to offset carbon emissions by planting more trees in the parish. The fund provided £4,349, following a successful joint application by the town council and Buckinghamshire County Council to plant hundreds of new trees, expanding on established woodlands, gapping up hedgerows and replacing dead or dying trees. The council’s environment committee chair, Fran Davies, said: “Town council staff, councillors and other volunteers set about planting 229 whips and 24 larger trees and thanks go to our incredible green spaces team, the Forestry Commission and Buckinghamshire Council.” Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2024
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| One of the stalls at the | FESTIVAL GOERS ARE FALLING IN LOVE WITH WEYMOUTH More than 120 people braved the wet weather to visit the first Love Your WEYMOUTH Festival. As well as talks on topics from climate change, to how to reuse, recycle and repair items, there were 16 exhibitors from environmental support organisations. They all shared their knowledge and networked with festival goers and stallholders to see what can be done to help reduce the impact of climate change in Dorset. Tips on reducing food waste were shared, as well as energy saving ideas. Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2024
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| Last year’s Great Big Green Meet Up | FROME GOES BIG FOR ENVIRONMENTAL WEEK Event submissions are flowing in for FROME’S Great Big Green Week, part of a national celebration of biodiversity, sustainability and caring for the planet, which runs 8-16 June. Events can be for any age, free or ticketed, indoor or outdoor, and organised by any individual, group or organisation. The only criteria is that the event has an environmental, biodiversity or climate-friendly theme. The Somerset town has been part of Great Big Green Week since 2021 and the programme has featured a range of events, including a river festival, planet-friendly family picnic, walks, talks, workshops, clothes swaps and bike rides. Cllr Fiona Barrows said: “This week is always so uplifting and focuses on the small things we can all do for a greener world.” Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2024
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Neil Hooper, chair, Purton Parish Council | SMALL CHANGES MAKE ‘BUG’ IMPACT Small changes are making a ‘bug’ impact at PURTON in Wiltshire. The parish council has installed 25 bird boxes, 25 bug houses, 25 bat boxes, utilising the services of a local community group, giving much needed experience and support to adults with learning difficulties. Clerk Debbie Lawrence said: “We have already seen the benefits of the bird boxes with nesting fast approaching and the ‘splatterings’ of noticeable activity. We are currently awaiting the building of hedgehog homes.” The latest project, having seen a ‘bug hotel’ advertised for sale, was to use its own grounds team to make some. “This is not just another bug house but an 11-storey bug hotel,” said Debbie. “Most of the materials were salvaged and sourced locally with minor cost for each hotel. Our head groundsman worked his magic and produced something that was beyond our expectations and a welcomed sight throughout our village and of huge benefit to the bug community. We now have three installed. “Our plan is to create more. It is an amazing addition to our carbon neutral plan, something for all to view and offering a hop, flutter and jump for our bug community. Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2024 |
| CHILDREN GET A GREEN MESSAGE ABOUT RECYCLING More than 1,000 children in ROSSINGTON, South Yorkshire, have been educated about a targeted recycling project in their village as part of the local authority’s efforts to improve its levels of recycled materials. In partnership with waste partner Suez recycling and recovery UK, City of Doncaster Council launched a pilot campaign to reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste in blue bins, which currently costs the council more than £300,000 a year. All five primary schools in Rossington – St Joseph’s, Grange Lane, St Michael’s, Pheasant Bank and Torndale Infants – were visited as part of the council’s delivery of educational messages about waste and recycling. A bin tagging scheme is being rolled out to other areas of Doncaster with bin crews leaving tags on any bins that have the wrong items in them. Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2024 KNODISHALL Parish Council has replanted trees in the Scattered Orchard that were destroyed in a fire on the Suffolk common in the summer of 2022. Nine extra trees were also planted with Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape paying for all the trees and protection. Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2024 WATER WAY TO REDUCE PLASTIC LUDLOW Town Council has joined a water refill scheme, aimed at reducing single-use plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices. As part of the initiative, the council has invited businesses across Shropshire to join the movement. Refill is a nationwide campaign dedicated to advertising locations where water bottles can be filled free. Businesses will display a sticker to show they are part of the scheme. Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2024 GREEN ENERGY LIGHTS ROUTE TO ECO-FRIENDLY TRANSPORT LINKS Access to public transport from the Cambridgeshire village of HAIL WESTON is becoming easier, thanks to new lighting on the Sustran 12 route between St Neots and Grafham Water The parish council was awarded funding from Cambridgeshire County Council as part of their Local Highway Improvement Complex application to provide solar lighting for walkers and cyclists in the winter months, not hindering highway traffic or wildlife. The lighting uses ‘green energy’, via a ‘solareye’ product, which is bat friendly and enables all year-round use of the mile-long cycle path. Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2024
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 | LIGHTING UP WITH UPGRADE BROSELEY Town Council, in Shropshire, has invested £55,000 to convert 55 of its street lights to low-energy LED units. The project will also include replacing the concrete columns with galvanised steel ones. Acting town clerk Jenna Munday said: “Having declared a climate emergency, we are upgrading our street lighting to LEDs to support carbon reduction and cost savings in the longer term. “This work is an important part of our plan to reduce energy consumption, carbon usage, and ongoing street lighting maintenance costs.” She said using LEDs would be more energy efficient and reduce energy consumption, the lights would last longer and reduced the likelihood of faults, minimise light pollution into homes and gardens by directing light on to the road and pavement and they are programmable, so they can be dimmed when appropriate. The new lights can be dimmed, according to use from midnight until 5.30am. Clerks & Councils Direct, March 2024 Town Mayor Cllr Andy Taylor and Deputy Mayor Cllr Caroline Bagnall with Cllr Ian West |
| TREE WEEK GRANT AID FOR ORCHARDS Town or parish councils, residents’ groups, environmental groups or voluntary organisations or schools in part of East Sussex can seek funding for fruit trees to create community orchards. It comes after WEALDEN District Council was awarded a £27,756 grant to support tree planting initiatives as part of National Tree Week. The fund will support the purchase of trees, protection measures, establishment costs and commemorative signage. Clerks & Councils Direct, March 2024 | |
 | A NOBLE WAY TO CELEBRATE BIODIVERSITY The Friends of Noble’s Rest have received £500 from KENDAL Town Council’s dedicated biodiversity and nature recovery fund. The money will be used to fund an educational noticeboard, to help residents and visitors learn about wildflowers and to provide two semi-mature trees to replace trees that have died. A damson tree will be planted in the community damson orchard in the corner of Town View Field, and an oak will provide shade and scenic value in the park. Mayor of Kendal, Cllr Julia Dunlop said: “It’s fantastic to have such a committed and enthusiastic group of volunteers caring for this oasis in Kendal. Noble’s Rest is a joy to visit in any season, and the work carried out by the Friends of Noble’s Rest is invaluable.” Clerks & Councils Direct, March 2024 The Mayor of Kendal, Cllr Julia Dunlop presents a cheque to the Friends of Noble’s Rest |
 | BULBS READY TO LIGHT UP SPRING SCENE Community members, schools, volunteers, and local organisations came together in Buckingham in a collaborative effort to enhance the beauty of the town and promote environmental sustainability. BUCKINGHAM Town Council’s community bulb planting events took place across the parish and saw participants of all ages help plant 3,300 woodland bulbs in areas around Lace Hill, Railway Walk and Bourton Park. The events were led by Buckingham Town Council with the assistance of Lace Hill Academy, Railway Walk Conservation Group, town councillors and office staff, residents and tree wardens. Environment committee chair Cllr Fran Davies said: “It is so important to look after our pollinators, especially in the springtime when flowers can be few and far between and this initiative enhances our green spaces, adding colour after winter.” The council also replaced summer planters and baskets in the town centre with winter themed displays, coming into flower ready for the spring. Clerks & Councils Direct, March 2024 |
 | POWER MOTORS ON IN BILLINGSHURST BILLINGSHURST Parish Council, West Sussex, has acquired its first vehicle and gone green at the same time. The new all-electric vehicle was delivered by Epowertrucks to environmental operatives employed by the council. With a top speed of 50mph and able to last for 30-40 miles on a single charge, it was considered ideal to enable the team get around the parish, collecting litter and undertaking minor works in parks and play areas and tending to street furniture. Clerks & Councils Direct, March 2024 Neil Holt with Cllr Doug Waller and Colin Ellis and the new council vehicle |
 | A PROPER AIR BNB DESTINATION Aerial summer visitors to Cumbria have been given new homes thanks to a collaboration between KENDAL Town Council, a community-led group and Lidl supermarket. Nestling under the eaves of the new store in Beezon Road are six swift boxes, awaiting the return of the ‘air’ B ’n’ B in May. Lidl have also installed three boxes for sparrows, and a bat box. Ros Taylor, of Kendal Swifts, said: “When we saw that Lidl were intending to do extensive refurbishment of the building, we saw an opportunity for the builders to include swift boxes.” Clerks & Councils Direct, March 2024 Cllr Doug Rathbone at the Lidl store |
 | 100 TREES PLANTED TO REMEMBER LOVED ONES NEW MILTON Town Council celebrated National Tree Week by planting trees for local residents. The scheme encourages community participation and contribution to enhance the Hampshire town’s green canopy, while remembering loved ones, special anniversaries, or just for the love of trees. The space next to the play park at Doe Copse Way was chosen by Mary Lunnon and Lynne Ball, who paid for silver birch trees in memory of their husbands. More than 100 trees were planted by the council’s estates team, including hawthorn, crab apple, flowering and wild cherry. Clerks & Councils Direct, March 2024 |
| MAYOR LENDS HAND AT CHARITY PLANTING The Mayor of Newbury, Cllr Nigel Foot lent a helping hand as NEWBURY Town Council’s green spaces working group, together with the HSS Sewa (Hindu Swayamesvak Sangh) charity, planted more than 60 trees at Hutton Close in the Berkshire town. Sewa Day celebrates acts of kindness, without the expectations of any rewards and the Newbury planting was part funded by the proceeds of a coffee morning at the Town Hall. Forty more trees will be planted at allotment sites. Clerks & Councils Direct, March 2024 | |
| CLIMATE SCORECARD RESULTS ANNOUNCED Climate Emergency UK released the full results of the Council Climate Action Scorecards on 18 October. The scorecards include 91 questions across seven sections: transport, buildings and heating, governance and fi nance, planning and land use, biodiversity, collaboration and engagement, and waste reduction and food. These cover actions that councils have control or influence over, which have a big impact on carbon emissions and biodiversity loss (with some council types having fewer questions due to their differing powers). All councils, single tier, district, county and combined authority were assessed. The results show that the average score across all councils is 32%. Only 41 councils nationwide received 50% or more and only one single tier organisation was in the top ten – Bath & North East Somerset Council. Climate Emergency UK is a not-for-profit cooperative that has been working with councils and residents since 2019 to share best practice about what councils can do to tackle the climate and ecological emergency and to encourage effective action. The data used to create the scorecards is compiled from three main sources: volunteer research of publicly available information, national data from the UK and devolved governments and national organisations and Freedom of Information requests sent to councils. The Scorecard website – https://councilclimatescorecards.uk – enables you to filter the scores by various factors to see which council scored best. Filters include current political control of a council, how urban or rural the council is, whether a council is district, unitary, borough, county etc., and by each question and section. This will help councils to learn from each other about specific climate action they could take. Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2024 | |
| TOWN COUNCIL AHEAD OF CARBON REDUCTION TARGETS NEWBURY Town Council has reduced its carbon footprint by 44% since it declared a Climate Emergency in 2019. The Council is well ahead of its target to be carbon neutral by 2030. Cllr David Harman, Chair of the Climate Emergency Working Group said: “I am delighted with our progress towards our aim to be carbon-neutral by 2030. These results have been independently verified by Carbon Footprint Ltd. “We will continue to drive down our carbon footprint by installing further solar panels on the Town Hall roof. We will also achieve carbon credits through our agreement with Newbury Cricket Club, following our grant aid for their solar panels. Those panels are proving to be of tremendous benefit to the Club and to Loose Ends who run a drop-in centre from the Cricket Club, serving food to the homeless and vulnerable.” Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2024 | |
| OXFORDSHIRE County Council (OCC) is planning to plant thousands of trees on public land across Oxfordshire. They are seeking help to take care of the young trees, which need daily watering and regular weeding in spring and summer to help them establish and thrive. Volunteers can find their nearest community tree, get some advice, or just let the Tree Service know that a tree is being cared for by getting in touch with them at tree. planting@oxfordshire.gov.uk Help with tree planting in Thame is also being supported by the #Thametrees project, which is part of 21st Century Thame. Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2024 | |
 | MEMORIAL OAK An oak tree was planted at the new Sidney Road Town Green in Ludlow, Shropshire, as a poignant memorial to the victims of the Covid-19 pandemic to mark National Tree Week (25 November– 3 December). In addition, LUDLOW Town Council has applied to the Shropshire Council community tree scheme to acquire 40 native trees. These trees will be planted across the town, further enhancing the natural surroundings and promoting biodiversity. By investing in the preservation and expansion of native trees, the council aims to create a greener and more sustainable environment for future generations. National Tree Week is the UK’s largest annual tree celebration and encourages the conservation sector, volunteer groups and tree lovers to plant thousands of trees to mark the start of the tree planting season. For more information about National Tree Week see: www. treecouncil.org.uk/seasonalcampaigns/national-tree-week Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2024 Pictured are Tish Dockerty, DLF Supervisor Mark Hilton, Cllr Diane Lyle and Deputy Town Clerk Kate Adams |
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LAND TO ENHANCE ENVIRONMENT
KENDAL Town Council has acquired two open spaces that it plans to use for enhancing the local environment and the wellbeing of the community. The first piece of land, off Vicarage Drive, has been earmarked for footpath improvements and an educational biodiversity project. A second piece of land, at Mintsfeet, by the River Kent, will be part of a footpath and cycleway network associated with the Environment Agency's flood defence works.
Pictured are Cllr Eamonn Hennessy (left) and Giles Archibald (right) at the Vicarage Drive open space
Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2024
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| WEALDEN District Council in East Sussex, has replaced diesel with hydrogenated vegetable oil in all of its waste collection and street cleansing vehicles operated by the council’s contractor Biffa. The sustainable replacement fuel HVO is cleaner and reduces carbon by up to 90% compared to regular diesel. The switch will also reduce other potentially harmful emissions including nitrous oxide, particulate matter and carbon monoxide. Cllr Coleshill, Alliance for Wealden, and lead councillor for climate change, wellbeing and economy, said: “I am very pleased that the waste fleet will be moving to a sustainable alternative from diesel. The amount of carbon emissions that will be reduced from this one scheme alone is substantial.” Cllr Millward, Alliance for Wealden, lead councillor for housing & benefits and deputy leader of the council, said: “I think this is an innovation we should be proud of, we are making changes and heading in the right direction to achieve the council’s objective of becoming net zero. Clerks & Councils Direct November 2023 SAVING ENERGY WITH NEW INITIATIVE A new energy saving initiative has launched in FROME, Somerset to help its residents reduce their energy bills and carbon emissions. The Community Retrofit project will look at making changes to homes to make them more energy efficient, comfortable, cheaper to heat and healthier to live in. It will look at improving insulation, reducing draughts, or adding secondary or double glazing which can help tackle problems like damp, condensation, and mould which can harm a person's health and wellbeing. The project is part of the Green and Healthy Frome initiative, in partnership with Edventure Frome, Frome Medical Practice and Frome Town Council. The project is funded by The National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund. Community Retrofit Lead, Sally Richards, said: “This is a brilliant initiative for those who would like to make their homes healthier and more energy efficient, but are not sure where to start. Signing up for a free assessment means that homeowners will have more information to make improvements.” Details about the Retrofit project can be found on the Frome town council website: www. frometowncouncil.gov.uk Clerks & Councils Direct November 2023 LEYBOURNE SECURES PRESERVATION FUND LEYBOURNE Parish Council in Kent, has secured a £120,000 grant from the Community Ownership Fund to purchase and preserve Leybourne Woods for the benefit of the local community, both current and for future generations. Kevin Wagstaff, Chairman of Leybourne Parish Council said: “This remarkable accomplishment would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the residents of Leybourne. We want to express our sincere appreciation to all who voted for the current council and those who passionately signed the petition, demonstrating the strength of our collective dedication to protecting our local environment. The successful bid and grant acquisition were the results of the tireless efforts of our dedicated staff and councillors who worked diligently to make a compelling case for the acquisition of Leybourne Woods. Their commitment to preserving this natural treasure for the community is truly commendable, and their hard work has paid off.” Clerks & Councils Direct November 2023 | |
 | SUSTAINABLE FROM CROWN TO CANOPY Eco social enterprise, 9Trees.org, is stepping forward to assist councils and farmers in making the most of a newly established £2.5 million government fund. This initiative is aimed at planting thousands of trees across the nation to commemorate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. 9Trees.org brings a fresh, accessible approach to local authorities, district and city councils and farmers, providing expert support for sustainable woodland creation. The organisation offers solutions tailored to individual sites, allowing clients to maximise their share of the grant ranging from £10,000 to £50,000. The organisation's end-to-end services include site mapping, ecological surveys, creation of detailed plans and tree species selection, The team is committed to ongoing site visitation and support for 50 years, reflecting an enduring dedication to the long-term success of each project. Michael Cunningham, Director of 9Trees.org said: “We are thrilled to be part of this momentous initiative. Not only do we have the chance to enrich our environment, but we also get to support our local communities and farmers in the process.” For more information about 9Trees.org visit www.9trees.org Clerks & Councils Direct November 2023 |
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| A GIFT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS NORTH WEALD BASSETT Parish Council in Essex announced the new North Weald Woodland has been officially opened to the public. More than 2,400 trees have been planted in the area, among them seven oak saplings given by local resident Roger Anthony. The saplings had grown in Mr Anthony’s garden from an old oak tree, which is believed to have once stood in the grounds of Bluemans Farm. The ‘North Weald Oaks’ join native species such as willow, poplar, hazel, alder, hawthorn, sweet chestnut and oak, all sourced by Essex County Council’s Senior Forestry and Woodland Officer. It is hoped these will enhance the biodiversity in this important location. The project includes information boards and seating, including a bench purchased with a donation from the now closed down North Weald Bassett Preservation Society. Another bench, along with an information board, recognises the efforts of the eco-warrior group of children at St Andrew's Primary School who attended the ceremony. Also attending the ribbon cutting were parish councillors and Epping Forest District Council vice-chairman Cllr Les Burrows. Visitors to Weald Common can still enjoy the popular walking area as the well-trodden pathways that cross the field have been retained. Clerks & Councils Direct November 2023 |
 | COMMUNITY WINS BIODIVERSITY GRANT A local residents’ group has been awarded money to help them restore a valued area of open space near their houses. The Kirkbie Green Community Group in KENDAL, Cumbria, have received a grant of £500 from the council’s dedicated biodiversity and nature recovery fund. The group, with support from Kendal Conservation Volunteers, plan to use the funding to plant wild flowers and ferns in Kirkbie Green, near the lakeland town’s Gooseholme Park. Previously the green had been used as a muddy short cut, but thanks to the group’s initiative access has been restricted to an adjacent tarmac footpath. The diversion will enable more plants to grow and allow the green to thrive as a biodiverse space. Chair of the council’s environment committee, Cllr Eamonn Hennessy said: “We are delighted to fund the work of this community group and see residents once again actively supporting nature recovery on their doorstep.” Local MP, Tim Farron joined the mayor and councillors presenting the cheques: “This is exactly what we need in our communities - spaces linking up green corridors and building sustainable environment for future generations.” Clerks & Councils Direct November 2023 |
 | COUNCIL INVESTS IN CARBON LITERACY ASHINGTON Town Council in Northumberland, wanted to celebrate climate progress stemming from carbon literacy, so it arranged training for its councillors and officers. Executive Officer, Sarah Eden completed the training in January 2023, as part of final trials for the Carbon Literacy Project's Town and Parish toolkit. The training was delivered by Save Our Shropshire to five councillors from Ashington, and two from neighbouring councils in Northumberland. The training has provided councillors with the knowledge to make informed, sustainable decisions and engage residents in climate action. https://saveourshropshire. org/parish-council-workshop. Leader, Cllr John Tully now feels equipped to champion eco-friendly changes, ensuring today's actions protect future generations. The council hopes leading by example will encourage similar training and sustainability efforts in other town and parish councils. Clerks & Councils Direct November 2023 |
 | RANGERS GOING FULLY ELECTRIC DUNSTABLE Town Council's Ranger Service has taken delivery of a fully electric sweeper as part of the council’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving the sustainability of its maintenance operations to create a cleaner, greener, and more inviting urban environment for its residents and visitors. The Bedfordshire council is working towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and the purchase of the sweeper will help to reduce the council’s carbon footprint. With a global focus on combating climate change and fostering ecological balance, the council is dedicated to being at the forefront of sustainable practices. Cllr Liz Jones, mayor of Dunstable, said: “The acquisition of the Electric Eco City Sweeper underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering a clean, healthy, and attractive environment for our residents and visitors.” Clerks & Councils Direct November 2023 |
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Picture: Somerset Bat Group | SOMERSET’S BIGGEST BIG BAT COUNT This summer saw the largest Big Bat Count to date take place in FROME, Somerset. Frome Town Council, the Wild Bunch and over 50 local volunteers in 10 teams took part in the community event and recorded a whopping 169 bats. Using equipment provided by Somerset Bat Group, who assisted the group with recording devices, the bat spotters headed out to various locations around the town. Soprano and Common Pipistrelle were the most commonly recorded species along with nearly as many Noctule species and a good number of Serotine, another larger bat species. Cllr Tanner who attended said: “The Big Bat Counts are a vital health check for the town and the fact that a record number of bats were spotted goes to show the town is providing an appealing environment for wildlife to exist and thrive.” Somerset Bat Group hope to run another Big Bat Count late in the summer 2024 and wish to say a big thank you to Wessex Water who allowed the group to survey on their site and volunteered to count bats themselves. Clerks & Councils Direct November 2023 |
 | COUNCILS CELEBRATE GREEN FLAG RECOGNITION This year’s list of Green Flag Award winners was announced in July. The award scheme is managed by Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and is the benchmark standard for the management of parks and green spaces across the UK Among those receiving awards are:
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