DorsetCAN (Dorset Climate Action Network) is a network of community groups and individuals working together for a shared vision of a clean, green, sustainable Dorset.

Dorset (really) CAN in 2022

After all the high hopes for COP26 last year, the consensus of experts and commentators is that it did nothing like enough to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees. (The latest IPCC Report, released in March 2022, draws on thousands of academic studies and concludes that climate change is already causing “dangerous and widespread disruption” to the natural world, as well as to billions of people. Failure to curb pollution from fossil fuels and other human activities, it says, will condemn the world to a future that is both universally dangerous and deeply unequal.)

That means we can expect dire consequences - not only for people whose lives, homes and livelihoods are immediately at risk but for all of us who are threatened by mass migration, economic disruption, food and crop shortages as well as extreme weather events in the future. It's also very bad news for those other species that are going extinct increasingly rapidly. 

Dorset CAN works to inform,  help and encourage families, businesses and individuals across the county to 'do their bit' to reduce their carbon footprint and minimise our contribution to the climate and nature crisis. We also work to engage with and encourage Dorset Council and BCP Council to 'do their bit' to make this happen.

Find out about our current campaigns, events across Dorset, Action Teams, recent newsletters, updates, ideas, case studies, examples and contacts. But, above all, please join us - it's free and you don't have to take an active part. The more members we have, the louder our voice is and the more we can achieve. Stronger together!

Read the invitation to become a Member (there's no fee).
We're raising money to pay a co-ordinator to help us increase our membership and handle that day-to-day administration of DorsetCAN. Our £14,000 goal will pay a skilled co-ordinator a part-time salary for one year.

If you can make a contribution, it will help us build our network and get our voice heard. Thank you!
​Quick guide to DorsetCAN

*  JOIN  DorsetCAN as a member (it's free!)

*  JOIN our Dorset Deserves Better Campaign

News​
Key Forthcoming Events
(see calendar below for more)​​​
  • Dorset CAN public meeting. Climate Psychology with Linda Aspey. Wednesday May 25th. 7.30- 9.00pm. Linda will share key psychology around climate change, and ways of having climate conversations with people whatever their current level of engagement. We’ll explore: * Why climate change is often so hard to talk about * How our assumptions and fears can stop us from raising the subject -- and how to overcome them * How talking helps people to face their fear or grief and to feel more hopeful and empowered * Ideas for talking about climate change with the communities that you are trying to engage. This event is free. Register here.
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  • Dorset CAN Youth Conference 7 June 6.00pm Zoom.  The new Dorset CAN Youth Team are organising a Youth Conference with Somerset CAN and Wiltshire Climate Alliance. Invite your children, grandchildren or friends' and neighbour's kids aged 10-25. Email: Maya or Will at youthdorsetcan@gmail.com  Details to follow.​ ​​
Calendar from 16th May​
  • DorsetCAN Action Team meeting Mon. 16th May, 5:00-6:30pm Join Zoom Meeting. Join us to discuss next steps and current campaigns. 
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  • Nature Immersion for Climate Distress: a workshop for therapists, counsellors and group leaders. Tues 17th – Weds 18th May at Hazel Hill Wood near Salisbury. Led by Alan Heeks and Jane Sanders. Explore how nature immersion can be part of your approach, both with individuals and groups, drawing on many years of this work by the facilitators. Full details.
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  • Tumbledown needs volunteers. Weds & Friday, 19th & 21st May. Tumbledown is a 27-acre green space on the outskirts of Weymouth (DT4 9RU) with plans for a market garden, producing organic crops for people in food poverty. If you can help with clearing and digging next week (19th & 21st), contact Alan Chambers on 07500 721769 or alanchambers66@live.com
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  • Sustainable Fashion Show - Friday 20th May 6.30pm. With a talk by Sara Arnold of Fashion Act Now. Venue: Hawkers Farm, Stour Provost SP8 5LZ. Entry by donation or call Jenny on 07801 240103. See/download the poster
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  • Dorset CAN public meeting. Climate Psychology with Linda Aspey. Weds 25th May 7.30-9.00pm. (Details above) Register here.
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  • Land Use team meeting - Thursday 26th May 7.30 Zoom. All welcome. email Ian Duckworth for details: iduckworth@live.co.uk
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  • ​Dorset CAN Youth Conference. 7th June  6.00pm Zoom.(details above)
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Other matters:
  • Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show - 17th August need volunteer helpers on the stall. If you can help, email dorsetcan@gmail.com
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  • Melplash Show. 25th August – DCAN and Transition Town Bridport are sharing a stall and need volunteer helpers on the stall. If you can help, email dorsetcan@gmail.com
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Image credits

Like the photos? All the header images on this website were taken and kindly supplied by Colin Tracy: see more of his work here 
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