​DorsetCAN Newsletter 6 ~ August 2021


The latest IPCC report -- Code Red for Humanity -- says unequivocally that we must halve carbon emissions in the next decade. So, where to start? What can we do? What can you do? What can I do? Highlighted in Code Red in this deliciously short.and.to.the.point newsletter are things we can all do.

Job #1 - Communicate and act
  • Don't just file this newsletter when you've read it. Please forward it to someone who doesn't receive it.
  • Start to take (more) steps to reduce your carbon footprint (ideas in this issue)
  • Join up with another household to compare notes on reducing your carbon footprint
  • If you haven't, please join DorsetCAN as an individual to make our voice stronger
  • Please ask someone else to join DorsetCAN. Then ask someone else every week
  • Please ask a local business to join DorsetCAN (your employer, a café, a shop)
  • Pin up, hand out, display our postcards (see the design + collect/order some from colintracy66@gmail.com)
  • Plan to attend (or create) an event in Great Big Green Week; meet others & spread the word (see below)
  • Get involved in starting a climate emergency centre (see below)
  • If you have a garden, think about permaculture, forest gardening, less digging (see below)
  • Join a DorsetCAN team - Land Use or Transport or Energy Team - help get actions going locally
  • Like us or follow us or share our posts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
  • Attend the DorsetCAN fundraiser on Thurs 26 August (Book here - more details below)

This Newsletter brings DorsetCAN news and updates (gold), details of our contribution to the national Great Big Green Week (green), (Inter)National and Local News (teal), Forthcoming Events (purple)  and our latest case study (a nice orangey terracotta) with ideas which we think could be an inspiration for other towns and villages in the county. 
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Do look out for us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and send in news items. If you’re part of a group that should be listed on our website, please let us know that (or anything else) at: DorsetCAN.news@gmail.com
We have a dream for Dorset: a Dorset with clean rivers, fantastic public transport, chemical free fields, carbon neutral homes for everyone, not just the rich, regenerating wildlife, locally-grown food, resilient town and village communities AND the Great Dorset Hedge.
Tell someone about our dream. If they share it, ask them to sign up to it.
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What Are We Doing Together?

Campaigning vigorously for a Radical re-think of the
​Dorset Local Plan
​
Earlier this year, DorsetCAN led a strong public reaction to the draft Dorset Local Plan published by Dorset Council in January. (Press release – 17/3/21).

​The Plan proposed the building of over 39,000 new houses in Dorset by 2038. This would involve building many new housing estates on greenfield land, including large incursions on the AONB and on the Green Belt in SE Dorset.

Dorset CAN called for a re-think of the Plan with far fewer houses – this call has been supported by many voluntary organisations and Town and Parish Councils, who are deeply disturbed by the potential impact on their areas. Dorset CAN has now been asked to lead, with Dorset CPRE, a vigorous campaign to secure this re-think, under the slogan ‘Dorset Deserves Better’. We are currently preparing campaign documents and enlisting the support of over 40 organisations and their wide membership.
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What can you do?
Get involved in the Campaign to re-think the Local Plan. If you have experience in this area and would like to get involved, contact Michael Dower on mdower6@btinternet.com
Engaging with Dorset Council on its Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy (CEES)
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At its Full Council meeting on 15 July, Dorset Council adopted the amended CEES and Cllr Ray Bryan described the progress the Council is making towards reducing carbon emissions on its own properties and activities, using a £19 million government grant. He opened the prospect of further funding and direct action on the Council’s own activities, which would contribute about 1% of what is needed in the county towards the net zero goal. He also said that action could start on the 99% – all the other interests and stakeholders in the county which the Council does not directly control. 

Dorset CAN welcomes the prospect of this widening of the action throughout the county and we have offered to assist the crucial early steps in that wider process.  We expect these to include the formation of the Dorset Climate Partnership Forum;  the launch of a public engagement programme and support by the Dorset Council for town and parish councils and community-based organisations. 

​What can you do?
​Get involved in our engagement with Dorset Council on its CEES. If you have experience in this area and would like to get involved, contact Giles Watts on wattsgft@gmail.com

What can I do?

GREAT BIG Green Week

Great Big Green Week 18-25 September
The latest IPCC climate report (above) highlights the importance of COP26, the global climate conference in Glasgow in November. And the national Great Big Green Week this September is a strong stimulus for environmental groups to plan events leading up to COP26.  Here are a few that we know about:
  • 19-26 September: The Planet Purbeck Festival with Film Festival, Family Events, Children's Activities, Beach Yoga, Local Delicious Food and Drink, Live Music, Nature Trails, Sports Demonstrations, Fossil Hunting, Workshops, Nature and Restoration Talk. (More details)
  • Sat 18 September: Transition Town Bridport is planning a series of events,  starting with a Rally on the Millennium Green. West Dorset Friends of the Earth will also have an opening gathering on the Bridport Millennium Green starting at 10.00 am.  
  • 23-26 September: Great Big Tree Festival, Shaftesbury. With walks, talks by experts, dancers, artists, poets... the Festival will culminate in a celebratory picnic on Sunday 26th September  - everyone welcome. You can add an event to the programme, contact Bethlewis560@gmail.com or visit Planet Shaftesbury. 
  • Sat 18 September: Beaminster ECO Network's Big Green Day will involve local people in the campaign to create a greener, more resilient town and offer practical ideas on how to cut living costs, cut waste, cut our carbon footprint, encourage wildlife in gardens, enjoy local food, plant trees and make homes more energy-efficient.  Display on The Square  9-12.00 and Green Roadshow in the Public Hall  10:30-2:30. (More details)
  • 25-26 September and 2-3 October: Open Greener Homes. DorsetCAN is celebrating and sharing the many ways people are saving energy, cutting carbon emissions and creating renewable energy. Our Energy Team is co-organising a county-wide programme of Open Greener Homes during Great Big Green Week. You can help. Have you installed solar panels, changed to a more efficient boiler, greatly improved your home insulation, installed a heat pump, bought an electric car, repurposed materials, cut down waste, started growing vegetables, bought an electric bike? If so, would you invite people to visit your home for one day during the weekends of 25-26 Sept or 2-3 Oct?  To get involved, contact colintracy66@gmail.com or, around Shaftesbury, rachel.bodle@gmail.com.
  • Friday 24 Sept 5pm - Parent & Child tree walk and quiz. Bridport Tree Planting. Upper Millennium Green. joe@thehacketts.uk
  • 18-25 September: Weymouth Great Big Green Week: A celebration of groups locally working towards a sustainable future – contact DWPGreenWeek@gmail.com.
  • 18-25 September: Ilminster Green Week will feature a Bird Walk, Tree Planting, Fairtrade Baking Competition and coffee Morning, Craft Fayre, Apple Juicing, Children’s Picnic and Climate March. (More details) 

(Inter)NATIONAL & LOCAL NEWS

Celebrating the good news | Recognising the crisis
​European Union bans some single use plastics
On 3rd July, the EU’s new Single-Use Plastic Directive came into force banning the 10 single-use plastics most often found thrown away on beaches.  Items made from expanded polystyrene, specifically, can no longer be sold. 
What is the UK doing?
A spokesperson for Defra said alternative approaches to the Directive were under consideration to deliver “the same or better overall outcome” in the rest of the UK.  But they made no pledge to introduce a ban. Read more
Stonehenge tunnel rejected
The High Court has quashed the development consent order (DCO) which Transport Secretary Grant Shapps had granted to construct a tunnel to take the A303 past the Stonehenge World Heritage Site. 
The World Heritage Director at UNESCO recently stated that a decision to build the tunnel would jeopardise the World Heritage status of Stonehenge.  The Secretary of State will now have to decide how to solve the problem of congestion on the A303. Read more 
Flood Risks in Dorset
New research and mapping show what land is at risk of flooding in Dorset in 2030. Read more with map links
Parnham House as an events venue
Beaminster Area ECO Group (a Dorset CAN member) has submitted – after local consultation – a response to the entertainment licence application by the new owner of Parnham House. It welcomes the principle of an events venue, but points to concerns about public safety, public disorder and public nuisance. Read more 
UK Government funds to tackle water pollution
A vital part of DorsetCAN’s vision for the future of Dorset is to have rivers and beaches clean enough to swim in. Many of our rivers are fouled by run-off from farms, industrial effluent, poorly maintained septic tanks and emergency release of raw sewage by water companies. 
So we welcome the UK government’s announcement, on 2nd August, that it will double funds for its Catchment Sensitive Farming programme. The extra funding (£17m over 3 years) will provide 50 new Environment Agency inspectors and more Natural England advisers to help farmers implement practical solutions to reduce pollution, including planting new grassland buffer strips to improve drainage, establishing riverside trees to reduce run- off and using better slurry storage facilities. Defra aims to have every farmer in the country taking part by 2023. Read more
Permission for Spetisbury solar farm
Dorset Council has given planning permission for an extension of the North Farm Solar Power Park in Spetisbury. The extended solar farm will be able to provide renewable energy for the equivalent of 6,000 homes a year, displacing 8,600 tonnes of greenhouse gases in a year. Read more
New National Nature Reserve in Dorset
Dorset Wildlife Trust has secured National Nature Reserve status for its nature reserves at Kingcombe Meadows and Powerstock Common. The adjoining areas are known for their remarkable natural habitats and wide range of species. Comprising 309 hectares of grassland, woodland and scrub habitat, they include two Sites of Special Scientific Interest and are now recognised as internationally important landscapes. Read more

News In Brief

What Else Can I Do?

Start a Climate Emergency Centre
Dozens of high street retail units across England and Wales, including Homebase, River Island and William Hill have been converted into climate emergency centres – community hubs “for the benefit of people and planet” – after changes in shopping habits or Covid left them empty.

Owners of vacant premises can reduce their business rates payments by up to 100% through leasing the property for community benefit to a not-for-profit or charitable organisation, such as a climate emergency centre (CEC).

The centres are run by communities themselves and offer a range of activities that focus on addressing the climate emergency and bringing people together – they include art exhibitions, exercise classes, sustainable living workshops, bike repair facilities and vegetarian cafes.

A handful of centres are already up and running. Climate Emergency centres (CEC) have created a handbook to walk you through the steps need to identify, lease and use empty spaces to create your eco hub to facilitate community action.

Over 40+  Groups around the UK are now working to set up Climate Emergency Centres; bringing together the best energy knowledge and action into a community space.
https://climateemergencycentre.co.uk
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If you're interested in helping DorsetCAN set up a centre in Dorchester, contact dorsetcan@gmail.com 
There's a real opportunity to actively support a local community group with making our green spaces safer. A group of residents are trying to overturn the council decision to re-open Keyhole Bridge in Poole Park to motorised traffic. They have worked tirelessly to get the Court to grant permission for a Judicial Review of the decision. But the campaign can only proceed if funds are raised to cover potential court costs.  Are you able to: 
  • donate something to the crowd fund (however small .. it all adds up) 
  • spread the word amongst friends and contacts
 
Here's the link: Keyhole Bridge - Help protect our residents and our green spaces
Natalie Bourchier and Ben Hussey are putting a team together to plan a major environmental festival for North Dorset over two days in July 2022. The festival, at the Turnpike Showground near Shaftesbury and Gillingham, will cover everything from conservation management to sustainable farming and nature-based wellbeing.

The aim is to inspire and encourage a practical approach to conserving our planet’s resources and embracing a sustainable lifestyle while celebrating our beautiful planet.

Their next stage is Activity Planning. Can you help them? You can hear Natalie talking about their ideas on The Alfred Daily for 24th July & 1st August and find out how to get involved at www.artemisfestival.co.uk

But What Else Can I Do?

Share, share, share...
  • The Politics of Climate Change. Belinda Bawden has written a detailed report of a recent discussion between George Eustice (Minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), Luke Pollard (his Shadow Minister) and Amelia Womack (Deputy Leader, Green Party) - including George Eustice’s explanation of how HS2 and road-building schemes can still be justified. You can read it here.

The Politics of Climate Change Part 2
  • ​Belinda has also written a follow-up report explaining what  small and medium-sized businesses can do, how to engage with your town or parish council, and how to use climate action toolkits. This is a great piece to share with others who are wondering what they can do. Her report is here

Marshwood Vale magazine
  • Vicki Elcoate is interviewed about DorsetCAN and 'What Can We Do About Climate Change?' in this month's Marshwood Vale magazine. See the interview here.  This is another great piece to share with others who are wondering what they can do

Char Valley Parish Council's Char Chat magazine
  • Char Chat this month is running a full page on DorsetCAN and what each of us can do about Climate Change. See the article here.  This is yet another great piece to share with others who are wondering what they can do.

Get your own article published
  • Can you contact your own local newspaper, magazine, parish magazine, church magazine or website and offer to write an article? (You could adapt one of these above). Use the opportunity to get people engaged and to get more people to sign up as members of DorsetCAN. 
Support your local food producers
Farms to Feed Us is a social enterprise run by volunteers. Activists, farmers and economists, their goal is to connect people with farmers, fishers, and food producers. From their website you can find their county-by-county database of food growers and suppliers. Use it to buy your food locally more often – and encourage other local farmers and growers to join the database. More details
Make a start with agroforestry/permaculture/ forest gardening in your own garden or workspace
 
The Land Use Team organised an inspiring event on food systems and forest gardens in July. You can see the report here. This opened up connections to:
  • DorsetCAN member Donna Curtis at Forest Canopy Design, who specialises in creating low waste, high yielding, food forest and re-wilding areas within your garden, home or workspace. More details 
  • The Plants for a Future Database covers edible & useful plants to grow for health & climate change tolerance, is based in Cornwall and is inspired by the work of Robert Hart. The database lists many plants which can be integrated and grown even on a small balcony, small gardens, public spaces, food forest gardens and within agroforestry settings. The project relies on us as interested growers and biodiversity lovers to share our experience of growing the varieties that are listed on their database. More details 
  •  Triarchy Press in Charmouth have copies of their guide to Forest Gardening – The Garden of Equal Delights – available for just £5 (usually £12.50) +p&p. Use code dorsetcan at checkout:  ​
Check out the Dorset-based Landworkers Alliance which has a whole host of COP26-related events planned, including a pilgrimage from London to Glasgow, film screenings and a global assembly. [See the full list and links here.] Their new Vocal for Local Report highlights the benefits of local food systems to address the failures of the existing supermarket system, with benefits ranging from economic and environmental resilience to cultural diversity and social connection
Come to the next DorsetCAN Land Use Team Presentation evening on Weds 8th September from 7.30 - 9.00pm. It covers the proposed Dorset (and East Devon) National Park given by two members of the D&EDNP Team: Richard Brown and Ian Duckworth.
 
Get an overview of the benefits to wildlife and heritage conservation, the local economy, and local communities of the proposed National Park and answers to some of the most frequently expressed questions and concerns. There will also  be time for members to ask further questions.
​Contact Ian Duckworth for details: iduckworth@live.co.uk

The 'Stop Portland Waste Incinerator' campaign needs your help.

There will be a significant negative impact across Dorset from the proposed incinerator on Portland needlessly adding to greenhouse gases and perpetuating "buy and throw" culture.  Not only will there be a plume from the now increased chimney height of 90m – located where many people live and work - but it will be lit day and night with a high intensity aviation warning light visible all along the coast.  If the plans go ahead they will demonstrate that we are unable to respond to the Climate Emergency and unable to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

How can you help?  Please tell everyone about this issue. We need to get technical and legal to fight with teeth.  Pollution for Profit on Portland should not be allowed. Please support the fundraiser for technical help which is over half way towards its target: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stopportlandwasteincinerator
More information: DorsetCAN News item ~ Stop Portland Waste Incinerator campaign website  
Join the New Scientist Academy online, Green Living, sustainability course.
You will be introduced to the renewable energy and green technologies that societies are now using to lower carbon emissions and you get advice on the steps you can take as an individual to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle. This is a high-level course that would enable you to train others (cost £199). More details

 FORTHCOMING EVENTS 

Sat/Sun 18-19 August: Support Planet Shaftesbury on their stand at the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show. This is a joint effort with Greener Gillingham and Hawkers Farm – with activities and displays to provoke conversations and interest in the lifestyle changes needed for more sustainable living. Visit the stand or sign up to help between 8.30am and 6pm on one of the show days. Contact planetshaftesbury@gmail.com

Thurs 26 August: DorsetCAN fundraising gig at Hawkers Farm, Stour Provost: open from 6pm for a preview of Wearable Art and wire sculpture from upcycled wire as part of the Blackmore Vale Art Trail. Then 7.15pm first set with Belle Street (www.bellestreetsingers.com). Bubbles and boards will serve canapés, main boards and puddings. Tickets are £25 to include supper and a welcome drink. Book here. Please come if you can
 
Sat-Mon 28-30 August: Shaftesbury Fringe will have a sustainability fair at its heart. Planet Shaftesbury have a stall – get involved by stewarding their stall for an hour or so; by offering to demonstrate a repair skill; or by having 3 minutes on the organiser’s soap box. Email planetshaftesbury@gmail.com or Georgie at georgiekirby@hotmail.co.uk 
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Tues 31 August: A tour of DWT’s new farm acquisition guided by nature restoration expert Rob Farrington from DWT. 10:00am - 12:30pm Court Farm, Bere Regis. Details

Weds 1 September:  A tour of Peveril Downs, potential new Local Nature Reserve, to explore the reasons behind this and the process of making it happen including baseline surveys and public engagement. 7:00pm - 8:30pm Peveril Downs, Broad Road Car Park Details
 
Weds 8 Sept, 7.30 - 9.00pm: Presentation on the proposed Dorset National Park. (See above). Contact Ian Duckworth

CASE STUDY

Picture
Our 'Look and Learn' case study this month is from Frome.

Fair Housing for Frome

Frome is not in Dorset but shares the same housing issues – shortage of affordable homes and increasing risk of homelessness that face many Dorset towns.

Fair Housing for Frome is a grass-roots organisation that began in 2015 when a group of local people met to discuss the housing crisis in the town. They work to prevent homelessness, to encourage the better use of existing housing, and to enable the creation of new homes to meet local needs. They’ve been persistent and imaginative with their initiatives over the past 6 years.

Read the full case study here and see how they did it and what you might be able to copy in your own town. Do get in touch with them if you want more information or hope to try something similar. 

This is DorsetCAN Case Study 8.  Others covered: 
Shaftesbury HomeGrown – How to Build a Community Farm
‘Seeding our Future’ – Starting a Community Food Security Project
Friends of Turner’s Nursery – Creating a Community Orchard 
 Char Valley River and Lifelines – Bringing Back the Wild Things
Trees for Beaminster – How to Run a Tree Planting Campaign
How to Relate to your MP​
Marnhull Green Teams

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