Saturday 10th June marks the start of the national Great Big Green Week. This is a nationwide celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature. Bridgwater Town Council Climate Emergency portfolio Holder Kathy Pearce says “It’s a week to encourage us all to do something to make a difference – maybe go for a walk, install a water butt to save water or swap a meat-based meal for a plant based one instead? Every little thing makes a difference. In Bridgwater, on Thursday we are joining forces with the Somerset Wildlife Trust with a guided Mindfulness and Nature walk around the Meads. Join us to take some time out and appreciate the beauty of the Meads. The Meads has recently had a new path installed, which makes access for all much easier, so everyone is able to enjoy this little bit of the Levels in the heart of the town. For the past couple of years, the Friends of the Meads have been working closely with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust to create a wetland meadow and spaces which everyone can enjoy. ” Click here for more information.
On Friday, the Town Council will be sharing a stall at the weekly market with the Centre for Sustainable Energy and the Eco Centre. Both organisations provide free, local and impartial energy advice.
Kath continues “Over the past few years, the Town Council has been busy introducing measures to reduce its impact on the environment and address the effects of the climate emergency. These measures include:
- Reducing plastic waste. We buy locally whenever possible and for the past 4 years have had had a Single Use Policy in place – for example re-filling plastic containers instead of buying new.
- In 2021 we stopped using pesticides in our cemeteries to avoid harming the ecological system. This will be extended to local parks over the next few months when the Town Council takes on responsibility for them.
- In March of this year, we took full control of the town’s allotments to show our commitment to providing places for people to grow locally.
- In May we introduced a ban on latex balloons in/on Town Council spaces. Balloons cause immense harm by breaking up, harming sea-life and small animals and birds.
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New electric van for getting jobs done across the Town
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Introduction of the Tree Fund which invited residents to suggest local locations. Over 200 new trees planted or pledged – to be completed later this year.
- And of course the next SEED THE DAY festival which will be on 9th September
Plans for the future include forming a Climate Forum, to bring all local organisations together who have a commitment to addressing the causes of the climate emergency. Kath adds “So, watch this space and see how you can get involved!”