Overview

Freshford Parish Council has declared a Climate Emergency (summer 2019) and this November it unanimously declared an Ecological Emergency.

These declarations mean that all Parish Council decisions going forward will be viewed through the dual lenses of ‘Is this good for the climate and ecology of Freshford and all its residents, both now and in the future?’.

Science and Government agree that radical action over the next decade is critical in order to stop the decline of wildlife and ecosystems and to reduce emissions that are driving climate change.

The Freshford Community Forum highlighted that the village believes it can respond positively to this situation, and that taking action will enhance our health and well-being and that of our natural world.

Community Forum

The Community Forum was held on 28 January 2021. Questionnaires were sent out in advance of the meeting and although the forum had to be held on-line there was fantastic engagement from the village and lots of ideas for action.

The details can be seen here: Community Forum Page.

Action Plan

The action plans bring together the results from the questionnaire and discussions groups at the forum.

The aim of the action plan is to identify the key initiatives that the village would like to take forward. Now it's up to all of us in the community to make it happen - please get in touch if you want to get involved.

The following initiatives were raised by more than one discussion group:

Community Renewable Energy initiative
Reduction in Home Energy Usage
Planning Policy to better support the Climate Emergency and Nature Emergency
Communication, information and guidance
Friends of Freshford Tyning Proposal

The initial analysis of the discussion groups is described in the following document: Draft Action Plan.

Parish Council

Climate Emergency Resolution

Freshford PC resolves to recognise the existence of a climate emergency.
The PC fully supports the B&NES declaration on the climate emergency.
The PC will work with the Freshford community and community organisations, B&NES and other parish councils to establish specific local initiatives that will contribute to and enhance all aspects of our locality including transport, the built environment, the natural environment, ecology and renewable energy.

Nature Emergency Resolution

Resisting the destruction of habitats through planning policy and development management
Identifying appropriate areas for habitat restoration
Collaborating with the community to improve ecological literacy and encourage greater biodiversity, tree-planting and management
Working with partners locally and regionally to drive coordinated leadership and collaborative action

Aims and Objectives

To become a community that is sustainable and carbon free – by 2030.
To work inclusively with other bodies and other parish councils.
To fully support B&NES and central Government to meet climate and ecology deadlines.

Key Points

The current situation is unprecedented
There is no previous experience to draw on
There are no templates to follow
We are ALL in this together

Subpages (1): Community Forum

Freshford Action Plan v0.2.pdf

(203k)

parish council,

12 Mar 2021, 16:33

v.1

Comments