Climate & Nature Emergency - Freshford Parish Council

Overview

Freshford Parish Council has declared a Climate Emergency (summer 2019) and in November 2020 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.

Full details of the Community Forum held online on 28 January 2021.

Home Energy

A Home Energy Community Group has been set up named FLHEG (Freshford & Limpley Stoke Home Energy Group).

Looking at ways of reducing the carbon footprint of local homes, and reduce energy costs.

Action Plan

Each discussion group at the Community Forum was asked to define the top 3 key initiatives that should be undertaken.

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 are described in the following document:

Parish Council Objectives

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 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