South Gloucestershire Council is working closely and effectively with local people, groups and organisations to make a meaningful and positive impact on our environment, according to a report presented to Cabinet.
In its latest annual report on the progress being made across our area to take action on the climate and nature emergencies, detailing the sixth year of action since the Climate and Nature Emergency was declared in South Gloucestershire the scorecard shows good progress where the council and local people have control, and also spells out the challenges further afield.
Some of the practical steps the Council has taken in the past year include:
• The Common Connections project is in the final year of delivery. Highlights to date include 11 hectares of wildflower meadow created, 16 new community orchards, 6,673 trees planted, 14 new or restored ponds, 367 habitat boxes installed, 20 new benches, 61 school activities at 13 different schools, 2,549 pupils and 1,795 volunteers engaged.
• A new 30-hectare woodland is being planted on Council owned land at Leigh Farm in Pucklechurch
• Work is underway to explore the potential for community owned wind turbines on the Leigh Farm site
• Policies to benefit climate and local nature have been embedded in the council’s new Local Plan, which is now with Government planning inspectors for review
• We have delivered natural flood management projects on the River Frome including on the Common Yate and rain gardens at Chipping Sodbury School.
• The Solar Together Scheme Round 3 delivered 162 solar PV systems and 148 battery systems in South Gloucestershire homes
• 42 local schools have been accredited as part of our Modeshift Stars program, which gets local children cycling and travelling actively to and from school
For South Gloucestershire’s climate and natural environment to be better protected, further steps, regionally, nationally and internationally will be required. The Council remains committed, however, to achieving net zero carbon by 2030 for the emissions within our direct control.
For emissions outside of council control, there are plans to consider updating the area wide target in line with the UK’s statutory commitment and the Climate Change Committee (CCC). This will be formally considered as part of an updated council Climate and Nature Strategy to be brought forward next year.
South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member for Climate and Nature Emergency, councillor Louise Harris, said: “This report shows real progress being made through real actions by the council, working with real people and real lives. We know we can’t fix everything ourselves, but by working together locally, we can do our part. At the same time, working collaboratively with communities brings people together with a shared aim to make where we live better now, and for the future.
“This year we have scaled up our progress and action with the launch of a number of major schemes that will deliver long term benefits for South Gloucestershire residents.
“We are committed to using all the levers that we have as a local authority, working with partners and businesses to minimise the local impacts of climate change and to restore nature.
“Despite the challenges facing us, the good news story is that this work can stimulate local economic opportunity and social benefits, in terms of new local jobs, better health and well-being and lowering cost of living
“South Gloucestershire is blessed with many great local organisations, residents and businesses who are working with us and already taking innovative action that delivers not only environmental, but also social benefits. We thank all of those partners taking action already, and we continue to invite all members of our communities to get involved in local projects.”
The full report was presented to Cabinet on 8 December and is available to read on the website: https://council.southglos.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=134&MId=17308 (item 16).
