Nearly 70 people attended the evening celebration event for South Shropshire Climate Action (SSCA) at Craven Arms Discovery Centre on 10th April. Delegates were asked to answer two questions:

• What would you celebrate that you have achieved on Climate and Nature action in Shropshire over the past 3 years,

• and what would your priorities be for Climate and Nature action in Shropshire for the next 3 years?

The answers will help inform the future direction of Shropshire Climate Action, which will continue addressing the Climate and Nature emergency.

After an excellent meal from the Discovery Centre’s Asia and Toby, there were a series of briefings. Looking back over the last three years.

Jane Cullen, the chair of the SSCA Steering Group, outlined how SSCA came about in the summer of 2019 and what we have been doing since - do keep a look out for the next conference later on this year.  Jane also paid tribute, on behalf of the steering group, to Nick and Fiona, in-post as our project coordinators since 2021, funded by an anonymous benefactor. Both have worked with dedication, unflagging commitment, tolerance and good humour which is a great achievement amongst a sea of Climate emergency challenges!

Next up, Fiona showed delegates the new Shropshire Climate Action website, where you can also find our newsletter archive, along with a wealth of information on taking action to decarbonise.

Then came presentations reflecting the breadth of activity taking place across Shropshire:  topics ranged from land use and biodiversity, food, water, energy and buildings, transport, community groups and Community Climate Connectors. Our thanks to Phil Holden (Shropshire National Landscapes), Dr Alison Caffyn (Clun Rivers Group), Sascha Robinson (SCA Transport), Dr Daphne du Cros & Emma Cantillion (Shropshire Good Food Partnership), Mike Bourke (SCA Retrofit), Chloe King (MEA Community Climate Connectors) David Matthews (Programme Manager SCA) and Grant Wilson (Manager, Shropshire Hills Community Centre).

Finally, the meeting ended by looking ahead now that  SSCA and Zero Carbon Shropshire have fully combined to become Shropshire Climate Action, a county-wide group, of course including Telford & Wrekin. There is a plan in place for the Discovery Centre to host a Climate Hub for South Shropshire. The presentations ensured that people left with a positive buzz and appreciation of a strong, county-wide network of committed, purposeful people and actions, moving forward.

Our thanks most particularly go to our anonymous benefactor, all our sponsors and supporters! Don’t hesitate to get involved, either through making personal contact or by signing up on the website. Share your ideas and actions!