< Back Celebrating South Shropshire Climate Action Nick Read 1 Apr 2025 ... and the next steps for Shropshire Climate Action On 10th April at the Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, there will be a celebration of the last three years’ progress towards a net zero Shropshire, and the launch of ambitious new plans in which South Shropshire Climate Action (SSCA) will be re-born as Shropshire Climate Action. SSCA comprises networks and organisations in South Shropshire who work to reduce greenhouse gases and protect the natural environment. Funding from an anonymous donor has supported two Project Co-ordinators for the last three years, Nick Read and Fiona Morgan, to create collaborative partnerships, share best practice and provide advice and support towards achieving the net zero target. 10th April will be a celebration of SSCA’s successes and the launch of ambitious future plans. Shropshire Climate Action is county-wide (including Telford & Wrekin), creating a wider partnership of climate and nature groups; more local hubs will be created to promote climate action, including plans for the Discovery Centre at Craven Arms; and it will strengthen the links with allied networks such as the Marches Nature Partnership and the Shropshire Good Food Partnership, generating greater momentum in the quest to achieve net zero and protect and enhance Nature in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin. Our guest list for the event includes those engaged in practical action, policy makers and opinion formers, contributors to our “Next Steps” report and project, and those who will deliver action in the months and years to come. Come to be inspired, to network, and to discuss your own plans with key stakeholders. Please email contact@shropshireclimateaction.org for more information. Previous Next

< Back Wellington's award winning cycle powered delivery service Anthony Lowe & Fiona Morgan 20 Sept 2024 Green Award winners at BBC Radio Shropshire's Make a Difference Awards 2024 Wellington Cycle Delivery Scheme recently won a Green Award at the BBC Radio Shropshire's Make a Difference Awards 2024 , held on 20 September, for its work promoting sustainable travel while delivering shopping by e-bike. The Cycle Delivery Service has 14 volunteers who provide a free-of-charge shopping delivery service within a 3 mile radius of Wellington on market days. In 2023, they completed over 1000 deliveries, cycling 3000 miles and reducing Wellington's carbon footprint by 625kgs. The group use Noddy - the e-cargo bike which belongs to Wellington Town Council - to provide their service. Dave Staniforth, one of the group's volunteers, told BBC Radio Shropshire, "We try to make a difference in our town, and I think if everybody else across Shropshire can make some little difference to their place then it will be a better place to live as well." Previous Next

< Back SSCA signs the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Fiona Morgan 31 Jan 2023 We need to get serious about taking global climate action Al Gore’s blistering 4 minute speech at the World Economic Forum, January 2023 about the state of the climate crisis Watch it and weep and then take action! Former Vice President of the United States, Al Gore, gave an incredibly powerful and passionate 4 minute speech during a panel session at the World Economic Forum, Davos in January, which summarised in just 4 blistering minutes where the world is at in relation to the climate crisis; the deliberate attempts by the fossil fuel industry to scupper any meaningful action to reduce carbon emissions including undermining the COP process; and the moral obligation that we have to take action to transition to net zero for the sake of all younger people and to prevent upwards of 1 billion people becoming climate refugees. You can watch the video here . Sign up to the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty TODAY The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is a bold new proposal to phase out coal, oil and gas faster, fairly and forever. Similar to other impactful international treaties that have helped phase out the use of nuclear weapons, landmines and chlorofluorocarbons, a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty will require widespread global support – from a wide range of institutions and individuals including civil society organisations, cities, governments and citizens around the world. The current priority is for organisations and individuals to endorse the Treaty at fossilfueltreaty.org and promote the concept among their networks using the hashtag #FossilFuelTreaty South Shropshire Climate Action has joined hundreds of organisations around the world in calling for a #FossilFuelTreaty with 3 objectives: No new coal, oil & gas Phase out fossil fuels A global #JustTransition Watch this 90-second video to find out more. Previous Next

< Back The Smart Energy Network Demonstrator (SEND) at Keele University Clive Dyson 8 Mar 2023 SSCA's field visit to Keele University to see their renewable energy park Mike Bourke, Susan Lockwood and Clive and Kate Dyson visited Keele University on Wednesday 8th March 2023 to see the renewable energy park and the Smart Energy Network Demonstrator (SEND). Keele University operates its own electricity distribution network, so is in a good position to experiment, somewhat isolated from the grid. It has two wind turbines, generating up to 1.7 MW, and an array of 12,500 solar panels, generating up to c. 5.5 MW. It also has a c. 2 MWh battery. On the cold, clouded winter day of our visit it was supplying about two thirds of the energy demand of the campus. There is also an export grid connection rated at about 1 MW. Alongside the energy park, it has been running a Smart Energy Network Demonstrator project, with support from Siemens (I believe it’s had research funding as well). This controls the generation system, use of electricity across the campus and export to / import from the grid. SEND also provides support to local enterprises, assisting them to develop energy-efficient low carbon solutions, and adding 120 new jobs and £40 million gross value added (GVA) to the regional economy. The University also carries out research and development in relation to low-carbon technologies, new energy products and data management systems. For example, it successfully trialled OFGEM’s Hydeploy project to inject 20% Green hydrogen into the University’s wholly owned gas network, testing its safety in the existing pipes and boilers and reducing carbon emissions by 7%. This project is now being taken forward on a larger scale in Gateshead, involving local homes, schools and other public buildings. Keele is also participating in a consortium of eight regional universities in the HyDEX programme to promote a new hydrogen industrial economy. During our visit we viewed the energy park, and learned of its positive impact on local biodiversity. During a (much warmer!) time spent in the impressive control centre we learned about the monitoring systems, the relationship of renewable energy developments to the planning regime, and the constraints of a decentralized community system like this in relation to the National Grid. This is a marvellous regional resource, and we hope to arrange further visits by key local organisations. We are most grateful to the staff of SEND for such a memorable learning experience. Previous Next

< Back Interesting conversations at Morville Annual Community event David Matthews 19 May 2025 Renewable energy popular with farmers, and a new argument for heat pumps? Last month, SCA was at the Morville Annual Community event. It was very well attended, and it was great to talk to several local farmers about renewable energy and how they are combining solar with agriculture (primarily sheep grazing) on the same land. There was interest too in battery storage, and the installation of wind turbines, now some of the planning restrictions have been lifted. According to the Impact Community Carbon Calculator, Morville has a higher than average carbon footprint, thanks to the widespread use of oil for home heating. The Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) attending the event were highlighting theft of fuel from oil tanks as a leading example of crime affecting rural communities in Shropshire. Perhaps that’s another argument for having a heat pump installed? Previous Next

< Back Minsterley Meadows success Janet Cobb 1 Dec 2024 Fundraiser saves nationally important Shropshire grassland Following a 10-month campaign by local people and nature conservationists, Middle Marches Community Land Trust and Marches Meadow Group are delighted to announce that Minsterley Meadows have been purchased. Thanks are due to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and players, 367 donors, Morris & Co and over 100 supporters and volunteers. The meadows are nationally important and are amongst the best flowery grasslands in Shropshire. They support over 5,000 green-winged orchids, a species which has severely declined over the last 100 years. Over 90% of Shropshire’s green-winged orchids are in these two hay meadows. In addition, funds have been secured for ongoing management of the meadows including supporting local people to care for them and engaging with young people through a local art project, activities and events as well as working closely with local schools. Peter Carty, Chair of Marches Meadow Group commented: “This is a fantastic achievement…such places are arks of wildlife from where we hope to collect seed and material to spread into new meadows” Geoff Rogers, Chair, Minsterley Parish Council adds: "The Parish of Minsterley greatly appreciates all those who have secured the purchase of Minsterley Meadows saving it for future generations.” Previous Next

< Back Want to make your home more energy efficient? Tony Baker 1 Aug 2025 Find out what support is available from Marches Energy Agency Retrofitting your home has so many advantages, from cutting your energy bills and your carbon footprint, to improving comfort, and even health and wellbeing. But it can all feel a bit daunting, especially in older heritage properties – so where do you start? With a thorough assessment of your property carried out by an independent, impartial expert from Future Ready Homes. Future Ready Homes is the retrofit advice service of long-established Shrewsbury-based charity Marches Energy Agency. If you aren't eligible for Government grant funded programmes such as ECO, and so are funding your own retrofit works, you can apply for our retrofit support package. The usual cost is around £900 depending on the size and complexity of your house. Thanks to funding from the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme this support is offered on a ‘choose what you pay’ basis, so long as you own and live in one of the relevant property types: Victorian or Edwardian solid wall house in Shropshire. Cavity wall houses on mains gas in Telford & Wrekin. A retrofit surveyor will visit your home to talk through your individual priorities and wishes, and to assess your options. The visit will involve a detailed analysis of the thermal performance of your home (non-invasive). If conditions allow, this will include thermal imaging, air tightness testing and/or temperature and relative humidity monitoring. You will receive a detailed report setting out recommendations for energy efficiency improvements to make in your home, in manageable stages. We will signpost you to local contractors and installers. You and your contractor will be able to access our technical panel of experts with any questions you may have. And the Future Ready Homes team will be here to support you through your project. So if you would like some advice on how to thoroughly insulate your home, make it less draughty, or perhaps you're considering solar panels or a heat pump, help is at hand. There's lots of useful advice at https://futurereadyhomes.org.uk/ or you can apply for a survey at https://futurereadyhomes.org.uk/retrofit-support-package/ Previous Next

< Back Shropshire Council's plans for the North West Relief Road (NWRR) continue Fiona Morgan 1 Mar 2023 End the de facto ban on on-shore wind Shropshire Council has submitted 100 new planning documents for the NWRR to try and allay some of the concerns raised by statutory consultees such as the Environment Agency and Natural England in response to the first planning application (2021). However, according to Better Shrewsbury Transport, the revisions do not address any of the fundamental issues with the road which includes the destruction of wildlife habitat including ancient trees and vital hedgerows and the production of at least 50,000 tonnes of carbon. Moreover the revisions have increased the total area of land affected by the road by 40%. Shropshire Council is planning to spend at least £87 million, plus an unlimited overspend on constructing the NWRR. This is despite a recent Shropshire Council budget consultation asking for views on how to make £50 million in savings. A new round of public consultation is open if you wish to comment on the revised NWRR plans: you can email planning.northern@shropshire.gov.uk using the planning application reference no. 21/00924/EIA in the Subject and make sure you include your name and address or comment via the Shropshire Council Planning portal or use the online form found on the Road To Ruin Shropshire website The deadline for comments is 11 March 2023. However, Better Shrewsbury Transport hope that emails will be taken into account until the planning officers submit their report in May 2023. For more information about the history of the road and campaign please see the Better Shrewsbury Transport website. Meanwhile in Wales.... The Welsh Government following the review of their National Transport Plan has made the decision to scrap all major road building projects in Wales and ensure all future roads must pass a strict criteria including that they must not increase carbon emissions. Read the full article by Teleri Glyn Jones in the BBC online (published 14/2/23) here . Previous Next

Shropshire Climate Action: Taking action Taking action! The impacts of the climate crisis will affect everyone living on the planet The scale of action required can feel overwhelming. “Climate doom” is where we don’t take action because we think it’s a problem we can’t solve, compared with “climate denial”, where we don’t take action because we don’t think there is a problem. However, although politicians, businesses and other institutions have a critical role to play, it is important to realise that we can all take meaningful action. The more each of us does, the more impact it will have. This website shows what can be done at home and work, by individuals, communities and councils, to reduce carbon emissions and protect nature. Individual choices Green Your Money Community actions Town & Parish Councils Schools & Youth Groups Local businesses Local Lobbying Eco anxiety

Shropshire Climate Action: Nature walks leaflets Shropshire Nature Walks leaflets South Shropshire Climate Action, in conjunction with local wildlife groups and libraries, produced a series of Nature Walks leaflets and posters for Shropshire towns, d esigned and illustrated by Sarah Jameson , a South Shropshire artist - we hope you like them! These leaflets can be downloaded below along with posters containing the same information. Bridgnorth Walk Download the Bridgnorth walk leaflet Download the Bridgnorth walk poster Ludlow Walk Download the Ludlow walk leaflet Download the Ludlow walk poster

Shropshire Climate Action: Climate action groups in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Local Climate Action Groups Find a Climate Action Group near you Many communities across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin have a local climate action group which may provide various types of support including information, advice, events and drop ins on how to reduce your carbon emissions and get involved in taking climate and nature action. See the full list below. To find out more about what local groups are doing you can also sign up to our monthly newsletters here . If your group has an event you want to advertise, please send the details to our communications group by clicking on this link . Light Foot Enterprises C/o Enterprise House, Station Street, Bishops Castle, SY9 5AQ. Covers Bishop's Castle & surrounding area Mail Click for information Clun Climate & Environment Group Clun Town Council with Chapel Lawn Mail Click for information Market Drayton Climate Action Market Drayton & surrounding area Mail Click for information Pontesbury Climate Emergency Action Group Pontesbury Parish Mail Click for information St Martin’s Parish Council Climate Action Working Group St Martins Village Hall, Shropshire, SY11 3AY. Mail Click for information Transition Telford Meetings held 1st Tuesday of the month at the Cock Hotel, 148 Holyhead Road, Wellington, TF1 2DL. Mail Click for information Sustainable Bridgnorth Meetings held at St John's Catholic Church Hall, Northgate, Bridgnorth, WV16 4ER. Mail Click for information Clunbury Climate & Environment Group Covers Parish of Clunbury Mail Click for information Sustainable Newport Covers Newport & surrounding area (around TF10 postcode) Mail Click for information Shrewsbury Friends of the Earth Shrewsbury Mail Click for information Stretton Climate Care Drop in sessions held at the Health and Wellbeing Centre, Church Stretton, SY6 6BL. Mail Click for information Teme Valley Environment Group Knighton & surrounding area Mail Click for information Broseley Climate Action Group Bridgnorth Town Council, Broseley, TF12 5EL. Mail Click for information Ludlow 21 C/o Ludlow Mascall Centre, Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, SY8 1RZ. Covers Ludlow & surrounding area Mail Click for information Oswestry Climate Action Hub 36 Bailey Street, Oswestry, SY11 1PU Mail Click for information XR Shrewsbury (Extinction Rebellion) Meetings held Wednesdays monthly at the Nags Head, 22 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury, SY1 1XB. Mail Click for information Climate Action Hub Telford Events held at Belmont Hall, Tan Bank, Wellington,TF1 1LT. Mail Click for information Wem Area Climate Action Wem & surrounding area Mail Click for information

< Back Follow up webinar to the Accelerating Change conference on climate action for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin David Matthews 20 Nov 2024 Planning the next steps for the network On 20 November Shropshire Climate Action held the follow up webinar to the Accelerating Change conference on climate action for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin: to update on the progress made since the Accelerating Change conference which took place back in May to explore the next steps and opportunities to get involved in emerging projects to accelerate climate action in communities across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to feedback on what local groups and communities need and how they can contribute to county-wide initiatives. The webinar identified a number of projects that could help collaboration and climate action across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, identified several volunteering opportunities. discussed how Shropshire Climate Action can support local environmental groups more effectively, and what local groups can bring to the table. You can view the presentation slides, a recording of the event, the feedback from the breakout groups, and find out how to volunteer here . Previous Next