< Back Watch Channel 4’s “The Great Climate Fight” documentary Mike Watkins 21 Nov 2023 Featuring Bishop's Castle Heat and Wind Project Channel 4’s two-part documentary “The Great Climate Fight” with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Mary Portas and Kevin McCloud argues that Net Zero can be achieved, the only thing preventing this is the government. The programme demonstrates that going green is now cheaper, studies how other countries are doing it, and puts it all to UK Government ministers. You can watch Bishop's Castle Heat and Wind Project feature in Episode 1 at 14 minutes and 20 seconds . Bishop’s Castle’s Climate and Environment group, Lightfoot, have described how “Keo Films spent many days with us, earlier this year, documenting the progress and obstacles we face in getting this wind-powered heat network through the early stage of the planning process, especially as the wind turbine planned to provide most of the power for the Energy Centre (to be near the college and SpArC) is proposed to be just inside the AONB, at the Conery. Full planning application is still a year away but we have been through a lot of hurdles via pre-planning and fund-raising. A 6-month long ecology study of the wind turbine site is currently underway, together with further grant applications and a planned, full Feasibility Study.” Previous Next

< Back Telford and Wrekin Borough Climate Change Annual Conference Fiona Morgan 18 Oct 2024 Working in partnership to adapt our communities to an uncertain future The second annual conference organised by Telford and Wrekin Council took place on 18 October. The conference was well attended by local organisations including the Fire and Rescue Service, town and parish councillors, businesses including Veolia and representatives of community groups including Climate Action Hub Telford, Sustainable Newport, Transition Telford, Shropshire Cycle Hub, Marches Energy Agency and local churches.Speakers covered topics including: how the council is reducing carbon emissions across the borough how the local business community is sharing good practice via the Telford Sustainability and Energy Cluster the sustainability projects being run by Shrewsbury and Telford hospitals Shropshire Good Food Partnership's work on reducing food waste with schools the Postcards from the Future visioning exercise about what Telford and Wrekin could look like if communities took action to get to net zero in relation to energy, buildings, transport, land, food and waste was discussed by the local communities forum. This was followed by a group discussion about developing an adaptation strategy for the borough as to the actions needed to make local communities more resilient to climate change. This was made all the more pertinent due to the flood barriers being erected in Ironbridge that morning. Previous Next

< Back Shropshire Hosts Record-Breaking Repair Cafe 'The Big Mend' Pete Martin 18 Oct 2025 Celebrating International Repair Day with repairers from across Shropshire and Telford Shrewsbury celebrated International Repair Day in spectacular fashion on Saturday, October 18 with the largest-ever Repair Café event in the town as well as the county: "The Big Mend." Organised by the dedicated Shrewsbury Repair Café volunteers, in collaboration with fellow Repair Cafés from across Shropshire (including Bayston Hill, Oswestry, Pontesbury, Stretton, Telford and Wem) and sponsored by Veolia, the event was a massive success, breathing new life into a vast array of broken household items and championing the value of sustainability and reuse. Held at Prestfelde School in Shrewsbury, the event saw an unprecedented turnout. Over 137 items were brought in by the public—far exceeding all other previous records of any repair café in Shropshire. Skilled volunteer "fixers" and "menders" worked tirelessly across various repair stations, tackling everything from the modern to the antique. The eclectic mix of items repaired or assessed included: • Faulty electrical items (like vacuum cleaners and hair straighteners) • Mechanical items • Broken clocks • Torn clothing and textiles • Damaged ornaments and toys (including a vintage Bagatelle pinball machine) Most items were successfully mended on the spot, preventing them from heading straight to landfill and saving their owners the cost of replacement. For those items requiring more complicated repairs, volunteers offered advice or took them away for further attention. The spirit of "The Big Mend" went beyond simple repairs. It was a true community celebration of the Repair Café movement's core values: • Waste Reduction: the event was a practical step against the 'throwaway' culture, keeping valuable resources in use and out of landfill. • Skill Sharing: people could watch or join in the repairs, learning valuable maintenance and fixing skills that are increasingly being lost in modern society. • Cost Saving: by repairing items for free, the event offered a practical solution to the rising cost of living. In addition to the repair stations, experts from Halls Fine Art Auctioneers were on hand to offer free valuations for items like jewellery, silver, ceramics, and militaria, adding an extra layer of engagement for attendees. The event's popularity was clear, with attendees flocking to Prestfelde School throughout the day. The vibrant atmosphere was noted by volunteers, with one repairer stating that the enthusiasm and happiness in the room was "wonderful." The importance of "The Big Mend" was acknowledged by local officials, with Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley, Town Mayor Alex Wagner, and Vice Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire Jenny Wynn OBE all in attendance to show their support for the sustainability initiative. "The Big Mend" successfully made its mark, not just as the biggest Repair Café event in the area, but as a shining example of community action and collective commitment to a more sustainable future. The success of the day reinforced the vital role that Shropshire’s Repair Cafés play in local efforts to tackle both the cost of living and climate crisis. Previous Next

< 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

Shropshire Climate Action: Individual Choices What can you do as an individual? What is your Carbon Footprint? Carbon Footprint calculators are online tools to measure the amount of carbon emissions generated by the way people live The calculator may require information about your home, diet, how you get about, wha t you buy etc. From your answers it will calculate your carbon footprint. There are many carbon footprint calculators, (we have included some examples), all use similar data sources but the assumptions they use about carbon use mean they may generate slightly different footprints. The important thing is to choose a calculator that appeals to you, and stick with it. By repeating your carbon calculations every 6 months you will be able to track your progress towards zero carbon. Try out these Carbon Footprint Calculators Explore your personal carbon footprint with these handy online carbon footprint calculators. You may be surprised! WWF Carbon Footprint Calculator https://footprint.wwf.org.uk Quick and easy to use Compares to others in your postcode area Ide as on how to reduce your carbon emissions Download mobile app from App Store: or Google Play . Giki Zero Carbon Footprint Calculator https://zero.giki.earth Easy to use Methodology and data sources explained Encourages use of actual figures to increase accuracy Looks at all areas of your life Tips and advice to reduce your carbon footprint. Carbon Savvy Carbon Footprint Calculator https://calculator.carbonsavvy.uk Provides comprehensive info and carbon-saving tips Includes your share of carbon emissions generated by public infrastructure including the NHS, schools etc. Three options to assess your carbon footprint with different degrees of detail. Focuses on health, wealth and well-being benefits Climate Hero https://climatehero.me/ Easy to use Doesn't ask for contact details Suggestions to improve your score are given Carbon Offsetting: opportunities & issues Read this report about "Carbon Offsetting" your excess carbon emissions and its potential to help achieve Net Zero in Shropshire. Actions to reduce your carbon footprint 1 Download our Leaflet 2 Attend a Climate Fresk workshop 3 Take actions on money, housing, energy, food & travel 4 Sign up to a local challenge 5 Sign up to Take The Jump national challenge 6 Join a local climate action group near you (1) "Cutting your Carbon Footprint" leaflet 1 SCA’s "Carbon Footprint" leaflet provides practical steps to reduce your carbon emissions. Download the leaflet here 2 (2) Book a Climate Fresk workshop Learn about the climate crisis and what you can do to help Climate Fresk is a 3 hour facilitated workshop where you can get to grips with climate change in small groups in a safe, non-judgemental space, learn how to take action and enjoy some thought-provoking discussions. The workshops explore key drivers, mechanisms, and impacts of climate change, and map out where we are today and where we could be headed if we join forces. Previous participants have said: ‘I knew a fair bit about climate change but I learned so much new stuff. It was incredibly powerful sharing ideas in the group and understanding how everything is connected. We discussed next steps we could take and I left feeling focused and upbeat’. If you are a community group or group of friends living in Shropshire or Telford & Wrekin and want to book a half day Climate Fresk workshops which includes all the materials, find out more via the BizEd Projects website or email climate@bizedprojects.com (3) Take actions on money, housing, energy, food & travel 3 Actions on how to green your money (bank, pension, insurance) Actions on your house and your energy use Actions on the food you eat and throw away Actions on how you get around Actions on reusing, repairing, sharing 4 (4) Sign up to a local challenge The Great Collaboration is an online Toolkit which contains 60 different carbon reducing actions you can take rated by cost and carbon impact. There are actions suitable for all individual circumstances. You can enter the carbon reducing actions you've already taken. Say which actions you’ll commit to next and which you won't do (and why). The Toolkit will use your anonymous information, along with everyone else's, to paint a powerful picture of what's happening locally. This information can be used to inform your local council and help them develop a carbon reduction plan based on specific, local needs. 5 (5) Sign up to "Take The Jump" national challenge Take the Jump is a grassroots movement for anyone worried about the state of the planet. Try the challenge for one month to take six shifts in how you eat, dress, travel, shop, holiday, and can help to change the system. The goal is a world of less “stuff” and more joy, where humanity is in balance with nature - through helping achieve a two-thirds reduction in the impact of consumption in rich countries by 2030. Science shows this is what is needed and citizens have a huge role in making it happen. (6) Join a local climate action group near you 6 Light Foot Enterprises C/o Enterprise House, Station Street, Bishops Castle, SY9 5AQ. Covers Bishop's Castle & surrounding area Further Information Mail Clun Climate & Environment Group Clun Town Council with Chapel Lawn Further Information Mail Market Drayton Climate Action Market Drayton & surrounding area Further Information Mail Pontesbury Climate Emergency Action Group Pontesbury Parish Further Information Mail St Martin’s Parish Council Climate Action Working Group St Martins Village Hall, Shropshire, SY11 3AY. Further Information Mail Transition Telford Meetings held 1st Tuesday of the month at the Cock Hotel, 148 Holyhead Road, Wellington, TF1 2DL. Further Information Mail Sustainable Bridgnorth Meetings held at St John's Catholic Church Hall, Northgate, Bridgnorth, WV16 4ER. Further Information Mail Clunbury Climate & Environment Group Covers Parish of Clunbury Further Information Mail Sustainable Newport Covers Newport & surrounding area (around TF10 postcode) Further Information Mail Shrewsbury Friends of the Earth Shrewsbury Further Information Mail Stretton Climate Care Drop in sessions held at the Health and Wellbeing Centre, Church Stretton, SY6 6BL. Further Information Mail Teme Valley Environment Group Knighton & surrounding area Further Information Mail Broseley Climate Action Group Bridgnorth Town Council, Broseley, TF12 5EL. Further Information Mail Ludlow 21 C/o Ludlow Mascall Centre, Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, SY8 1RZ. Covers Ludlow & surrounding area Further Information Mail Oswestry Climate Action Hub 36 Bailey Street, Oswestry, SY11 1PU Further Information Mail XR Shrewsbury (Extinction Rebellion) Meetings held Wednesdays monthly at the Nags Head, 22 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury, SY1 1XB. Further Information Mail Climate Action Hub Telford Events held at Belmont Hall, Tan Bank, Wellington,TF1 1LT. Further Information Mail Wem Area Climate Action Wem & surrounding area Further Information Mail

Shropshire Climate Action: Newsletters Newsletters Sign up to receive the monthly Shropshire Climate Action newsletter for Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin here . To read our current and past editions (including previous editions of the South Shropshire Climate Action newsletter going back to September 2022) click on a cover to open the pdf version. To join Shropshire Climate Action's newsletter and social media team please email: contact@shropshireclimateaction.org September 2026 Click here August 2026 Click here July 2026 Click here June 2026 Click here May 2026 Click here April 20206 Click here March 2026 Click here February 2026 Click here January 2026 Click here December 2025 Click here November 2025 Click here October 2025 Click here September 2025 Click here August 2025 Click here July 2025 Click here June 2025 Click here May 2025 Click here April 2025 Click here March 2025 Click here February 2025 Click here December 2024 Click here November 2024 Click here October 2024 Click here September 2024 Click here August 2024 Click here

Move to Renewable Energy Make the move to using energy from sources that don't produce carbon emissions. Buy energy from a renewables tariff - it can be cheaper. Consider a tariff with off-peak periods and shift your energy use. The proportion of energy generated from renewable is usually higher during off-peak periods. Many appliances can be timed. Charge an EV during off-peak. Home batteries can be charged during off-peak. Change your heating system to one that uses renewable energy. Probably a heat pump or electric heating. But insulate your property first. Install solar panels - if your property is suitable. Renewable energy tariffs This is a paragraph. Use this area to add any information you want to share with users. Just click "Edit Text" or double click here to change the text and make it your own. You can also adjust the paragraph's font, size and color so it fits your website’s theme. This is a great place to tell users a story about your website and let them know more about what you offer. You may want to share information about your company's background, your team, or the services you provide. Be sure to keep the tone and voice consistent throughout the site so users become familiar with your brand. Off-peak tariffs and time shifting Many suppliers offer tariffs with a lower-cost, off-peak period, although the day-time cost is often higher than a flat-rate tariff. As well as reducing costs, you will usually reduce the net carbon emissions you create if you time-shift your electricity usage into an off-peak period. This is because, on average, renewables contribute a larger proportion of energy generation during off-peak periods. Use the timers on home appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines. Tumble driers (except for heat-pump ones) can be a fire risk, so it may be best not to use them at night. Electric Vehicles can be charge overnight, using the car's timer or one in your charge point. Home batteries, with or without solar panels, can be charged off-peak and used to provide power during the day. Heat pumps This is a paragraph. Use this area to add any information you want to share with users. Just click "Edit Text" or double click here to change the text and make it your own. You can also adjust the paragraph's font, size and color so it fits your website’s theme. This is a great place to tell users a story about your website and let them know more about what you offer. You may want to share information about your company's background, your team, or the services you provide. Be sure to keep the tone and voice consistent throughout the site so users become familiar with your brand. Solar panels This is a paragraph. Use this area to add any information you want to share with users. Just click "Edit Text" or double click here to change the text and make it your own. You can also adjust the paragraph's font, size and color so it fits your website’s theme. This is a great place to tell users a story about your website and let them know more about what you offer. You may want to share information about your company's background, your team, or the services you provide. Be sure to keep the tone and voice consistent throughout the site so users become familiar with your brand.

Shropshire Climate Action: Energy & Buildings Energy & Buildings The UK government is committed to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, however SCA believes a far more ambitious target is required. As a priority, we must address energy usage, which will also save us money. Save money at home and help to save the planet! To join Shropshire Climate Action's Energy and Buildings Working Group which meets regularly please email: contact@shropshireclimateaction.org 1. Reduce consumption 2. Energy efficiency 3. Use renewables Advice & funding Local retrofit examples Energy production in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin

SCC Landing Our story and our values

Shropshire Climate Action: Use Renewables Use renewables Use energy from sources that don't produce carbon emissions To find out more about renewable energy options for your home please read our Energy Efficient Homes Information Sheet (No. 13) Consider using energy from a renewable source or supplier Shift your energy use to night-time (off-peak periods) where possible (many appliances can be timed) Change your heating system to one that uses renewable energy , eg a heat pump or electric heating. But insulate your property first Install solar panels - if your property is suitable. Here are some questions to ask a solar panel installer. Renewable energy tariffs Most energy suppliers offer a renewable energy tariff. You can find more information at the Energy Saving Trust: Green Tariffs . Off-peak tariffs and time shifting Some renewable tariffs offer cheap electricity at off-peak times, typically for 4 to 6 hours overnight. However, the price can be higher than the standard tariff during the peak period and there is often a higher daily charge. You should consider these tariffs if you can use high-energy appliances (such as washing machines, dishwashers and immersion heaters) in the off-peak period. They are especially valuable if you own an Electric Vehicle. Heat pumps Home energy professional, Dave Green, installed an air source heat pump (ASHP) in his 1930's semi in Shrewsbury in 2021 as part of a staged home retrofit project. This webinar (1 hour 12 mins) tells you what he did and the economic and carbon benefits of doing so. You can see more videos about heat pump installation via the Heat Geeks playlist on heat pumps and other renewable technology. Solar panels This webinar (1 hour 20 mins), by s olar specialist, Gordon Coppock (a Member of the Institute of Physics), evaluates the costs versus benefits of solar PV and solar thermal, including how to maximise your energy savings. Here is a link to Energy Saving Trust’s new expert Guide to solar panels Woodburning stoves Jeremy Brignell-Thorp (a member of Lightfoot), discusses the pros and cons of burning wood , including the latest evidence about air pollution, and how to optimise the efficiency of log burning stoves in this webinar (1 hour 15 mins).