Things we are doing / ideas & projects discussed

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Current projects under development

a) Integrated Roof Solar panels on the South aisle and Porch of St. Mary’s Church CRC / PCC. Agreement in theory, from the PCC, Ely Diocese and Architect.

b) Churchyard grass, investigating green options to reduce grass cutting (Slow growing grass ) and to avoid the ecological desert that modern lawns are (with ‘Pardon the weeds we are feeding the Bees’ signs) i.e. grass alternatives / extending Charles’s scheme and cutting once or twice a year. PC & PCC approval to investigate ideas
Advisory visits apply to Cambridgeshire scheme https://www.wildlifebcn.org/advice-landowners/churchyards
Hertfordshire Wildlife Trust may have information.
https://www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk/resources/biodiversity/
Andy & Rachel will try some of these ideas in their garden at home Refer to James Hitchmough ‘Sowing Beauty’ Designing Flowering Meadows from Seed

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c) Talk on plastics and recycling by our local expert TBC (Thank you Mike)

d) No Dig gardening talk TBC (Thank you Nettie)

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e) Tree planting in Guilden with the Parish Council’s help, plans underway (Thank you Phil)

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Ideas & projects discussed to investigate / develop - longer term

1. Solar PV - Community and religious buildings, Residents houses, and other locations (i.e. Solar PV fields panels wet spaced and set 2.4m high on legs, re-wilded underneath. See Community solar PV Co-op - 2 x solar fields - profits to support local community Eco activities www.wedmorecpc.co.uk

2. Warmer Mordens - Tackling fuel poverty i.e. http://www.greenwedmore.co.uk/Energy/Warmer-Wedmore-Tackling-Fuel-Poverty.aspx

3. Community renewable energy/heat scheme. Bore hole geothermal heat to most houses in the village. see https://heatingswaffhamprior.co.uk/

4. Wind Turbine - where ? www.wedmorecpc.co.uk are seeking permissions etc to instal one

5. Community garden / forest gardens / agro-forestry / food forests  / composting (Find land) - https://www.thefoodforestproject.org/ • https://www.agroforestry.co.uk/ •  https://returntonow.net/2020/10/12/forest-garden-with-500-kinds-of-food-requires-only-a-few-hours-of-work-per-month/

6. Combined projects - Food forest / solar to pay for upkeep (https://wedmorecpc.co.uk/)/ pollarded wood for garden poles (instead of bamboo) etc / compost area / learning disabilities gardeners / Hut / power / water & toilets etc

7. Repair and mend club / cafe’s - clothes / bikes / furniture etc

8. Eco chat evenings discussing tips and ideas on how to lead better lives

9. Books, education and speakers - Promote knowledge and understanding underpinning lifestyle changes that are required

10. Electric car sharing club. Most peoples cars sit idle 95% of the time, think of the money you could save if we had a car share club (post Covid)

11. Paid electric vehicle charging points - see https://www.chargemystreet.co.uk/

12. Campaign for safe cycle paths joining our villages, schools and station together - contact new Mayor C&P combined Nik Johnson

13. Free cycle days (Car Boot style) - clothes exchange (events already in Steeple)

14. Influencing local businesses. i.e. Peat free compost with local garden centres

15. Long term consider becoming a Transition Town (benefits = grants and assistance)