Willingham Parish Council Climate Change and Sustainability Statement
At its meeting on 6 May 2020 Willingham Parish Council (WPC) adopted the following statement:
“Willingham Parish Council fully supports the urgent need to tackle the issues surrounding global warming and its impact on climate change. Within its limited resources the Council will do what it can to assist in the aim of ensuring the long-term sustainability of our environment.”
Back in 2008 the Climate Change Act established a legally binding target to reduce the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% in 2050 from 1990 levels. Over the past year or so the dramatic effect of these emissions on our climate has become widely recognised as a very urgent problem and tackling it has moved higher up the agenda. In addition to greenhouse gas reduction, the sustainability of our environment also involves issues such as biodiversity, pollution and plastic waste.
Fundamental change requires international and national commitments, but local authorities also have an important part to play. WPC will continue to engage fully with CCC and SCDC, both of which have declared climate emergencies and are working on policies and strategies towards net zero carbon. WPC was represented at the recent SCDC Zero Carbon Communities workshop aimed at helping and supporting local communities such as ours.
The Council have two Councillors who are acting as their point of contact for climate change, environment and sustainability matters and they will help facilitate any initiatives within the Council’s remit on these matters. They can be contacted via the details below:
Linda King – cllr.lking@willinghamparishcouncil.gov.uk
Valerie McKee – cllr.mckee@willinghamparishcouncil.gov.uk
Cambs Acre – Nature Days
2023-05-22
Free community climate action course, Net Zero Now! Applications will close at the end of this week on 30th April.
2023-04-25
The course is run by Cambridge Carbon Footprint – go to their website to apply: www.cambridgecarbonfootprint.org
Who is the programme for?
This course is relevant to Parish Councillors and residents who are interested in supporting their community’s move to net zero but who are either unsure where to start or feel that they would benefit from gaining additional tools or confidence to increase the impact of their activities.
Why has the course been created?
The course is being run by local charity Cambridge Carbon Footprint with support from the South Cambridgeshire District Council Zero Carbon Communities Fund. We have developed this course as nearly two thirds of the changes needed to reach net zero by 2050 will require changes to the way we live our lives. We’ll need to reduce energy use, change the way we travel, what we eat, how much we buy and how we dispose of things. With the policies and actions currently in place still taking more time than we have, it’s important that we all do what we can to move closer towards net zero.
This means that, alongside calling for the UK Government to implement top-down policies to reduce the nation’s carbon footprint and support these changes, we have a fantastic opportunity to create communities that are not only sustainable, but healthier, happier, and more resilient.
So, if you would like to see this where you live, could Net Zero Now help you on your way?
What have previous participants achieved?
As a result of attending the course, previous participants have supported their parish councils to declare climate emergencies and create climate action plans, improved biodiversity through planting wildflowers and trees, and connected with surrounding towns and villages to share resources and expertise.
What does the course consist of? This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the move to net zero where you live. The programme consists of six weekly workshops between 7 June and 12 July, a mix of online and in-person, bringing you together with other communities and individuals in the area to support and learn from each other to deliver effective carbon reduction activities, events and communications. The programme will cover topics such as choosing an action, community engagement, influencing and communicating. You will be supported to create an action plan and leave the course ready to take the next steps. So whether you would like to set up a regular clothes swap or repair café, run an eco-fair or set up a community energy scheme, Net Zero Now is here to support you to take action where you live
Zero Carbon Communities Newsletter Spring 2023
2023-04-11
Zero Carbon Communities Newsletter Spring 2023 (office.com)
Action on Energy
2023-03-01
www.actiononenergycambs.org
Action on Energy is a partnership between Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridge City Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Fenland District Council, Huntingdonshire District Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council.
It provides residents with advice on how to maximise the energy efficiency of their homes, save money on their energy bills and cut their carbon emissions. Its authoritative advice includes information on the energy efficiency measures available, practical guidance, funding opportunities and support to find an installer.
Much useful information is already available on the website, and a new version will shortly be launched which will explain the full advice and support offer.
Residents – Hedges next to the highway/footpaths
2023-01-12
We have been asked by Highways to remind residents with hedges adjoining the footpaths to please cut them back before nesting season begins in March. When cutting them back please remember to allow for new growth over the summer to prevent the footpaths being obstructed over the summer.
If you are cutting during the nesting season (March to end of August) please check for nests and only use hand tools.
Thank you for your assistance.