3 minute read
Environment
Petersfield Climate Action Network
Petersfield Climate Action Network (PeCAN) is an environmental charity, set up in 2020 by local residents. We were formed due to growing evidence that many people in the area were and are concerned about environmental issues and are passionate about taking action.
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PeCAN’s aims are to reduce carbon emissions in Petersfield and the surrounding villages, mitigate the effects of climate change on the natural environment, and increase biodiversity, which we do by leading and supporting decarbonisation and nature projects in the community. We work with local people and organisations to make the required changes to our buildings, transport, natural environment, understanding and behaviour, to live sustainably.
To date, our ongoing projects include No Mow May and verges management, subsidised fruit trees for every garden, support for home retrofitting, toy and gift swaps, online events, a weekly Eco Café and this summer, our first Eco Fair. Working with East Hampshire District Council and Alton Climate Action Network, PeCAN looked at ways to help the council identify which verges could be suitable for conservation mowing and which must be kept short for traffic safety reasons. Hampshire’s verges measure around 770km and offer vital connectivity for insects, birds, mammals and plants, particularly in towns and cities where they act as corridors joining our parks, gardens and the wider countryside. This year, Hampshire’s verges grew long and floral as a result of local council support for Plantlife’s No Mow May campaign.
In the winter of 2020, PeCAN supporters helped us plant 80 fruit trees in gardens around Petersfield. Winter 2021 saw nearly 300 more sold and planted. Fruit trees give blossom in spring and fruit in summer and they are beneficial for wildlife all year round. Trees were sourced from a local supplier and normally cost up to £30 plus delivery, but subsidised through a grant from EHDC, we offered them for £15. We are planning to repeat the offer this coming winter.
Our biggest ongoing project is Petersfield Area SuperHomes (PASH), run with the National Energy Foundation and local retrofit coordinators. They offer an independent, impartial assessment of your home which takes into consideration your individual needs and provides a detailed plan of bespoke recommendations to improve energy efficiency. This includes improving insulation and installing double glazing, changing a gas or oil heating system for a low-carbon heat system such as a heat pump, or generating renewable energy by installing solar panels.
The scheme is not just for Petersfield residents - it runs across the whole of East Hampshire and parts of West Sussex too. As the nation prepares for a hike in energy bills, we are supporting our community by offering energy saving tips as well as giving advice about grants and subsidies.
However, our biggest social achievement to date was the wonderful Eco Fair, held together with Petersfield Town Council on the Heath in July. Falling the day before the first ever national emergency red extreme heat warning came into effect, there couldn't have been a more appropriate moment to talk about our climate and explore some solutions.
Showcasing 40 stallholders from climate and conservation groups to home retrofitting, low waste living and green travel, there was something for everyone. With the fantastic Woodland Theatre, Bluebird Storyteller, talks, live music, food and drink, it felt like a real festival and was full of hope for the future.
We are lucky enough to have a small staff, a great group of trustees, and some fantastic volunteers, but we still need YOU!
For more information about PeCAN and to sign up to our newsletter, please visit our website at www. petersfieldcan.org, email hello@ petersfieldcan.org, find us on Facebook (@ PetersfieldClimateActionNetwork) and Instagram (@petersfield_can), or call 01730 719792. We look forward to hearing from you.
