Environment section.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2021 14:29 Page 6
MENDIP TIMES
Tackling climate change
ThE Adapting the Levels project team says it’s developed a way to make plans for climate change action and see how they might work before committing the resources. It’s launched a “unique and pioneering new web-based app” which will enable individuals, communities, councils and businesses to design and co-create plans to prepare and adapt whether for their home, business, community or the wider local landscape. It says the new Adaptation Pathway tool, which focuses particularly on the challenges of flooding and drought on the Somerset Levels, has turned a proven technique which is being employed around the globe to plan for climate change, into an interactive tool. The user-friendly website has launched with a number of pathways created for a variety of climate scenarios such as those in the home and garden, surface flooding in local villages, and on agricultural land. Users of the web app can input their ideas and thoughts, and also see how actions can directly and positively impact in those scenarios. Users can also “vote up” certain actions so people and communities are able to ‘own’ their own climate adaptation solutions. Details: https://www.adaptingthelevels.com/ http://pathways.adaptingthelevels.com/
Steep Holm open for visitors
ThE charity trustee owners of Steep holm Island, The Kenneth Allsop Memorial Trust, have resumed sailings from Westonsuper-Mare for the first time since March 2020. The island has been inhabited on and off for centuries, is full of hidden surprises and is steeped in history. It is a nature reserve, bird sanctuary, and with seals and muntjacs, it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Sailings from and back to Weston can only take place at high tides, making it a 12-hour day trip. Sailings are planned for August 9th, 11th, 22nd, 24th, and September 7th, 9th, 21st and 23rd. Details: www.Steepholm.online
Funding boost for Mendip AONB
View from Crook Peak
A MAJOR new fund to help farmers and land managers in the Mendip hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has been announced called Farming in Protected Landscapes. The AONB unit will be awarding £450,000 between now and the end of March 2024. The fund will be available to help farmers in all our “Protected Landscapes” – National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Andy Wear, vice-chair of the Mendip hills AONB Partnership and a local farmer said: “This is a game-changing amount of money for the Mendip hills AONB and has come along at just the right time. “Farmers have shaped the way the hills look for generations and this funding will help them to alter their practices to let nature recover, adapt for climate change, improve access and adjust to the new farm payments system post-Brexit. “By supporting the farmers, land managers and people who live and work in these areas, we can help protect these exceptional places and support local communities.” The programme is part of Defra’s Agricultural Transition Plan, developed by Defra with the support of a group of AONB and National Park staff from across the country. The Mendip hills unit will be appointing a Farm Engagement Officer to help farmers apply and a local assessment panel to ensure awards are independently decided. Details: https://www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/caring-aboutthe-aonb/farming-in-protected-landscapes/
Another wheelie great bike jumble
FROME’S annual Bike Jumble has raised £3,000 towards the town’s Missing Links project which is aiming to create a trafficfree, multi-user path from the town centre to the Colliers Way route running from Great Elm to Radstock. The jumble – the fourth of its kind – was a community-led day supported by Frome Town Council with more than 20 volunteers involved in making it happen, including four students on the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme from Frome College.
In the lead-up to the day more than 8o bikes were donated by the community which were then checked over by the team and fixed up ready to sell at the event for a great price. Clothing, helmets and biking accessories were also available to purchase. ding Frome were there to help with maintenance and bike checks through their Pay-It-Forward scheme. Town councillor Rich Ackroyd, who is also chair of Frome’s Missing Links, said: “It’s great to see the Bike Jumble has become such a well-loved part of the
The bike jumble underway outside Frome Library
town’s annual event calendar. The team were busy all day selling and giving cycling advice, from sizing and style to practical biking tips, and the funds raised will take us another step closer to our goal!”
For details about the Missing Links project, visit: https://fromesmissinglinks.org.uk/
PAGE 6 • MENDIP TIMES • AUGUST 2021
