News

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SIDMOUTH ECO HUB: May: The Plastic Pollution Problem

10th May in the Tourist Information Centre: 11am – 1pm

24th May in Sidmouth Library: 11am – 1pm

What’s happening in Sidmouth to work on the plastic pollution problem – and what can we do to help further?!

The Sidmouth Plastic Warriors will be out in force at both sessions:

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Sidmouth Plastic Warriors | Facebook

Sidmouth Plastic Warriors – Doing everything in our power to get Sidmouth single-use-plastic-free

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Rebecca Honey of the Naked Larder will be there at the 10th May session

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Naked Larder Sidmouth | Package Free Shopping | East Devon

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A good question:

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Infographic: How Long Does Plastic Take to Decompose?

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And from Martin Dorey’s book: No. More. Plastic. What you can do to make a difference:

Our world- and every living creature in it- is under threat from plastic.  It’s in the ocean as well as along our verges, on our streets, in our parks, on the beaches, up the mountains, in lakes, rivers and streams.  You can’t go anywhere without seeing plastic.

 If we don’t stop the flow, the ocean is where it ends up.  As a result, every tide brings plastic to our shores, while the ‘gyres’, huge areas where microplastics- tiny fragments of plastic – are suspended in a water column, are now present in everyone of the world’s oceans.The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is estimated to cover an area extending to as much as 1.500,000square kilometres.  That’s more than 60 times the size of the UK’s land mass.

If we don’t change, the plastic problem is only going to get worse.

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No. More. Plastic. – Martin Dore

CAFÉ SCIENTIFIQUE @ KENNAWAY HOUSE!

Tree Week talk by Treeconomics

Tuesday 6th May 2025: 3:00PM – 4:30PM

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An extra Café Scientifique for Tree Week run in collaboration with one of our partners, Sidmouth Arboretum.

Treeconomics will be outlining the results of the Tree Survey of the Sid Valley.

Café Scientifique: Tree Week talk by Treeconomics – Sidmouth Science Festival

Treeconomics reporting back on preliminary results of the tree survey that so many of you helped us with last year.

TREE WEEK 2025 – Sidmouth Arboretum

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ECO HUB @ THE LIBRARY: 22ND FEBRUARY

The second February session will be held on Saturday, February 22, from 11am to 1pm at the Library

THEME FOOD!

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The Eco Hub will be looking at  what growing food is all about – with a special “fun and educational session is perfect for families with children under 12 or anyone curious to spark a love of nature in the next generation”.

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🌱 Super Soil: Discover the Secret World Beneath Our Feet! 🌍

Join Dr. Emma Pilgrim, FRSA – an ecologist, mum, and passionate soil enthusiast – for an exciting and interactive adventure into the fascinating world of soil!

With the help of Roly Poly the pill woodlouse from The Science & Spectacle of Soil Life with Roly Poly, written by Sharada Keats and beautifully illustrated by JiaJia Hamner, we’ll uncover the amazing science behind soil and why it’s so essential for the health of our planet.

This fun and educational session is perfect for families with children under 12 or anyone curious to spark a love of nature in the next generation. Plus, a huge thank you to Sharada Keats for generously donating copies of her gorgeous book to the Sidmouth Eco Hub!

What You’ll Learn:
🌾 What soil is and why it matters
🪱 The incredible creatures that live in soil
🌍 The amazing things soil does for us
Different types of soil and how to care for it
📅 When: Saturday, February 22nd, 11:00 am – 11:45 am
📍Where: Children’s Library, Sidmouth Library, Blackmore Dr, Sidmouth EX10 8LA

Let’s dig into the wonders of soil together—it’s going to be super!

Don’t miss this family-friendly event!

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SOIL IN THE HERALD: 21ST FEBRUARY

Emma Pilgrim also wrote an extensive piece for the Herald – looking forward to both the events at the Library and the coming weeks in the Eco Hub programme:

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The Importance of Protecting Our Soil

But here’s something incredible: a single teaspoon of soil contains more living organisms than there are people on Earth—over 8 billion tiny creatures working together to keep our planet healthy! Even more astonishing, a quarter of all species on earth spend at least part of their lives in soil. That’s an entire hidden universe underneath us!

Simple Ways to Support Healthy Soil

We can make a difference! By adopting soil-friendly gardening techniques, we can help regenerate and protect soil for future generations.

Inspiring Film Screenings at Radway Cinema

We’re bringing two thought-provoking documentaries showcasing real-world solutions for regenerating soil and restoring nature:

March 2, 2025 | 7:00pm – Six Inches of Soil

Back by popular demand, this powerful documentary explores how regenerative farming can heal our soils and combat climate change. Stay for a Q&A with local farmers & experts, including Fresh & Green Vegetables, Andy Gray (Elston Farm), and Harriet Bell (Riverford Organic Farmers).

June 8, 2025 | 7:00pm Wilding

Inspired by Isabella Tree’s bestselling book, this moving film tells the story of a once intensively farmed estate that was rewilded, allowing nature to bounce back. Join us afterwards for a Q&A with local rewilders, including Vicky McLachlan (Rewilder) and Mish Kennaway (Rewilder, Escot House).

We look forward to seeing you there!

Dr Emma Pilgrim: World Soil Day and why it matters | Sidmouth Herald

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CAFÉ SCIENTIFIQUE @ KENNAWAY HOUSE

Café Scientifique: Why is Lanzarote’s geothermal energy not exploited?

Tuesday 18th February 2025: 3:00PM – 4:30PM

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A talk by Dr Roger Trend

Lanzarote has one of the most accessible sources of geothermal energy in the world. It’s a shallow Hot Dry Rock field, established by the massive volcanic outpourings of 1730-36. However, it’s not used for electricity generation. Why not? I’ll first set the geological scene and then look at some super research currently being carried out at this famous locality. There are some similarities with the 1980’s Cornwall HDR Project and the current United Downs Deep Geothermal Power Project, but the differences are much more interesting …

Café Scientifique: Why is Lanzarote’s geothermal energy not exploited? – Sidmouth Science Festival

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ECO HUB @ TIC: 8TH FEBRUARY

The first February session will be held on Saturday, February 8, from 11am to 1pm at the Tourist Information Centre next to the Swimming Pool

The Sidmouth Community Food Forest will be there… to tie in with the topic of Local Food

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Local food @ the ECO HUB: What are the benefits of a Food Forest? – Climate Awareness Partnership Sidmouth

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Thursday’s monthly Green Drinks

We have tried Green Drinks over several months now and have had generally quite low attendance. So it is with regret we will not continue the event.

Note – We had a brilliant talk in June by Nick Bromley on the Future of local transport services – attended by two of us. He has agreed to do a full presentation in the New Year.

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GSI SEMINAR SERIES FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER

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RESPONSIBLE CLIMATE INTERVENTION: Weds 13th November

Join the GSI for a conversation on the subject of responsible climate intervention. A multi-disciplinary team will discuss the challenge of responsible Climate Intervention in the context of global temperature increases by several degrees by the end of the century.

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TALK FROM EXETER COMMUNITY ENERGY: 24TH OCTOBER

This ECOE talk is aimed at looking at practical ways to deal with fuel poverty – as well as how we can improve the comfort and sustainability of where we live.

7pm to 8pm – Thursday 24th October in the Cellar Bar of Kennaway House

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Go to their website for more: Our Retrofit Service (ecoe.org.uk)

Here’s the poster for the event:

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What’s On at Kennaway House Sidmouth | Upcoming Events

ecoe.org.uk…

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SCIENCE FESTIVAL: PLASTIC RECYCLING: 11TH OCTOBER

Tackling Plastic Waste Issues with Martin Tickner

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Is Plastic the Enemy? – Addressing the problems of Plastic Waste. Talk by Martin Tickner.

Martyn will lead an interactive discussion on the challenges of plastic waste asking such questions as:

• What is the problem we are trying to solve ?
• How is this connected to our modern lifestyle?

The unequivocal solutions are to use less, establish basic waste management in the Global South and be more carbon efficient, striving for a Circular Economy in the Global North. Martyn will provide perspectives on the good and not so good solutions and help us understand what we individually can do in support.

Martyn is a seasoned professional with more than 40 years in the global petrochemical and plastics industry stanning engineering, manufacturing, major projects, IT, M&A and business and general management. He has a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from Cambridge University and has lived in 7 countries on 3 different continents.

In 2020, Martyn joined the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW) as Chief Technical Advisor, intrigued by the urgent challenge of reducing environmental pollution, protecting nature and addressing climate change. The Alliance is a non-profit organisation funded by the private sector to identify, develop and prove effective solutions to plastic waste in all regions of the world.

Now an independent consultant, Martyn continues to support the work of the Alliance and advising investors and private sector companies as well as governments negotiating the new legally binding Global Plastic Treaty on the technical and economic strategies and solutions which will bring about meaningful change.

Tackling Plastic Waste Issues – Sidmouth Science Festival

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SCIENCE FESTIVAL: EXETER COMMUNITY ENERGY @ SUPER SCIENCE SATURDAY: 5TH OCTOBER

A full day of scientific fun around Sidmouth with lots to do for families of all ages as well as grown ups. 

Including Exeter Community Energy [ecoe] who will be promoting their “cosy home” work and available to talk about   making homes more comfortable and sustainable.

SUMMARY: Super Science Saturday – Sidmouth Science Festival

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SCIENCE FESTIVAL: LANZAROTE’S GEOTHERMAL ENERGY @ SUPER SCIENCE SATURDAY: 5TH OCTOBER

Lanzarote’s geothermal energy: its geological origins and its possibilities for electricity generation. Talk by Dr Roger Trend,

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Lanzarote’s geothermal energy – Sidmouth Science Festival

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SCIENCE FESTIVAL: HEAT PUMPS: 8TH OCTOBER

Lisa Treseder from Kensa Heat Pumps will be talking about A 21st Century alternative to the Gas Network.

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Cafe Scientifique: A 21st Century alternative to the gas network – Sidmouth Science Festival

SCIENCE FESTIVAL: RECONSTRUCTING CLIMATE @ SUPER SCIENCE SATURDAY: 5TH OCTOBER

Reconstructing climate from the longest-lived animals on Earth. Talk by James Scourse, Exeter University.

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A number of marine and terrestrial organisms contain incremental skeletal hardparts representing annual layers akin to tree rings. This enables biological longevity to be determined and, as in dendrochronology, growth increment series can be cross-matched to construct annually-resolved floating chronologies.

If these can be cross-matched with live-collected specimens in which the age of the final increment is known, cross-dating becomes possible. In this talk James will introduce this science of sclerochronology and focus on species of bivalve mollusc with exceptional longevities, notably Glycymeris glycymeris (dog cockle) and Arctica islandica (Icelandic clam, cyprine, quahog). The latter is the longest-lived non-colonial animal known to science (over 500 years) and the talk will include an account of the discovery of this specimen and the attendant media storm.

Radiocarbon determinations from known age material enable the radiocarbon reservoir effect to be constrained and interpreted in terms of hydrographic shifts across the major climate phases of the last 1000 years. Annually- and seasonally-resolved oxygen isotopes enable seawater temperatures to be reconstructed, revealing the extent of ocean warming since the Industrial Revolution. These data reveal changing lead-lag relationships between ocean and atmosphere over this period, enable changes in sea ice to be reconstructed and tipping points within the climate system to be identified.

James Scourse’s research focuses on long-term marine climate and ecosystem change. He has lead groups at Bangor University (1985-2012) and the University of Exeter (since 2017) researching mechanisms and feedback responses in the Earth’s climate system, in particular linked to ice-ocean interaction and the impact of changes of sea level on the carbon cycle, sediment transport and ocean circulation.

He is currently leading the European Research Council 6-year Synergy SEACHANGE Project which is establishing the impact of major human cultural transitions in marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. His group has pioneered the development of sclerochronology, reconstructing marine climate and ecosystem change using very long-lived annually banded molluscs.Much of his research is based at sea and he has served as Chief Scientist on 11 research cruises, including as Principal Scientific Officer on the final cruise of the RRS James Clark Ross in the Antarctic in 2020.

He is currently Head of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Exeter.

Reconstructing climate – Sidmouth Science Festival

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Green Screen in Exeter: Power to the People + Panel: SUNDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER

4.25PM: Exeter Picturehouse. In-person only.

The latest film by award-winning charity Cornwall Climate Care, looking at the crucial issue of Cornwall’s energy future and how that could affect the rest of the country.  Power to the People, presented by surfer and geologist Lucy Cotton, explores the exciting opportunities, huge challenges and frustrating problems facing us in our efforts to wean ourselves off fossil fuels.

Green Screen is an Exeter Picturehouse initiative showing environmental themed films followed by a panel discussion (including James Dyke from University of Exeter and Richard Day, chairman of Eden Geothermal), where possible, made up of locally relevant experts and the filmmakers. Site permitting, all are invited to stay after the screening to continue the conversation in the bar / cafe and if you have brought your keep cup you get a free tea or filter coffee. The cinema link for more info and ticket booking is here. 

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POWER TO THE PEOPLE – YouTube

Power to the People a Cornwall Climate Care documentary

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“FARMING THE LAND IN DEVON: LOOKING TO THE FUTURE”

CAPS talk with farmers and landowners: 6TH JUNE

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Climate Awareness Partnership Sidmouth (CAPS) will be hosting a talk called Farming the Land in Devon: Looking to the Future on Thursday, 6^th June in the Cellar Bar at Kennaway House, from 3pm. The talk has attracted two farmers and one landowner from Devon to talk on the challenges, barriers and opportunities they are facing with climate change.

According to Chris Lockyear from Sidmouth Town Council, “The aim of CAPS is to engage the community around climate change in order to ensure people are aware of what they can do personally to reduce their own carbon footprint. By encouraging everyone to do something, we can collectively reduce Sidmouth’s carbon footprint.”

The panel of speakers will include Katherine Gray, from the Sid Valley, who willexplain the importance of meadowland for wild species, its role in carbon absorption and the dangers from not preserving it through the loss of pollinators, especially bees. She will highlight the importance of cattle-grazed landscapes to provide habitats for wildflowers and their pollinators.

Henry Gent, from just outside Exeter, will reflect on his understanding of the current calculations of greenhouse gas emissions caused by farming. This will include how land use and input emissions are translated into the produce that we can consume, including food and drink, and how we can reduce emissions by changes in consumption, including diet. He will cover personal choices and public policies, including subsidies, emission taxation, and carbon pricing.

Finally Haydn Dawkins, from north Devon will concentrate on his consultant work with farmers interested in becoming more sustainable, building resilience and combatting climate-change impacts and greenhouse gas emissions in all aspects of their work. His aim is to encourage regeneration and climate change resilience with the sustainable use of natural resources and technology, initiating quick and effective changes in business strategies, methods and standards to achieve this.

After the talks a half hour is scheduled for questions and answers.

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Here’s the press release:

Climate Awareness Partnership Sidmouth (CAPS) is a local group that engages with the residents of the Sid Valley on their carbon footprint to help them make informed choices in order to reduce it. Many people are very pleased to be able to find ways that they can contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

At the end of February CAPS hosted A Plant-Based Future: How and Why?, a talk which got a well-attended audience thinking and talking about how the food we eat contributes to climate change. Reflecting a wider trend in the country, people reported in their chat afterwards that they are eating less meat nowadays.

More and more countries are realising that they need to reform their food systems in order to lower their greenhouse gas emission commitments to meet net zero by 2050 – as well as enhance the biodiversity of the land they are responsible for. Therefore the topics of diet and land use have never been more relevant. To expand on the theme another talk will be hosted by CAPS on Thursday, 6^th June, called Farming the Land in Devon: Looking to the Future.

This will highlight the challenges and barriers that farmers are facing in Devon as the climate changes. A panel of landowners and farmers will reflect on their personal experiences and history in the industry and explain how they are adapting now, along with what possibilities they see for the future.

The panel will include Katherine Gray from the Sid Valley, Henry Gent from outside Exeter and Haydn Dawkins from North Devon. There will be a good amount of time allocated for Q & A at then end. The talk will take place at 3pm in the Cellar Bar of Kennaway House. The event is open to all; there is a fee of £2-50 which also covers a drink and biscuit.

For more information contact CAPS at https://caps.vgsidmouth.co.uk/contact-uk

CAPS to host Sid Valley talk on future of Devon farming | Sidmouth Herald

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[from the Herald]

A stunning photo of a dinosaur’s footprint, discovered on Sidmouth beach in February, is being used to send a powerful environmental message to children.

Fossil hunter Dr Rob Coram spotted and photographed the print, which was made 240 million years ago by a rauisuchian – a reptile that looked like a cross between a crocodile and a dinosaur.

The picture is being used to promote the environmental message of a children’s book by local author Jo Earlam, which is being given away to local libraries and coastal litter picking groups. The book, Rosa’s Footprint, was inspired by the discovery of a similar print in Sidmouth 12 years ago. It aims to raise awareness of climate change and marine pollution, encouraging readers to think about their own ‘footprint’ on the planet. More information can be found here:

Jo is planning to start her book giveaway on World Earth Day, Monday April 22. She will be at Sidmouth Library at 4pm to read out Rosa’s Footprint and present copies of the book for distribution around East Devon libraries.

On Sunday, April 28 she will be giving out books at a litter pick in Exmouth organised by Plastic Free Exmouth. Further donations to East Devon and Dorset environmental groups will be organised, on the understanding that the books are not sold on but must be given as gifts, rewards or competition prizes.

Jo told the Herald: “My inspiration in writing the story has never been about making money from book sales (and I haven’t!), or selling large numbers, it’s about wanting to engage primarily with children in this local area where the story is set, help them to understand the geological significance of where they live and the idea of looking after the world, especially by not dropping rubbish.”

Amazing dinosaur footprint discovered on Sidmouth beach | Sidmouth Herald

“Spending the afternoon preparing copies of ‘Rosa’s Footprint’ to be gifted for Earth Day, April 22nd.”

Climate Awareness Partnership Sidmouth (CAPS) |Spending the afternoon prep

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31st December 2023

It’s Veganuary!

by Denise Bickley 

Solar panels, heat pumps and electric cars are all fantastic ideas for reducing our energy and fossil fuel consumption, but are beyond the means of most people in Sidmouth. Another piece of advice from the IPCC that tends to get swept to one side, but is affordable to all (and can make real change, immediately) is the idea of transitioning to a plant based diet (or at least leaning towards it). For political, emotional and financial reasons, it feels that this advice is not passed on in any serious way from government or media sources. 

According to a study from Oxford University, ‘People who follow a plant-based diet account for 75 percent less in greenhouse gas emissions than those who eat more than 3.5 ounces of meat a day, and a vegan diet also results in significantly less harm to land, water and biodiversity’. The vast majority of us here at CAPS are not vegan. We are not a vegan group and in no way can be seen as lobbying for vegans – but shouldn’t we be having a discussion, and if the advice is to try leaning into a plant based diet, shouldn’t we listen and try to make some changes? Shouldn’t there be a plan to help farmers plan a sustainable future, working for biodiversity and greenhouse gas reductions? Combine this with a plan for making food more local and seasonal, and it feels like we would be on track to help our communities become self-sufficient and our local farmers could profit from more of a co-operative, locally supported method of selling. Win win? 

Whilst as stated we are in no way advocating an overnight switch, we will be suggesting simple changes that can make a real difference.  

How about trying a few weeks with a different milk in your tea or coffee? Personally, after years of experimenting, I go for unsweetened soya milk in tea, and Oatley Barista Oat milk for coffee or hot chocolate. Pea milk is making its way to market now and is delicious. Worth a try? After just a few weeks, taste buds change and weirdly it is the dairy milk that starts tasting and smelling strange. This graphic shows the impact that this small shift can make: 

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Climate change: Which vegan milk is best? – BBC News

Last bit from me. Anybody up for a challenge? We’d love some people to sign up for Veganuary, just to see how they get on and to report back to us. Let us know if you are up for it by emailing….. 

There will be a stand about Veganuary in the library during January. More information can be found here veganuary.com. Signing up gives hints, tips and information about the benefits of moving to a plant based diet. 

With more from the last show: ‘Veganuary’ information on offer at Sidmouth Library | Sidmouth Herald

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14th December 2023

Working on positive climate-change projects to future-proof the Bude area

Hello – we’re Bude Climate Partnership, a group of local environmental organisations working together to develop positive community-led climate-change responses throughout the wider Bude area.

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Living in north Cornwall on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, we’re right on the sharp edge of climate change. Our lovely town, our beautiful countryside, our spectacular coastline and our close-knit community need protection to ensure they remain wonderful places for future generations.

Climate change is happening. We cannot avoid it. But it’s not all doom and gloom – not by any stretch. If we’re smart and we work together, we can turn a serious threat to our way of life into lots of opportunities that will future-proof our community, our economy and all aspects of our environment.

Developing positive climate change responses | Bude Climate Partnership | Bude

‘We can’t afford to wait’: a Cornish town faces climate threat head on | Climate crisis | The Guardian

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13th December 2023

Exeter experts give verdict on COP28 deal

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University of Exeter researchers have responded to the deal agreed today at the COP28 climate change conference.

The deal contains the first global agreement on “transitioning” away from fossil fuels – but this was watered down from a “phase out”.

Here is what Exeter researchers have to say:

Professor Pierre Friedlingstein, who leads the Global Carbon Budget, said: “People will see this COP28 as success or a total failure. I’m on the positive side here. The final text gives a very clear message that was never present in any of the previous 27 COPs. COP28 calls for a ‘Transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science.’ Now countries around the world have to put these words into actions. Let’s stop blaming petro states for selling fossil fuels. Let’s focus on making sure our governments give us the option not to buy them.”

Dr James Dyke said: “COP28 needed to deliver an unambiguous statement about the rapid phase out of fossil fuels. That would represent a rupture from previous COPs and business as usual – which is what is needed now, given record-breaking global temperature and greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, that did not happen. While the agreement’s call for the need to transition away from fossil fuels is welcome, it has numerous caveats and loopholes that risks rendering it meaningless when it comes to our efforts to limit warming to well below 2°C. That this deal has been hailed as a landmark is more a measure of previous failures than any step change when it comes to the increasingly urgent need to rapidly stop burning coal, oil and gas.”

With more here: Exeter experts give verdict on COP28 deal – News

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24th November 2023

Big Stories in Numbers

£6 billion will be invested in the new EV, charging infrastructure by members of Charge UK, which includes Shell, BP and Ionity – a 2021 study found a fivefold increase in chargers is needed by 2030.

63% of UK adults would back a government tax on oil companies to support nations damaged by climate change.

£20 billion new project from Cerulean Wind will decarbonise North Sea oil and gas platforms by providing them with clean wind power. » Cerulean Winds » Industrial Decarbonisation » Green Energy

£4 billion. investment in Somerset battery factory by Indian giant Tartar motors

440 GW of new renewables will be added to the grid globally in 2023, mostly solar, according to the IEA.

75,000 recruits needed by the nuclear industry to meet target of 24 GW of capacity by 2050, according to the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee

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20th October 2023

SIDMOUTH REPAIR CAFÉ’S 5TH BIRTHDAY!

The Sidmouth Repair Café movement is all about living sustainably. And congratulations! Last month it won a Sustainable Sidmouth Champions Award.

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It has just celebrated its fifth anniversary:

“The cafe held its first session in September 2018 and has become a very popular community project, with a large number of people coming along every month to get items mended rather than throwing them away and buying new replacements. It has saved countless items from going to landfill.”

We can do our bit – but need to pressurise the powers that be to do theirs – and so the Sidmouth Repair Cafe has just backed a national campaign for ‘fixability’:

“Sidmouth Repair Café is supporting a national campaign aimed at reducing waste by making items easier and cheaper to mend. It has signed up to the UK Repair and Reuse Declaration which calls for legislation requiring product designers and manufacturers to factor in repairability and provide the necessary spare parts on request. It also calls for better access to tools and training for repair work.”

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20th October 2023

SIDMOUTH ARBORETUM – 14,000 Trees – latest October 2023

The Arboretum was challenged to plant 14,000 trees by 2027. The first planting season from October 2022 to March 2023 was a very solid start with more than 5,000 whips in the ground.

The next planting season, October 2023 to March 2024, is well on the way with 6 sites approved and three and a half thousand whips on order.

SIDMOUTH ARBORETUM – updating the 2014 Tree Survey

Volunteers needed!

“We will be carrying out a repeat survey next year to assess how the treescape has changed. Would you like to be one of our volunteers tree counters?”

Contact info@sidmoutharboretum.org.uk

With more information here

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16th October 2023

SIDMOUTH SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2023

The Festival is now 10 days long book-ended by 2 fantastic days for families with hands-on and making opportunities.

“It’s always great to see the enthusiasm of children and young people especially those who are demonstrating their own knowledge. On Super Science Saturday people went home with their bags full of things that they had made. On Sunday the domes were all open at the Observatory enabling a new generation to see what it’s like to look at the stars and beyond. We certainly ‘Excited Curiosity’ among those who attended,” said Liz Bramley, one of the organisers.

If you would like to help or contribute in some way we have started planning for 2024 so please contact us through our website. Details on the website

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6th October 2023

FIRST CAPS NEWSLETTER – SURVEY RESULTS AND SCI FEST HIGHLIGHTS

The October 2023 CAPS newsletter goes out – to highlight both the results of the Climate Survey and climate-related events during the upcoming Sidmouth Science Festival.

Expect a regular flow of monthly CAPS newsletters – as well as more on the Climate Survey and the Sci Fest

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5th July 2023

CLIMATE AWARENESS SURVEY SHOWS ‘MOTIVATION TO ACT’

From the Herald:

The results of a local questionnaire on climate awareness are in – suggesting that many people would like help reducing their carbon footprint. The Climate Awareness Partnership Sidmouth (CAPS) asked people their views on climate change and what they were doing to benefit the environment. There were more than 260 responses.

Local residents and visitors were encouraged to participate in the questionnaire with the promise of a £100 prize draw – and the winning entry was drawn on Friday, June 30 by Simon Jupp MP. The prize went to Diana, a Sid Valley resident.

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26th June 2023

CLIMATE SURVEY PRIZE DRAW: FRIDAY 30 JUNE!

Sidmouth Town Council sought the views of Sid Valley residents on climate change. And it offered a £100 prize draw for anyone who completed their online survey. Read more about it here. With a link to the survey here.

Entries for the climate survey and the accompanying prize draw have closed today – Monday 26th June.

And on Friday 30th June, East Devon’s MP Simon Jupp will be at the town council to make the prize draw. Several members of the Climate Awareness Partnership Sidmouth will be there for the final draw – and the photo op for the launch of the next phase of the CAPS project.

Look out for the press release following the prize draw – and lean who’s won the £100 prize money!

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22nd June 2023

‘Meltdown’: Learning Lessons from British Columbia’s Heat Dome

In June and July 2021 British Columbia was trapped in a heat dome. The high-pressure weather event that trapped heat was responsible for 619 deaths.

In its review of the event, the Canadian government found that 98% of the deaths occurred indoors. Of these only 7% had AC units present in their homes, but only seven of those who died (15%) had them turned on at the time of their death. What`s more 24% of those who died had fans in their rooms and 70% of them had them turned on at the time of their deaths.

What this data shows is that while AC units and mechanical ventilation has a roll to play in keeping people cool during perods of extreme heat, AC is neither a quick or easy fix .

Canadian authorities published the extreme heat preparedness guide in the aftermath of the heat dome. Recommendations include installation of heat pumps for cooling provision in all social housing and low-income apartments. Furthermore, it called for building codes that require higher standards of heatwave readiness. Lessons need to be learned from events such as British Columbia heat dome – policies need to be developed and actions taken that built resilience to extreme heat as well as other climate risks.

Source: Institution of Mechanical Engineers – Professional Engineering publication. Meltdown: Learning lessons from British Columbia’s heat dome

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17th March 2023

COMMUNITY SPRING CLEAN!

A really great session happened last Saturday: well done the Plastic Warriors for organising!

With a report here: Community Spring Clean March 11th 2023 – Sidmouth Plastic Warriors

And feedback here: (4) Sidmouth Plastic Warriors | Facebook

It was very much a community effort:

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6th March 2023

CHANGE FOR GOOD EVENT

Friday’s event at All Saints went off very well with three very interesting presentations.

“The numbers present (110) demonstrate the interest and demand. We thought the Q&A at the end was excellent – covering a huge range of topics. And we thought the carbon footprinting in the interval went down really well – and there was a really good atmosphere. So well done and thank you, everyone!”

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7th February 2023

FILL IN THE CLIMATE SURVEY – AND ENTER THE PRIZE DRAW!

Sidmouth Town Council is seeking the views of Sid Valley residents on climate change and is offering entry into a £100 prize draw for anyone who completes their online survey.

By filling in this straightforward questionnaire, you will be contributing to the council’s understanding of how people think and feel about climate change.

The information from the survey will then guide future efforts to encourage and support positive change within the community.

This is part of the CAPS project – or the Climate Awareness Partnership Sidmouth.

CAPS is a new project being undertaken in partnership with the town council and volunteers across the community who want to work together to tackle the issue of climate change locally.

And the climate survey is a key part of that.As project lead Dave Bramley says: “Your guidance will determine where efforts should be placed, such as in planting more trees, accessing financial support, educational events and providing safe cycle routes – and any other positive ways forward you can suggest.”

The link to the survey can be found at Questionnaires – Climate Awareness Partnership Sidmouth

Have fun – and good luck! You might win £100!

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