October 2011 Ecohere update
The first three Parishes!
We are delighted that Breinton, Bodenham and Leominster have all taken up the offer of support from the Ecohere team! Work has begun in all three communities towards creating local sustainability action plans, and we already have four more communities who are very interested in doing the same.
The Ecohere steering group in Breinton are about to hold their first local consultation event, where they will begin to find out from their community members about the issues and ideas that are important to them.
In Leominster some exciting ideas have already been raised by the community in their Community Led Plan, and we are sure that further issues will arise as we begin to support them in developing a specific sustainability action plan.
Bodenham’s almost-completed Community Led Plan also raised some local needs and wishes around sustainability, including community composting and a bulk-buying food scheme. We are already aware of other ideas which we hope will be among those raised at their first Open Meeting in mid-November. The commitment and enthusiasm of those involved so far is great to see, and also a pleasure to work alongside!
From our work so far, it is clear that local issues such as energy efficiency, reducing car use, local food use, renewable energy and appreciation of the local natural environment are key to these communities.
H.Energy week has also highlighted this extremely well! What a great opportunity to see sustainability in action and hear how other communities and individuals can replicate this all over the county.
Ecohere offers a unique opportunity to examine YOUR local needs, involve the whole community and plan how to tackle the issues that are important to you.
If you are interested in your community developing a Sustainability Action Plan, or would like to know anything else about the project, please contact:-
Rebecca (rebeccas@comfirst.org.uk 01432 262963) or
Mary (mary@herefordshirenewleaf.org.uk 07792 881060).