It was a busy year for Sustainable Warminster. Throughout the year we had a number of general meetings, interspersed with Green Drinks. Some of the other activities are summarised below.
Events
October – we had a talk about Longleat from Jim McConkie
January – there was a talk about “Take the Jump”, from Jen Gale.
February – we held a “Toad Party” at the Civic Centre, with an amazing response.
April – we held a party at Turnpike Cottage and invited people from the area to hear about the road closure proposals.
Campaigns
Damask Way – In September, we heard that the Backhouse planning application for Damask Way, which we had fought so hard against, had been withdrawn. We will keep a watchful eye on planning.
Toad Patrol – In addition to actual toad patrolling through an incredibly wet spring, we campaigned for Warminster Town Council to support an annual closure of Smallbrook Road for the toad migration. With the decline in reported numbers, it is important to understand that the toad population is at a tipping point, and protection through road closure is crucial. Toad patrollers were interviewed on both BBC Wiltshire Radio and BBC Points West raising concerns. We raised a petition, and attended meetings in January and March, where the Council voted to support closure. The application for closure is now working its way through Wiltshire Council’s process.
Plan Bee – Has been raising awareness of the plight of pollinators, and bringing the town and the MOD together. Several sessions of seed harvesting and planting etc. have taken place, and there was a Plan Bee presence in Imber at the recent Imber Bus Day. Work is Ongoing.
Energy Advice Cafés – Two of our members (Jules Tuff and Harriet James) have recently undergone extensive training after Sustainable Warminster received a substantial grant from the Centre for Sustainable Energy. They will also be running a series of sessions at the Civic Centre for energy advice and help for people of Warminster and district.
Members
Very sadly, we lost one of our founder members, Colin French, in March this year.
Collaborations
We continue to work with Warminster Town Council, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, our volunteer tree warden Becky Churchill, Warminster Area Board, the MOD, the Community Orchard, and others. We really appreciate the support and funding we have had from many sources.
Signed: Co Chairs Jennie Gilling and Maggie Richens