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LATEST NEWS :-

Local Election Results for Saltford Ward

There's no Grey Belt in Saltford, says SPC

SEG asks Local Election candidates 2 key questions (updated)

Revised timetable for BaNES Local Plan

Big Garden Birdwatch 24 - 26 Jan

Local Election in Saltford, 17th January

SEG highlights folly of short-term approach to new housing

Golden rules with 'brownfield first' approach for building on the Green Belt as Government launches revised planning policy

West Lancashire takes same line as Saltford on protecting farmland

SPC keeping up the pressure on defending the Green Belt

BaNES to re-set its new Local Plan

Vertebrate wildlife population declined by 73% in just 50 years

State of Natural Capital Report for England 2024

Keynsham Recycling Centre Q&A

Big Butterfly Count 2024 results reveal lowest numbers on record

Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) and Moths

New Government housing target for BaNES 'unrealistic', says BaNES

There are more dwellings per head now than 50 years ago

More news in our news archive >>

January 2025

At the Local Election in Saltford held on 16th January to fill the Saltford Ward Councillor vacancy on BaNES Council, the voter turnout was 40.2% (in the May 2023 local election for the Saltford Ward, the turnout was 44.61%).

Chris Warren, the Independent candidate and one of the only two election candidates who lived in the ward, was elected to represent the Saltford Ward, a role to be fulfilled together with the existing Ward Councillor, Cllr Duncan Hounsell (Lib Dems).

The votes cast were as follows:-

Elected - WARREN, Christopher John (Independent) 587

2nd - PIROOZ, Hossein (Liberal Democrats) 583

3rd - BUSBY, Andrew David (Conservative Party) 375

4th - CONDICK, Daniel Patrick (Reform UK) 205

5th - THORNTON, Luanne (Green Party) 159

6th - GIDDINS, Jane Emma (Labour Party) 60

Congratulations to Chris Warren and thank you to the previous Ward Councillor, Alison Streatfield-James, for her public service for Saltford on BaNES Council.

SEG looks forward to working with Councillor Chris Warren on the issues that really matter to Saltford and its local environment in a spirit of co-operation, partnership and trust.

SEG asked the election candidates two important questions during the pre-election period concerning (i) protecting the Green Belt from development, and (ii) resisting the ill-conceived proposals from WECA to put bus lane(s) on the Keynsham bypass (A4). Their responses as we reported are posted here.

NOTE: The Saltford Ward covers a large area of NE Somerset. Including the village of Saltford itself, it also covers Burnett, Chewton Keynsham, Compton Dando, Corston, Newton St Loe, and Queen Charlton.

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There's no Grey Belt in Saltford, says SPC

January 2025

None of Saltford's Green Belt land meets the Government's new National Planning Policy Framework (December 2024) definition of "Grey Belt" according to Saltford Parish Council at its first meeting of 2025 on 7th January. That resolution was based on an assessment of Saltford's Green Belt by SPC's Planning Policy Working Group. SEG welcomes and agrees with that assessment.

NOTE: Grey Belt is described in the NPPF as land in the Green Belt that could be suitable for new housing developments and is defined as comprising previously developed land and/or any other land that, in either case, does not strongly contribute to any of 3 specific Green Belt purposes, namely (a), (b), or (d) - i.e. (a) to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas, (b) to prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another, and (d) to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns.

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SEG asks Local Election candidates 2 key questions

Last updated 7 January 2025

On behalf of Saltford Environment Group's 560+ members, SEG's Chairman has written an open letter to the 6 candidates standing for election to fill the Saltford Ward Councillor vacancy in the 16th January local election.

The two most important issues for Saltford's new Ward Councillor during and after 2025 will be the threat of development on Saltford's Green Belt in the next (draft) Local Plan, and traffic congestion in Saltford and Keynsham that would become considerably worse at peak times if WECA implements its proposals for a bus lane on the Keynsham bypass.

The letter asks the candidates two key questions, asking the candidates that if they are elected on 16th January to serve Saltford as a Saltford Ward Councillor, will they:

   (1) support the local community and actively speak out in favour of protecting Saltford's Green Belt and resist any proposals in the draft Local Plan from BaNES to include developments on that land? YES/NO, and

   (2) actively support the local community and speak out and lobby or campaign against any proposals from WECA or BaNES Council to put bus lane(s) on the Keynsham bypass (A4)? YES/NO.

SEG is publishing here the YES/NO responses from the candidates when they are received. These are as follows for questions 1 and 2 :-

 BUSBY, Andrew David (Conservative Party) - Yes and YES;
 CONDICK, Daniel Patrick (Reform UK) - Yes and YES;
 GIDDINS, Jane Emma (Labour Party) - Yes and YES;
 PIROOZ, Hossein (Liberal Democrats) - Yes and YES;
 THORNTON, Luanne (Green Party) - Yes (implied) and
 "The proposed Keynsham bypass bus lane requires further examination...";
 WARREN, Christopher John (Independent) - Yes and YES.

SEG's letter made the point that the evidence overwhelmingly shows that there was no need, requirement or justification for building any of the new affordable (and other) homes that the country needs on Green Belt and farmland in England to help meet the Government's target to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029. SEG provided an explanatory "Supporting Evidence Statement" on new housing; you can download it as a pdf from this link:-

• SEG's evidence statement 20th Dec 2024

Such development would represent unsustainable development.

SEG also informed the candidates that peak time traffic congestion in Saltford and Keynsham on the Bath Road (A4) and connecting side roads is already a significant problem. Losing road space to bus lanes on the Keynsham bypass as proposed by WECA despite an overwhelming rejection by those residents who will have to live with the consequences of such an ill-conceived plan, will exacerbate this situation further causing more delays and chaos to road vehicle users (including buses when they try to rejoin the main traffic flow) with negative outcomes for the local economy, quality of life for residents, commuters and school children travelling to and from school, whilst further hindering access for emergency vehicles to serious incidents when they arise.

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Revised timetable for BaNES Local Plan

January 2025

Following the launch of the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) by the Government in December 2024, BaNES Council has issued as part of its update to the Local Plan Preparation Schedule a revised timetable to enable consideration of further options for housing developments to meet the higher housing targets set by Government (that are highly questionable and should require no loss of Green Belt or farmland - see SEG's evidence statement 20.12.2024 (pdf)).

The new dates are as follows (subject to change):-

- Public consultation on OPTIONS for strategic housing allocations Aug/Sept 2025.

- Public consultation on draft new Local Plan Mar/Apr 2026.

- Draft Local Plan public examination Jul/Aug 2026.

- Final adoption of new Local Plan Jun/Jul 2027.

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Big Garden Birdwatch 24 - 26 Jan

January 2025

Big Garden Birdwatch is for everyone, whether you're a complete beginner or a birding expert. Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour between 26 and 28 January 2023.

• Choose an hour between 24 and 26 January

• Only record the birds that land in your patch

• Record the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time

Across the UK last year, over 600,000 people took part in Big Garden Birdwatch 2024, counting 9.7 million birds! House Sparrows took the top spot, but counts of these chirpy birds are down by 60% compared to the first Birdwatch in 1979. In fact, we've lost 38 million birds from UK skies in the last 60 years. With birds facing so many challenges, it's more important than ever to get involved in the Birdwatch. Every bird you do - or don't - count will give us a valuable insight into how garden birds are faring.

Taking part is easy and this is a great chance to sit back, relax and watch birds and other wildlife for an hour - and to encourage younger members of your family to develop an interest in the local wildlife. By taking part, you'll find out all about the fascinating wildlife that flutters, crawls and hops in your garden, balcony or local area. And with a simple hour of mindful watching, you could have an hour to yourself, too.

Full details including resources and ideas with tips on making your garden an attractive place for birds to visit can be found on the RSPB website from this link:- RSPB Birdwatch.

You can also find more information on social media using the hashtag #BigGardenBirdWatch.

Don't forget that taking a wildlife-friendly gardening approach, including the provision of water, rather than putting out copious amounts of bird food, is much more beneficial to birds and other wildlife as it helps to re-introduce the natural features that are much reduced due to habitat loss and intensive farming methods. It can be a more helpful approach than disrupting or unbalancing different bird populations through heavy food provision that favours some species over others.

Growing native species of plants in your garden, mowing your lawn less, and not removing dead leaves etc. from your flower beds in the autumn and winter that provide winter habitat and a food source for insects, can help sustain a healthier local birdlife.

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Local Election in Saltford, 17th January

December 2024

BaNES Council has announced that there will be a local election in the Saltford Ward on 17th January to fill the Saltford Ward Councillor vacancy on BaNES Council. This follows the resignation of Cllr Alison Streatfield-James to fill a senior national and non-political role for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). SEG is grateful to Alison for her work on Saltford's behalf since her election in May 2023 and wishes her well for the future.

The deadline for nominations to be sent to BaNES Council to stand for this election was 16th December 2024. These are the 6 candidates standing for election:

  BUSBY, Andrew David (Conservative Party);
  CONDICK, Daniel Patrick (Reform UK);
  GIDDINS, Jane Emma (Labour Party);
  PIROOZ, Hossein (Liberal Democrats);
  THORNTON, Luanne (Green Party);
  WARREN, Christopher John (Independent).

More information about the candidates and the local election itself can be found on the BaNES website from this link >>

The two most important issues for our new Ward Councillor will concern

   (i) the threat of development on Saltford's Green Belt in the next (draft) Local Plan; and

   (ii) traffic congestion in Saltford and Keynsham that would become considerably worse at peak times if WECA implements its proposals for a bus lane on the Keysham bypass.

SEG is contacting the candidates to seek their agreement that if elected they will support the objective of protecting the Green Belt around Saltford in the next Local Plan and resist the bus lane proposals from WECA.

SEG reminds members and residents that SEG is independent and politically neutral on national and local political matters and will work with all elected local Councillors and the local MP towards a better, more sustainable future for the village of Saltford.

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SEG highlights folly of short-term approach to new housing

December 2024

Most would agree that we need more affordable homes and in the right places. However, the Government's short-term approach to new housing and higher housing targets for Local Planning Authorities to enable it to meet its questionable aim to build 1.5 million new houses by the end of the current Parliament, has the potential to do massive damage to the nation's ability to feed itself in the future. The outcome would be huge economic upheaval with 'food poverty' becoming a reality for increasing numbers of citizens as food prices rise in response to rising demand but depleting production.

Losing agricultural land and land that provides ecosystem support for food production (e.g. pollinator habitat) is a short-term decision with medium to long term consequences for our food security that can't be reversed.

Here are some compelling reasons to protect this country's farmland and natural or semi-natural habitats that support our ecosystems and food production:-

• The UK cannot feed itself now, 40% of our net food requirement is imported each year (Defra data).

• Climate change is already reducing productivity for large areas of food production and causing crop failures, a rising world population, and conflict means that in the near future the UK will not be able rely on other nations to feed us at current rates.

• Food systems depend on a reliable source of freshwater. Half the world's population already faces water scarcity, and that number is set to rise as the climate crisis worsens, according to a report from the Global Commission on the Economics of Water published on 17 October 2024 (watercommission.org).

• At present, over half of the world's food production comes from areas experiencing unstable trends in water availability. More than half the world's food production will be at risk of failure within the next 25 years (by 2050) as a rapidly accelerating water crisis grips the planet, unless urgent action is taken to conserve water resources and end the destruction of the ecosystems on which our fresh water depends (watercommission.org, 17 October 2024).

The following illustrates that rather than a housing shortage, the issue facing the nation is the need to make better use of the housing we have, or that housing developments that already have planning permission to be built are not being built:-

• In 1971 there was almost one dwelling for every 3 people in the country. Today, there is about one dwelling for every 2.25 people, meaning we actually have more homes per capita right now than we did 50 years ago (ONS Data - CPRE, October 2024).

• There are almost 700,000 empty and unfurnished homes in England. Of those, 261,471 are classed as "long-term empty", meaning no-one has lived there for six months or more. (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government data, 2024 - MHCLG link on gov.uk)

• The UK's birth rate of 1.44 children/woman (ONS data, 2024) is well below population replacement level (2.1) so demand is shrinking but for net inward migration, e.g. +906,000 in 12 months to June 2023 (ONS data update 28.11.2024).

• England has enough brownfield land for 1.2 million new homes (CPRE, December 2022).

• According to "Planning Portal Weekly News", the Market Index Report shows that over one million homes with planning permission remain unbuilt (www.planningportal.co.uk 5.12.2024).

The situation for Saltford and Keynsham proves that this part of Bath and NE Somerset has taken more than enough housing, indeed more than local roads can take:-

• New and existing employment opportunities are near brownfield land, not the Green Belt.

• Traffic congestion results in economic loss and lowers the quality of life for residents. The cumulative effect of new housing in Keynsham and South Gloucestershire etc. is already causing serious traffic congestion during morning and early evening peak times not just in Keynsham, but through Saltford. Our local roads can't take new housing developments.

• Facilitated by new housing developments, Saltford's population has grown by 114% since 1951 (Census data). It has exceeded its share of new housing and local roads struggle to cope with peak time traffic volumes; any new developments would represent over-development and damage much more than Saltford's rural village status.

For our ecology, health and well-being we should be protecting the Green Belt, not destroying it:-

• There has been a 73% average decline in monitored vertebrate wildlife populations (mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish) worldwide in the last 50 years (WWF's Living Planet Report, October 2024).

• The UK is one of the world's most nature-depleted countries being in the bottom 10% globally and last among the G7 group of nations - Natural History Museum's Biodiversity Trends Explorer report (October 2021).

• Building on open countryside in the Green Belt reduces the quality of life for rural and city dwellers. The countryside is important for our mental and physical well-being. We should protect the Green Belt not just for rural residents and for wildlife, but for those who live in local towns and cities and appreciate being able to get out to open countryside relatively quickly.

We need political leaders that can think past the next election, leaders that actually recognise the importance of food security, the essential need to retain farming land and natural habitats, and recognise that the nation needs to get a grip of making the planning system deliver houses that are needed, in the right places, and in ways that support health and well-being whilst protecting the land that feeds us.

The economy is a wholly owned subsidiary of the environment, not the other way round... - Gaylord Nelson (1916-2005)

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Golden rules with 'brownfield first' approach for building on the Green Belt as Government launches revised planning policy

December 2024

On 12 December 2024 the Government announced new mandatory higher housing targets for councils across the country and planning reform (the launch of the revised National Planning Policy Framework NPPF) and "lower quality 'grey belt' land defined in national planning policy for the first time, with tough new 'golden rules' on development to guarantee affordable housing, local services and green spaces".

Under new planning rules, updated via the NPPF (December 2024):

• Areas with the highest unaffordability for housing and greatest potential for growth will see housebuilding targets increase, while stronger action will ensure councils adopt up-to-date local plans or develop new plans that work for their communities.
• A new common-sense approach will be introduced to the greenbelt. While remaining committed to a brownfield first approach, the updated NPPF will require councils to review their greenbelt boundaries to meet targets, identifying and prioritising lower quality 'grey belt' land.
• Any development on greenbelt must meet strict requirements, via the new 'golden rules', which require developers to provide the necessary infrastructure for local communities, such as nurseries, GP surgeries and transport, as well as a premium level of social and affordable housing.

Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Angela Rayner, said:

   Reflecting our commitment to the plan-led system, meaning where and how new development is built through local plans, ministers will provide local authorities with three months in which to progress local plans that are currently in development, subject to conditions that catch those which significantly undershoot the new targets.

   But the government is introducing a new requirement that where plans based on old targets are still in place from July 2026, councils will need to provide for an extra year's supply of homes in their pipeline - six years instead of five.

   Where they do not, the strengthened presumption in favour of sustainable development would apply alongside the existing safeguards in national policy around provision of affordable housing, design quality, and sustainability of location.

   Brownfield land must continue to be the first port of call for any new development and the default answer when asked to build on brownfield should always be 'yes'. The government is also exploring further action to support and expedite the development of brownfield land in urban areas through 'brownfield passports' with more details to be set out next year.

On the NPPF consultation, Deputy PM Angela Rayner said:

   The new annual housing targets continue to total an ambitious 370,000 across England, with higher mandatory targets in those places facing the most acute affordability.

The Golden rules for this statement from the Government were summarised as:

• Brownfield first.
• Grey belt second.
• Affordable homes.
• Boost public services and infrastructure.
• Improve genuine green spaces.

NOTE: Grey Belt is defined in the NPPF as land in the Green Belt comprising previously developed land and/or any other land that, in either case, does not strongly contribute to any of 3 specific Green Belt purposes, namely (a), (b), or (d) - i.e. (a) to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas, (b) to prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another, and (d) to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Relevant link (to gov.uk): Planning overhaul to reach 1.5m new homes.

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West Lancashire takes same line as Saltford on protecting farmland

November 2024

In its response to the Government's consultation on proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the wider planning system, West Lancashire Borough Council has submitted its case, similar to that submitted by Saltford Parish Council, on the need to protect farmland.

West Lancashire Borough Council welcomed some proposals, but raised concerns over proposals relating to housing needs, and stressed the importance of the protection of agricultural land from built development and securing funding for essential infrastructure.

Councillor Gareth Dowling, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Planning said:

   "As a Council, we recognise the importance of providing homes for our residents and space for businesses to grow, however this must not be at the cost of irreversible environmental damage, particularly to our regional and nationally important farming land."

West Lancashire Borough Council's detailed response included the following point:-

   "...with the impacts of climate change and the increased demand for locally sourced produce, demands on the quality and availability of agricultural land is most likely to increase. The protection of best and most versatile agricultural land is an important consideration and there is no good reason why this should not be explicitly referenced as a factor to be taken into account by LPAs [Local Planning Authorities] when determining which sites should come forward for development."

SEG reminds members that in SPC's response to the NPPF consultation, our Parish Council called for a "land stewardship approach" so that planning the provision of land for new housing will improve, not reduce, the nation's future food security and that strongly support ecological recovery without a negative outcome for the open green spaces that are so important to the health and well-being local communities.

Other points SPC made included the following:-

• planning (for new developments) should take account of food security and supporting ecological recovery;

• any decisions for land to be taken out of the Green Belt to allow development, must pass a vigorous test over and above "very special circumstances" (clear examples of which should be given in the updated NPPF). The test should include that grey belt/PDL must have been previously developed over a long period of time (at least 15 years) and the land in question should not be providing an important ecological function or meet any of the NPPF's purposes of the Green Belt as well as "to protect agricultural land and/or eco-systems that help underpin the UK's food security".

Following the autumn's consultation, the new NPPF is due to be published by the Government in late 2024/early 2025.

SPC's full response and an Executive Summary on the NPPF proposals can be found on the SPC website from this link >>

West Lancashire Borough Council's press release on its response (with links to the full response) can be found from this link >>

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SPC keeping up the pressure on defending the Green Belt

November 2024

Saltford Parish Council has remained active defending Saltford's Green Belt during November. As reported on its "Protecting Saltford's Green Belt" webpage that is linked from SPC's News page, members of SPC's Planning Policy Working Group met with BaNES Council Planning Officers on 7th November and our local MP, Dan Norris, on 8th November.

In summary SPC welcomed the news from BaNES Council's Senior Planning Officers on 7th November that further to SPC's request for landscape designation at 'Saltford South of the A4', a report had been commissioned from a landscape architect consultancy to address matters raised in SPC's bid and also to assess BaNES Council's landscape designation methodology. Later the same day, SPC also attended a briefing for Parish and Town Councils from BaNES Planning Policy officers about BaNES Council's work on re-setting of its Local Plan process (due to the revised timetable for the Local Plan, as resolved by BaNES Council's cabinet at its 12 September meeting).

SPC is due to meet with BaNES Council's Planning Policy officers again in early 2025 to discuss its bid to enhance protection for Green Belt at Saltford South, and welcomed that the report from the landscape architect consultancy would be published alongside the next Local Plan consultation due late summer 2025.

SPC also met with Dan Norris MP at Saltford Hall on 8th November to request support for its response to the NPPF consultation. SPC received guidance that a regional approach would be required and as such SPC should approach the next West of England Combined Authority Mayor in May 2025.

There is a helpful timeline on SPC's "Protecting Saltford's Green Belt" webpage that sets out the numerous actions taken by SPC in making representations to BaNES Council and also a list of key documents produced by SPC that can be downloaded. These are easy to find on SPC's Protecting Saltford's Green Belt webpage.

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BaNES to re-set its new Local Plan

November 2024

Due to the serious implications for BaNES Council's next Local Plan for the period 2022-2042, in particular new mandatory housing targets, which would see a significant uplift in the housing numbers that BaNES needs to plan for, BaNES Council has had to re-set the process for producing its new Local Plan.

As SEG reported in October, new mandatory housing targets are expected to increase the target for BaNES from the current 717 houses per annum to 1,466 per annum. The purpose of this increase is said by Government to be to address historic shortfalls in housing delivery and meeting housing needs.

To enable BaNES Council to consult on further options for development to enable it to meet the higher targets, it will re-set the timetable for delivering the new Local Plan, delaying its completion by about 12 months. Another round of consultations on further options for new housing developments are anticipated around late summer/early autumn 2025 with a draft Local Plan to be launched in early 2026 and the Public Examination late 2026/early 2027.

Existing options consulted on in 2024 will be carried forward by BaNES for consideration in drafting the new Local Plan and will not, therefore, be consulted upon again.

The higher housing numbers for the BaNES area is likely to increase the pressure on Saltford's Green Belt. That is despite the lack of employment opportunities in a village like Saltford.

Common sense suggests that the actual need for affordable housing should be delivered close to centres of employment like Bristol and Bath, thus reducing the need for commuter travel (that congests roads, raises carbon emissions and increases local air pollution).

Likewise, building new affordable homes closer to employment in our cities on brownfield sites or through the re-purposing of former retail sites, helps avoid a further devastating loss of the region's valuable Green Belt that is so important not just for wildlife and food production, but for the health and well-being of city and rural dwellers alike.

SEG will be discussing this issue at its November AGM (members have been sent an AGM invitation email).

FURTHER INFORMATION

See also our October news story "New Government housing target for BaNES 'unrealistic', says BaNES" which provides further comment from SEG on this important issue.

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Vertebrate wildlife population declined by 73% in just 50 years

October 2024

Can we live as one with nature?

The Living Planet Index (LPI) from by the WWF, includes almost 35,000 population trends of 5,495 observed species from 1970-2020. The LPI shows an average 73% decline in monitored vertebrate wildlife populations (mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish). On 10th October 2024 the WWF published the LPI's latest report as the Living Planet Report 2024

Freshwater populations have suffered the heaviest declines, falling by 85%, followed by terrestrial (69%) and marine populations (56%).

The percentage change in the index reflects the average proportional change in monitored animal population sizes at sites around the world, not the number of individual animals lost, nor the number of populations lost.

By monitoring changes in the size of species populations over time, the LPI is an early warning indicator for extinction risk and helps us understand the health of ecosystems.

When a population falls below a certain level, that species may not be able to perform its usual role within the ecosystem - whether that's seed dispersal, pollination, grazing, nutrient cycling or the many other processes that keep ecosystems functioning. Stable populations over the long term provide resilience against disturbances like disease and extreme weather events; a decline in populations, as shown in the global LPI, decreases resilience and threatens the functioning of the ecosystem. This in turn undermines the benefits that ecosystems provide to people from food, clean water and carbon storage for a stable climate to the broader contributions that nature makes to our cultural, social and spiritual well-being.

The Living Planet Report is an important alarm call that highlights not just the problems but also the achievable solutions to stabilise the climate, protect and restore nature, and help our farmers produce plenty of healthy, affordable food without harming our environment (see further down this news story and the petition you can sign too).

Food production is one of the main drivers of nature's decline: it uses 40% of all habitable land, is the leading cause of habitat loss, accounts for 70% of water use and is responsible for over a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. The hidden costs of ill health and environmental degradation in the current food system amount to US$10-15 trillion annually, representing 12% of global GDP in 2020. Paradoxically, our food system is undermining our ability to feed humanity now and into the future.

The way we produce and consume energy is the principal driver of climate change, with increasingly severe impacts on people and ecosystems. We know we must rapidly transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy to cut greenhouse emissions in half by 2030 and keep 1.5^oC within reach. The energy transition must be fast, green and fair, putting people and nature at its heart.

Tanya Steele, Chief Executive of WWF-UK said:

"A 73% decline in wildlife population sizes over the past 50 years is shocking and must be a wake-up call. We need to take urgent action to protect and restore nature both in the UK and around the world."

This is not just about risks to wildlife. It's about our own health too, our food supply, our whole future.

A UNIQUE SOLUTION (+ PETITION TO UK GOVERNMENT)

The Living Planet Report states that the good news is, we know what to do. We can stabilise the climate, protect and restore nature, and help our farmers produce plenty of healthy, affordable food without harming our environment. We know it's possible to do all this, but not the way the UK government works at the moment. Right now, we're failing on all three fronts.

That is why WWF is urgently calling for a new law at Westminster - the Living Planet Act. It will mean the UK government has to take 'joined-up' action to stop the climate crisis, look after nature, and make sure everyone has better access to healthy, affordable food, now and in the future. Instead of treating nature, the climate and food as three completely separate or conflicting issues, they would all be seen as important pieces of the same puzzle.

The WWF UK's Living Planet Act petition can be found at this link.

The Living Planet Report 2024 is the 15th edition of WWF's biennial flagship publication. The full report and summary versions of the report are available from this link.

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State of Natural Capital Report for England 2024

October 2024

Longwood, part of Saltford's "Natural Capital" in the Green Belt, an Area of Great Landscape Value

On 9th October 2024 Natural England published its "State of Natural Capital Report for England 2024 - Risks to nature and why it matters". Key points and findings in the report that are relevant to protecting Green Belt land like Saltford's Green Belt, declared an Area of Great Landscape Value by Saltford Parish Council in March 2024, were:-

   Natural capital is the parts of nature that provide benefits to people. We depend on it for the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. It boosts our health and wellbeing.

   It captures and stores carbon and has a vital role to play in helping us adapt to the impacts of climate change.

   Natural capital is also an economic concept. It considers nature as a stock of assets, which we have to invest in. Ecosystem assets need to be in a healthy state to support the benefits society relies on.

All of our ecosystem assets, and almost all the benefits they provide, are at high or medium-high risk:

• Assets at high risk: marine; coastal margins; freshwaters and wetlands; mountains moorlands and heaths; woodlands.

• Assets at medium-high risk: semi-natural grasslands; enclosed farmland; urban.

• Benefits at high risk: timber and other wood products; produce from the sea; plentiful water; reared animals and their outputs; clean water; erosion control; flood protection; thriving plants and wildlife; cultural benefits.

• Benefits at medium-high risk: cultivated crops; clean air; urban cooling; noise regulation; pollination; pest and disease control.

Key messages from the report

   Due to the state of England's natural capital, society and the economy face substantial risks. Nature is at risk. This puts the benefits it provides at risk. For example, degraded peatlands and damaged seabeds can release huge carbon stores. Declines in nature make the impacts of climate change worse, including flooding and soaring urban temperatures. Loss of pollinators is a threat to the crops which depend on them.

   These risks need to be tackled head-on by decision makers. Society has taken nature and its benefits for granted. This results in decisions that cause damage to nature and increases risks for the economy and society. Many seemingly unrelated decisions impact on nature. We need to make natural capital central to decision making. Even where the decisions aren't specifically about natural capital.

   We need to invest in natural capital now, to reduce risks and reap rewards. Acting quickly to prevent and address the degradation of nature makes economic sense. It secures and enhances the benefits we depend on, now and for the future, meaning it will be cheaper and more effective in the long run.

Priority opportunities to bring natural capital into decision-making included:

• Put natural capital at the heart of land- and sea-use planning.

• Promote private and public investment in large-scale ecosystem creation and restoration.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Natural England's "State of Natural Capital Report for England 2024 - Risks to nature and why it matters" can be downloaded from this link.

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Keynsham Recycling Centre Q&A

October 2024

A visit to the Keynsham Recycling Centre on 10th September by members of the Keynsham Area Forum (comprising representatives from organisations in the Keynsham area) ended with an interesting Q&A session which may be of interest to SEG's members.

Q: Is it still not possible to recycle black plastic here?

A: No - The lightbox scanner cannot detect this type.

Q: Does this replace the operation at Avonmouth?

A: No - we are part of a Local Authority Network with Bristol and North Somerset. This means we can guarantee refuse (black bag waste) tonnage to send to Avonmouth to get a good price. (At Avonmouth, waste is used to create electricity).

Q: Do you have a weighbridge here?

A: We have three. They are self service and use ANPR for in bound, out bound and trade waste. They are not public.

Q: The depots advertise their own recycling rates e.g. Welton says 79% of items deposited there are recycled. Are the figures for the individual depots or overall for BANES?

A: It's the individual depots. That is the correct figure for Welton. Overall for BANES, the domestic recycling rates are about 58%. Compared to other authorities, this is good but more items could be recycled.

Q: Can we try to influence the food industry to reduce plastic waste?

A: Local Authorities tend to sit at the end of the chain in dealing with waste. The Government is introducing legislation to extend producers' responsibilities, so the onus will shift to the producer rather than Councils - for example Marks & Spencer stopping the use of black plastic food trays. There is a waste hierarchy which starts with preventing waste by not producing items in the first place, then reusing things (i.e. the reuse shop), then recycling, then recovering some value from waste i.e. energy from waste. Industries have grown up around dealing with waste which would be impacted by new legislation, such as the Deposit Return Scheme.

Q: I hear there are plans for bottle deposit schemes as well.

A: Yes - this has been discussed for a while. However, we sell glass, plastic and food waste so get income from it. Electricity is generated from food waste. The schemes will take income away from Local Authorities that have spent decades planning and costing these services.

Q: Have you thought about league tables on which areas of BANES recycle the most?

A: It's quite complex to do as there are different housing numbers and types in different geographic areas, so it can be difficult to compare. Bristol City Council looked at types of recycling on a socio-economic basis and found that in less affluent areas, more clothes were put out for recycling (cheaper clothing wears out more quickly) along with more food tins and fewer vegetables i.e. fresh food.

Q: Are there many assisted bin collections? This could indicate where vulnerable residents are.

A: We could find this out.

Q: Do the team here deal with Fly Tipping? (Comment: I am very impressed with the service - once fly tipping is reported, it's gone the next day.)

A: Staff from here will clear it but the Enforcement Team are based in Bath.

Q: Where does all the recycling go?

A: Various places, for example steel goes to Wales. Most recycled goods are reprocessed into the same product e.g. glass bottles into new glass bottles.

Q: Do you still turn garden waste into compost?

A: Yes - it is sent to local company, Penny's to do this. It can be purchased in the Reuse Shop for £4 a bag.

Q: Do you get much abuse of the system - i.e. people depositing rubbish here instead of with their own authority?

A: No - not really and we have ANPR for trade waste.

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Big Butterfly Count 2024 results reveal lowest numbers on record

October 2024

Speckled Wood (photo: Elzabeth Cooksey)
- a butterfly to look out for in October

The sad news from Butterfly Conservation's annual Big Butterfly count this year (2024) is that the results reveal a huge and concerning decline in butterfly numbers, with the average number of butterflies spotted per 15-minute count the lowest in the 14-year history of the Big Butterfly Count, and over 9,000 counts were logged as seeing no butterflies at all.

While the weather has had a huge impact on our butterflies and moths this year, this is a further blow to populations which have already been devastated by habitat destruction and fragmentation, climate breakdown and pesticide use. That is why Butterfly Conservation has declared a Butterfly Emergency and is sending an open letter to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, calling for the Government to declare a 'Nature Emergency' and, as a first step, to ban butterfly-killing neonicotinoid pesticides once and for all, with no exceptions.

If you would like to add your name today and demand that the Government take urgent action for butterflies and moths before it's too late click on this link to the Butterfly Conservation emergency campaign web page.

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Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) and Moths

October 2024

Moths are a vital, yet often overlooked, part of the ecosystem that supports all life. However, they are threatened by light pollution. Many of our moth species are in decline; many species have either decreased in abundance or have contracted their range over the past fifty years.

Habitat loss or deterioration is likely to be a major factor in this decline but another factor that is increasingly known about is the potentially harmful impact of Artificial Light at Night (often referred to as 'ALAN') on moths.

It has long been known that many moth species are strongly attracted to artificial light, yet this behaviour is potentially dangerous for the moth. It is not known for sure why moths fly towards light. What is certain is that moths originally existed in an environment in which the only regular source of bright light at night was the moon; our modern world in which ALAN is ubiquitous, therefore represents a challenge to moths. This can lead to harm in several ways.

Most obviously, bright lights can attract large numbers of moths which can become trapped or exhausted. As well as the moths that die as a result of getting trapped within the lighting structure, a further issue is that predators quickly learn that the lamps concentrate moths and this may lead to higher-than-normal levels of predation, at least on a local scale. Bats can often be seen hunting over lamps, whilst songbirds learn that in the morning there will be moths resting on the walls near to lamps, often on surfaces against which their natural camouflage is ineffective.

Moths drawn towards an artificial light source may spend less time or have less energy to find food or to breed. Furthermore, if nocturnal activity is stimulated by light levels falling below a particular level - which appears to be the case for many moth species - then moths that have spent the day resting in the vicinity of night-time lighting may fail to become active at all.

Moths may be the most obvious victims of ALAN but they are certainly not alone. A variety of other insects including beetles, flies and others including birdlife are attracted to light and may suffer in similar or other ways to moths.

HELP PROTECT MOTHS BY REDUCING YOUR LIGHT POLLUTION!

Whilst there are good reasons for ALAN, such as for safety and security, many lights could be turned off or controlled with presence detection or timers with very little inconvenience to people and to the great benefit of moths and other nocturnal wildlife (as well as to astronomers!). If a light isn't necessary, get rid of it!

Careful design and installation including shielding that directs lighting directly downwards can also reduce impacts to nocturnal insect.by reducing the amount of light that is spilling beyond the area that needs to be illuminated. Choose warmer colour temperature lights than cooler lights as the warmer ones are considered to be less disruptive to nocturnal insects.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you would like to see what you can do to reduce your personal contribution to light pollution and help keep ALAN indoors, a free guide is available from Butterfly Conservation from this link.

Reference source
The above information was based on an online blog article by Jonathan Wallace, ornithological and conservation researcher and environmental consultant, 14.9.2024, and from Butterfly Conservation.

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New Government housing target for BaNES 'unrealistic', says BaNES

October 2024

According to a press release (1.10.2024) from BaNES Council, six key issues to enable housing reform in Bath and North East Somerset have been set out in a letter sent to the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner.

BaNES Council leader, Councillor Kevin Guy, has written to the Deputy Prime Minister welcoming the Government's commitment to tackling the housing crisis but warned the housing target set for BaNES is 'unrealistic'.

In July the Government set out new mandatory housing targets which would see a significant uplift in the housing numbers that BaNES needs to plan for, increasing from the current 717 houses per annum to 1,466 per annum. The purpose of this increase is to address historic shortfalls in housing delivery and meeting housing needs*.

Councillor Guy's six issues that need to be addressed were:-

• We need to agree how our unique situation will be taken into account in advance of rewriting our Local Plan. We are asking that government facilitates timely conversations between the local authority, appropriate government departments/agencies and UNESCO to discuss the relationship between World Heritage Site status and planning for sustainable growth in the city.

• We also need to consider a more flexible regional cross boundary approach with our neighbouring authorities.

• We are also calling for more funding for affordable homes - more than 70 per cent of BaNES' assessed housing need in the city of Bath is for those who cannot afford market housing.

• We must invest in the necessary infrastructure such as transport, utilities, flood defences, health and educational facilities.

• We are also concerned about wider planning reforms, here in BaNES we currently have nearly 2,100 homes with planning permission that are stalled. Unlocking delivery of them would require radical reforms.

• Finally, we need to build capacity. Relatively modest investment in local and regional skills and capacity up front is a vital precondition to increasing housing supply.

The letter concluded with Councillor Guy making the following point "Over the last 13 years sound local planning policies have helped deliver nearly 10,000 new homes in BaNES and we want to ensure over the next ten years the right homes in the right places are built. We want to work with the government on becoming a trailblazer for new ideas and policy changes that will deliver high-quality, sustainable and affordable housing in our area."

*NOTE: See SEG's previous news article: There are more dwellings per head now than 50 years ago.

SEG COMMENT

Whilst BaNES is right to challenge the new Government's unrealistic housing targets, it is disconcerting that BaNES Council has made no mention of the natural environment and not made the most important and very relevant point to the BaNES area, and across England. This is that planning targets for new housing developments should take account of food security and supporting ecological recovery.

In other words, areas like BaNES that have a high concentration of land that is used, or can provide ecosystem support, for food production should not be imposed with housing targets that would lead to the loss of such land.

Allied to that is the essential need to support the health and well-being of city and rural dwellers alike by protecting the Green Belt.

As Saltford Parish Council said in its response to the national planning reforms consultation last month:-

   "Land-use planning should be part of a long-term process so that it delivers sustainable development on a more permanent basis and that takes account of environmental priorities which, as is widely acknowledged, underpin all other sustainable development goals, i.e. economic and social outcomes".

Until both our national and local governments grasp that fundamental point and develop long-term land-use strategies at the national and local level, the planning mistakes of recent decades will continue to be replicated. The implications for the nation's natural environment, food security, social well-being and the economy will be highly damaging and permanent.

Local Plan 2022-2042 timetable
SEG understands that the timetable for the new BaNES Local Plan will now be revised so that BaNES can consider new and further site options for development before producing a draft Local Plan. Further consultations are therefore likely to arise.

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There are more dwellings per head now than 50 years ago

October 2024

Recent quote from CPRE, the Countryside Charity, on facebook:-

   "In 1971 there was almost one dwelling for every 3 people in the country. Today, there is about one dwelling for every 2.25 people, meaning we actually have more homes per capita right now than we did 50 years ago (ONS Data).

   The housing crisis is a crisis of affordability. Labour's pledge for 1.5m new homes must prioritise affordable housing built in the right locations - not rushed developments lacking social infrastructure.

   Let's commit to building on brownfield sites first which can deliver over 1.2 million homes where they're needed most, while protecting our green space for future generations."

This situation, highlighted by CPRE, shows that new Government housing targets should only be for affordable homes on brownfield sites near sources of employment and the GREEN BELT should be protected for preserving our future food security and assisting nature's recovery.

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Worried about your home heating and energy costs?
Check out our Energy page for energy saving tips, sources of advice, grants and more.
 

For previous news stories from SEG visit our

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Current areas of local volunteer assistance sought by SEG

Whilst our partner organisations such as Saltford Wombles (for tackling litter), Saltford4Nature (for making for Saltford's green public spaces more pollinator friendly) and the Fairtrade Group always welcome volunteer assistance, SEG sometimes has specific roles or posts that need filling. Here are the current vacancies:-

Updated July 2024

Executive Committee: Want to help steer SEG?

SEG is seeking new Executive Committee members to help steer and develop SEG's role in the community as we address the environmental concerns of our members at the local level. If you think you might like to get involved and join our Executive Committee (enthusiasm and a "can do" attitude is more important than expertise!), please contact our Chairman, Phil Harding, for an informal non-committal chat.

The Executive Committee only meets 4 times a year and its working method is more about sharing ideas and getting things done in a friendly and productive atmosphere than being bogged down with time-consuming administration.

Website skills wanted!

Our website is a popular resource for our members and others which means that in addition to keeping it relevant we want to make sure it continues to function as it should.

If you live in or near Saltford, care about your local environment and have current knowledge of website design and might be interested in using your IT skills for a bit of IT volunteering to help us behind the scenes please get in touch with our Chairman by email to philharding27@gmail.com for a no-obligation chat on possible volunteer help.

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Contact Us

All general, membership & urgent (e.g. Press) enquiries by email to our Chairman please from whom SEG's postal address, if required, can be obtained on authenticated* request *(to avoid junk mailing etc.).

HOW TO JOIN SEG: If you live, work or have a particular interest in Saltford & wish to join our email membership list please send an email to our Chairman. Please include your name, address & contact telephone number in your email application. NOTE: We provide information about membership including our simple code of conduct for members and personal data protection by SEG on our "About Us page".

CONTACTS:

Chairman: Phil Harding
philharding27@gmail.com (Tel: 07814--720763)

Website Editor is Phil Harding but see website editorial/contact info. below BEFORE contacting SEG about this website

Secretary: Vacant post

Treasurer: Andrew Stainer
andrew.stainer@outlook.com

SEG Green Belt Campaign: Contact our Chairman (contact details above)

Saltford Station Campaign: Chris Warren
cherokee1883@live.com

Saltford Fairtrade Group:
saltfordfairtrade@hotmail.co.uk

History of Saltford
Project Curators: Phil Harding & Andrew Stainer (contact details above).

Saltford Wombles is independent of SEG but contact details can be found on our Less Waste page.

Saltford4Nature community gardening group is sub-group of SEG; contact details can be found on our Gardening page.

Cookies and Privacy Policy Statement

SEG respects the privacy of visitors to our website. We do not use cookies to collect personal or other data about visitors to our website; the only data we collect via our ISP's hosting service, and without the use of cookies, is the number of visits to each of our web pages but not who the individual visitors are.

*EDITORIAL POLICY including SEO, web design and marketing for www.saltfordenvironmentgroup.org.uk

As a general rule our editorial content is sourced locally in Saltford and NE Somerset or from reputable non-commercial organisations based in the UK.

Will Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), website design, "content providers" and other similar companies please note that this website has all the SEO ranking, social media links, and smartphone compatibility that it requires to meet its specific objectives and enquiry emails on this topic including link requests will not receive a reply to save your time and ours.

SEG is not a commercial enterprise therefore companies that produce bespoke marketing materials or sponsored editorial content should also note that marketing emails or requests for placing links to other websites* will not receive a reply as it is our policy not to reply to marketing emails of this nature unless they are from a Saltford-based organisation seeking to assist SEG.

*SEG is not in a position to authenticate the accuracy and legitimacy of third party websites and/or third party editorial content.

Do you care about the village of Saltford, its environment, wildlife and future as a thriving, more sustainable community? Then join us and also follow us on facebook. See our 'About us' page for how to join (membership is free!).

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SUPPORT FROM BUSINESS:
We welcome support from local businesses to help cover our costs and keep membership free for our members. If your local business would like to support SEG (e.g. a logo + link on this page is very inexpensive), please contact our Chairman (see above for contact details).