On this page: Climate Change, Biodiversity and Climate Change, West Somerset Community Climate Change Strategy 2008-2012 , West Somerset Local Biodiversity Action Plan

Climate Change

Forum 21 agrees with a previous government chief medical officer that climate change is the greatest threat to the planet. So all the work of the Forum is dedicated to a sustainable future that reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and our carbon emissions.

 

In 2008 Forum 21 received a grant from the West Somerset Strategic Partnership to produce the West Somerset Community Climate Change Strategy, Developing a Low Carbon Economy, in partnership with West Somerset Council and the Exmoor National Park Authority. The strategy described the current situation in West Somerset and identified priorities for action. One of the findings was that we have the highest carbon emissions per capita in the SW, 30% more than the regional average. Clearly, something had to be done.

 

So the Carbon Reduction Implementation Board (CRIB) was set up with members from WSC, ENPA, Forum 21 and other key local organisations, to make sure the strategy was carried out. An Action Plan was drawn up and four working groups were established: transport, biomass, material resources and energy, to carry out the actions in the plan.

 

The biomass group is working to encourage the use of wood, a local renewable resource; and is proposing two wood fuel district heating schemes. The sustainable transport group set up the Minehead car club and is involved in the Forums major off road multi-use route, the Steam Coast Trail. A feasibility study is starting on the plan for an anaerobic digester in Minehead, coordinated by the material resources group; and the energy group manages the Forums energy efficiency campaign, funded by WSC.

Biodiversity and Climate Change

Climate change is altering the landscape and biodiversity of West Somerset.

We already know that the distribution pattern of many plants and animals has changed in recent years. The Dartford Warbler continues to increase and we are seeing more Cattle Egrets as they spread north. But on the down side the Wheatear, Whinchat and Curlew are in decline in this region. And in the landscape, bluebell woodlands and beech woods are also disappearing.

We need to understand what aspects of the climate are changing. Firstly, summer temperatures are increasing, which will lead to drought and a greater risk of fire. Species at the southern edge of their distribution limit will become extinct, while others at the northern limits will increase.

Summer rainfall is generally decreasing, which may mean the end of wet heath and bog on Exmoor. Winter temperatures are on the increase, however, which has been a major factor in making the Red Grouse extinct on Exmoor. Winter rainfall is increasing; such a change in regional precipitation could alter the crop regime from autumn to spring sowing, which would have knock-on effects for wildlife.

Other major changes are going to include a longer growing season and a reduction in the number of frosts. We are likely to see an increase in the incidence of flooding and the increased potential for more storms and stronger winds. And of course we all know that sea levels will rise.

The most important thing to remember about climate change is that we cannot do anything to prevent it in the short term, we can only adapt to it. Our adaptation strategy must include taking advantage of the opportunities, for example the extended growing season. Such an opportunity can hold benefits for farmers and growers and could also extend the tourist season in West Somerset.

Climate change is caused by the burning of fossil fuels. In order to reduce their combustion landowners may be encouraged to develop wind farms or plant bio fuels instead of the more conventional food crops. Foresters may be encouraged to change their planting regimes to include bio fuels. With summer water in short supply we may have to allow some valleys to be flooded for reservoir construction. All such land use changes will need careful consideration by the community of West Somerset.

Forum 21 is working with a large number of organisations to mitigate climate change and adapt to it. Together with West Somerset Council, Somerset Wildlife Trust and Somerset Environmental Records Centre, Exmoor National Park and the long term records from the Exmoor Natural History Society, a Biodiversity Action Plan for West Somerset has been produced. West Somerset Council is fully committed to the actions in the plan to protect the wildlife and landscape of West Somerset.

West Somerset Community Climate Change Strategy 2008-2012
Clink on the link above or at the top of this page to view this document

West Somerset Local Biodiversity Action Plan

New EcoSchools Initiative for Exmoor: article which appeared in the February 2010 issue of
News Trader

The weather forecast for the 2080s? article which appeared in the June/July 2009 issue of
News Trader

Transport and climate change: article which appeared in the September 2007 issue of
News Trader

Climate Change, Biodiversity and Landscape: article which appeared in the October 2007 issue of
News Trader