Ashprington Parish - Declaration of a Climate and
Ecological Emergency
Ashprington Parish Council is considering
declaring a Climate and Ecological Emergency, in line with declarations made both
by Parliament and by increasing numbers of Councils across the UK at all
levels. Initially such a declaration simply
provides the impetus for the parish to organise around this theme, seek
volunteers to take it forward, discuss what goals to aim for, and to work with
other like-minded parishes, such as the Dittisham Sustainability Group, in
developing activities to support those goals. For example, the most common
stated strategic aim by Councils to date is "to be carbon neutral by 2030". Ashprington has already in place a number of initiatives
to help reduce climate and ecological damage, such as the Ash Meadow composting
scheme, new noticeboards and benches made of recycled plastics, cessation of
spraying glyphosate on road verges, glass bottle recycling at The Watermans
Arms and a Lengthsman to improve road and drainage sustainability. Across the Parish the ethos at Sharpham, the
W.I. jumble events, the conscious efforts of many parishioners to reduce
single-use plastics, and those who use a washing line instead of their tumble
dryer all helps. The Parish Councillors support this idea of a declaration, but
it was felt appropriate to give parishioners a chance to discuss it first, and
give feedback to the Parish Council. Comments
may be emailed to mikeandyo@gmail.com
or Emmadcahill@gmail.com, and parishioners are encouraged to attend the next
Parish Council Meeting at 7.30 p.m. on 7 November to join a discussion.
Many thanks to all those who are already on
this vital climate and ecological journey.
Mike Pearey & Emma Cahill
Ashprington Parish Councillors
20 Nov 2019
