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NEXT MEETINGS MEETINGS & ADMIN Stoke Environment Group is an Unincorporated Association with a constitution, vision statement, mission statement and set of objectives. A mailing list exists, consisting of people who have signed up as supporters or helpers. MINUTES ​ October 2023 July 2023 June 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 20 23 January 2023 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 July 20 22 June 2022 May 2022 23rd March 2022 20th J anuary 2022 6th November 2021 5th October 2021 16th September 2021 19th August 2021 22nd July 2021 24th June 2021 ​ ​ The Constitution can be found HERE The roles filled to date are: Lead Coordinator/Chair - Ian Upshall Administrator (/Secretary) – Fi McQueen Financial Manager - Polly Burns-Cox Media Management– Dave Evans Grants and Funding – Dave Smith Primary School Liaison – Ian Upshall Footpaths - Sarah Evans ​ There are no leaders of Working Groups at this stage. These appointments may be made in the future as the group grows and the number of tasks increase. The group's GDPR Policy can be found HERE Steering Group members are (October 2022) are: Karen Housego, Dave Smith, Jason Morgan, Andrew Boyle, Polly Burns-Cox, Sarah Evans, Fi McQueen, Ian Upshall, Nicolette Williams, Emma Arthurs, Ali Katt

CONTACT US Contact Us Thanks for submitting! Submit Or email us at: ​ envirostoke@yahoo.com

HOME ENERGY & WASTE MANAGEMENT BACK to Themes Stoke Environment Group will be: Providing guidance on practical measures that lead to a reduction in the use of energy and increase carbon capture Identifying grants and funding to reduce the impact of carbon (and other gas) emissions Identifying and coordinating initiatives that will minimise unnecessary waste and preserve our natural resources Identify and coordinate projects that help people adopt the principle of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink’

Dynamic Task List

Williams Hall Spinney The principal objective is to actively manage the Williams Hall spinney in such a way that the abundance and diversity of wild animals, insects, invertebrates, birds and plants is increased. Secondary objectives include: An opportunity for community engagement in a long-term environment project; Provide a place where groups of young people can locate wildlife habitats and bird feeding stations; Provide a place where all members of the community can observe wildlife; The Williams Hall spinney comprises an area of small trees and hedgerow plants, about 75m long and 8m wide, on the south-west boundary of the village hall area. It contains a number of species, but it is dominated by Hazel. The spinney was planted soon after the construction of the Williams Hall (2006) primarily as a ‘sound barrier’ to protect the occupants of adjacent houses from any noise emanating from the village hall. Apart from periodic trimming of branches there has been very little management of the site. Many tree species have thinned or died. The potential for the spinney to support wildlife has been critically compromised and was in danger of becoming an ineffective ‘sound barrier’. A programme of active management will ensure its primary purpose is achieved and it goes on to be a healthy and biodiverse community area accessible to all. Based on the survey report produced by Sara Shuttleworth, low-level coppicing and trimming has started - before the growing season starts in March 2022. Some ground clearing is also taking place to encourage grass and stinging-nettle growth – both of which are essential to several species. The area will also be staked out to preserve a grass boundary that remains uncut throughout the summer period. The Hazel coppicing and clearing will produce materials that can be recycled and are ideal for construction. A series of dry hedges will be constructed within the spinney boundary where ‘waste’ materials will be used to create natural habitats and shade. Some of these materials will also be used to make bird feeders. Signage will be produced, as the site develops, informing visitors of the work being undertaken and the species that are supported in the rejuvenated spinney. Due to the amount of coppicing and trimming necessary, the project will be long-term, and the spinney will require routine maintenance for several years. A grass buffer strip will be formed along the eastern edge of the spinney. This will be left unmowed and will support invertebrates (beetles, bugs, moths and butterflies etc). A further 0.5m will be left unmowed from April to end of August every year. This will give some security and cover to small mammals and insects that need to venture out beyond the tree boundary. Areas of longer grass and extra nectar resources will greatly enhance the biodiversity of the spinney as many invertebrate species need a diversity of habitats to support each life stage. This in turn will increase the number of insectivorous species like birds and mammals. This will follow with: nest boxes and feeders; slowworm habitats (old corrugated tin sheets); (solitary) bee habitats; owl box. There will then be signage to inform visitors of the work being undertaken and the range of species being supported by the spinney. Come along and join in. Let's all share this little bit of managed spinney. Get in touch envirostoke@yahoo.com

LINKS & ARTICLES NEW March 2023 Two important events coming up from Somerset Wildlife Trust on adapting to Climate Change One in Burnha m-on-Sea on 21st March - Click HERE and One in Glastonbury on 23rd March - Click HERE While you're there have a look at all their other events. Carbon Savvy - a leaflet to help us get started on lightening our carbon footprint. Available HERE Idling - vehicles not us. Does it annoy you? Some myths busted. See HERE ​ LINKS FROM 2022 - BUT STILL RELEVANT! Woodland Trust: Identifying empty nests HERE From the Guardian: Revival of 'Gleaning' in vegetable fields HERE If you're thinking of cloth nappies, have a look HERE From the R.S.P.B.: Helping birds through the rough weather HERE Woodland Trust: Thinking of planting trees, but need some help? It's HERE This booklet might inspire you to make some small changes that will help you reduce the amount of food you waste in your home HERE Working For Wildlife: Farmland Bird Identification Guide; How to make a Barn Owl Nest Box; How to create the ultimate insect hotel. Download HERE Local Web Links Climate Action Athelney Somerset Waste Partnership Stoke St Gregory Village Web Site North Curry Wildlife Group Local Articles Hedges - An article by Paul Parmenter Soil - an article by Charlotte Sundquist, our Footpaths Officer

Take photos any time before the end of May 2022 Four age categories: under 12 years; 13 - 17 years; 18 – 59 years; and over 60 years. Full Rules Available HERE *NEW* Links to Handy Hints Below This Competition is to raise awareness of the natural world around Stoke St Gregory, and to encourage us all to take an interest how the natural environment plays a part in our lives. Being out taking photos can help us appreciate our surroundings. We encourage you to submit a photograph, taken between January and May 2022 in the Parish of Stoke St Gregory, that captures an example of the natural world. The best photographs in each of four age ranges will be awarded a prize at the Envirofair 22. Photographs may be taken using a simple ‘everyday’ device such as digital camera, mobile phone, tablet etc. No editing or ‘photoshoping’ of the image will be allowed. Photographs will be accepted in digital format at any time between 1 January and 31 May 2022 . There will be no specific topics, but the photograph must be taken in the Parish and is expected to capture a natural subject – it can be flora or fauna and any native species of either. So the photograph can feature anything from an earthworm to a sunset! To ensure the quality is maintained when printed, images must be of 2Mb size , at least. A panel of SEG members will be formed to judge the winner of each age category. If possible, a guest ‘celebrity’ judge will be included. The top four photographs will be printed, mounted and framed . Permission will be sought to display each picture in the HOTV Coffee Shop for three months after which, the framed photograph will be presented to the originator. So, Get Snapping! If you fancy a few tips and handy hints here are a few links to other web sites: ​ Naturehood HERE Natural History Museum HERE C.P.R.E. HERE Ephotozine HERE Countryfile HERE

Home Composting Composting Workshop - Saturday 19th March, 10 am - 2 pm It is possible to produce good quality garden produce from a range of kitchen waste (vegetable peelings, paper etc) and garden cuttings in a relatively short space of time and with minimal equipment. However, there are some simple techniques that can improve the quality of the compost. An expert in the field of home composting, Nicky Scott, has authored several books on composting and recycling. He also advises schools, local authorities and businesses on composting kitchen waste and helps set up community composting groups. Check out his web site HERE The “hot box” composter he developed is widely used for composting food waste. Nicky has agreed to visit Stoke St Gregory and run a four-hour ‘workshop’ which will include ‘hands-on’ demonstrations. For the practical part of the workshop, Nicky will use prepared compost and answer any queries on the topic. There will be a small charge for the workshop, but it will be subsidised from SEG funds. ​ Get in touch envirostoke@yahoo.com if you would like to come along Why Home Composting? Compost is a pile of organic waste that over time breaks down or 'decomposes' into a nutrient rich soil. The compost pile is usually made of a mixture of green organic materials like food scraps, garden trimmings or fresh manure and brown organic materials like dead or dry leaves, cardboard and wood chips. The green materials contain a chemical called nitrogen and the brown materials contain a chemical called carbon. Add air and water, and the bacteria and moulds, as well as creatures like worms and insects can feed on the organic matter and help to break it down. It is estimated that almost half of the food waste in the average rubbish bin could have been composted. You can do your bit to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill or other more costly forms of treatment by composting your food and garden waste at home. You may ask "Why do I need to compost - and why should I worry when my local council does food waste collections?" It saves money, saves resources, can help to improve your soil and can reduce your impact on the environment. Did you know, composting at home for can save global warming gases equivalent to all the CO2 your kettle produces annually, or your washing machine produces in three months? What to Compost? The best compost will be made from a mixture of 'greens' and 'browns' in the table, and it's always best not to put too much of one thing on at a time (unless you are able to fork it in well with the mixture). The table below shows what NOT to compost. An increasing amount of packaging is now labelled as 'compostable', but beware! Some of it can only be processed industrially at high temperatures. For a look at the different labels you might find in this minefield see HERE There are plenty of helpful web sites out there - just put 'home composting' in your search box. The Eden Project has also produced a useful video See HERE ​ Happy Composting and don't forget 19th March

Towards a socially responsible and sustainable community Actively caring for our environment and the wellbeing of current and future generations ENVIROFAIR 24 Start Reading HERE New May 2024 Envirofair 2024 Exhibitors HERE New May 2024 Envirofair 2024 HERE New February 2024 2023 Report to AGM HERE New October 2023 Revised Autumn Progr amme HERE New August 2023 Bat Detectives HERE Autumn Glut Recipes HERE New July 2023 Autumn Progr amme HERE A Safer Stoke HERE New June 20 23 Round Robin Number Three HERE 20's Plenty HERE Village Pla n HERE Bio Blitz 1st July HERE New May 20 23 ENVIROFAIR 23 Raffle Prizes HERE ENVIROFAIR 23 Exhibitors HERE Village Walks Update HERE Good News? HERE New April 2023 Recycle your Smart Tech HERE Wild Gardens & No Mow May HERE Plant Table for ENVIRO 23 HERE Round Robin Number Two HERE New - March 2023 iNaturalist - Wildlife Species ID HERE See our Updated Links Page HERE ENVIROFAIR 23 HERE Somerset Food Waste Week HERE New - February 2023 - Task List fo r 2 023 HERE New - December 2022 - Round Robin Number One HERE Our Vision Statement A rural community that is friendly, inclusive and resilient, where people share skills, ideas, knowledge, experience and time. A connected and healthy community, where everyone can get around with minimal carbon emissions. A green community that is rich in wildlife, that encourages biodiversity and cares for all species. An empowered community, where every individual can make a positive difference for the benefit of all. A socially responsible and sustainable community where we actively care for our environment and the wellbeing of current and future generations. Footpath Group: Formed in the spring of 2021 as an offshoot of the Stoke Environment Group, the aim is to encourage people to walk round and across fields and vary their walks to get to know the lovely countryside that surrounds the village. See more HERE VILLAGE WALKS: Eight circular walks around Stoke now available to download HERE ​ ​ Feb 2022: Update to LINKS page with links to ideas and articles that have been featured on our Facebook page If you can sign up to this vision, why not sign up to our mailing list, as a supporter or helper Contact us today: envirostoke@yahoo.com

Stoke Environment Group will be: > Conducting surveys and mapping species and locations > Identifying improvements and planting opportunities > Developing and maintaining a positive relationship with landowners > Planting new hedges and trees to increase the community’s Carbon Capture and to support species reliant on these habitats > Helping to manage communal resources BACK to Themes HEDGES & TREES A Wildlife Corridor is an area of habitat that connects wildlife populations separated by human activities or structures (such as roads or development). They allow an exchange of individuals between populations, which may help prevent the negative effects that often occur within isolated populations. Corridors may also help facilitate the re-establishment of populations that have been reduced or eliminated.

BACK to Mobility & Transport FOOTPATHS - HISTORY BACK to Footpaths & Footways Projects Maps History Legal Contact Many of Stoke’s footpaths originate from Anglo Saxon times, when the manor (then called ‘East Curry’) consisted of hamlets and homesteads such as Huntham, Sharpham, Pinkham, Stathe, Currilode and Woodhill. The connecting paths would be alongside streams, through uncleared woodland or across the commons. As fields were enclosed with hedges or fences, footpaths were incorporated along the boundaries, with stiles or footbridges, to enable workers to access different parts of the farms and for everyone to go about their daily lives. When Slough Lane and Dark Lane were dug out to create gradients that made it possible for a laden hay cart to be horse drawn up to the top of Woodhill, steps were added, such as the ‘Clammer’ in Slough Lane. Some of the old paths remain, though, as the few ‘cross field’ paths we have in the parish. Nowadays our footpaths are mainly used for recreation, although some are still used for journeys to school, shop, pub and churches. Some have been linked with newly created permissive footpaths, to create the East Deane Way and the Parrett Trail. There are also interpretive trails at Coates Willow & Wetlands Centre. The Open Spaces Society is Britain's oldest national conservation body. Much of the Society's work is concerned with the preservation and creation of public paths. Before the introduction of definitive maps of public paths in the early 1950s, the public did not know where paths were, and the Open Spaces Society helped the successful campaign for paths to be shown on Ordnance Survey maps. It advises the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and local authorities are legally required to consult the society whenever there is a proposal to alter the route of a public right of way.

Hillcrest Open Garden The Garden at Hillcrest, Stoke St Gregory, will be open under the National Garden Scheme on Saturday 7th May and Sunday 8th May, from 1-5 pm Hillcrest is at the top of Curload Hill, opposite Lane End House There's plenty to see in this mature, wildlife friendly garden, whilst giving your support to vital medical charities. ​ The five acres include formal planting, orchards, an extensive meadow, ornamental woodland, a large pond, and a gravel garden newly created from a tennis court. The Garden is relatively wheelchair friendly. There are no steps but the ground is uneven in places and there is a long grassy slope to the lower pond and woodland area. ​ Dogs on a lead are also welcome. Car parking is available but please consider cycling or walking if possible. Entry to the Garden is £5 per person, with children under 16 free. In addition, tea, delicious cakes, and a range of plants will be available to purchase.