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RESOURCES & INFORMATION BACK to Themes Stoke Environment Group will be: > Working with, and supporting, education and information providers During the 2021 Summer Term, Stoke School have been exploring how best to include environmental issues in their curriculum. The results will become mainstream in September 2021. > Providing nature information around the village > Connecting with young people in our community and respond to their concerns > Constructing a ‘library’ of information on environmental success stories and practical guidance Karen Housego is putting together the first of a series of booklets on handy hints for conservation. The first is about what we can do around the home. If you have any of your own, please do get in touch envirostoke@yahoo.com The first two of a series of articles by local experts are available on the 'Links' page. They are on the subjects of 'Hedges' & 'Soil' Environmental education refers to organized efforts to teach how natural environments function, and particularly, how human beings can manage behaviour and ecosystems to live sustainably

THEMES Biodiversity Understanding the challenge Undertaking nature surveys Monitoring endangered species Wildflower planting Developing and implementing solutions to support and increase biodiversity ​ ​ Hedges & Trees Surveys and mapping of 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 Managing communal resources ​​ Mobility & Transport Mapping paths, tracks and permissive routes etc. Improving signage and guides Identifying improvements to access whilst respecting coexisting natural habitats Encouraging responsible use of motor transport Providing improved facilities and encouraging healthy exercise ​​ Resources & Information Hub Working with, and supporting, education and information providers Providing nature information around the village Connect with young people in our community and respond to their concerns Construct a ‘library’ of information on environmental success stories and practical guidance ​ Home Energy & Waste Management 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’ We have produced a task list which covers all the possible projects we have identified to date. It is available HERE

Community Wildlife Mapping Williams Hall, Stoke St Gregory, TA3 6HA Saturday 1st July, 10.30 am - 12 noon Even before the dust settles on Envirofair, we are thinking about our next event which is the Bio-Blitz/Learning to use Seek and iNaturalist apps. This is being run in conjunction with Somerset Wildlife Trust and Bryony has kindly organised the advertising from her side. The object of this event is to use how to properly use Seek and iNaturalist and to upload species data. We will be joined by Bryony, and also Leon de Bell of the Somerset Environmental Records Centre, with expert Val Graham, who is Chair of the Somerset Botany Group, and Sarah Shuttleworth from N Curry - also a botanist and moth expert. This event will start and end at the Stoke St Gregory village hall where we will learn all about two smart-phone apps called ‘Seek’ and ‘iNaturalist' . We will then head out on a nature walk and see how many species of plants (and maybe a few bugs and beasties) we can find, record them using the apps to contribute to our local community wildlife map and national data. Citizen Science in action! Adults and young people (14+) are welcome to join expert botanist Val learning the basics of plant identification and recording skills. Younger families are invited to join Bryony (claiming not to be an expert botanist!) for a child-friendly recording session. Advanced b ooking is not essential but would be much appreciated so that we have an idea of numbers. ​ It would be useful if people planning to come along could download the two apps to their phones or tablets - see below Please book HERE (yes, it's still free!) This event is a partnership between Stoke-St-Gregory Environ ment group, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Somerset Botany Group and Somerset Environmental Records Centre. iNaturalist is the platform recommended by Somerset Wildlife Trust for recording wildlife data. It can be accessed either through a computer or via an app on a smartphone. Several SEG members have started using it with varying success rates. Like any similar app, it needs fine tuning and a reasonable amount of use to become accurate. Once you have set up an iNaturalist account you can join a project such as the ‘Big Count’ or the ‘Great Somerset Wildlife Count’ project. More details on the SWT site HERE where you can download the app, and the accompanying ‘SEEK’ app which does the actual recording. There are also three videos to help you on your way. If you want to experiment, or have some specific wildlife aspect in mind, there are alternatives: iRecord is another system which matches species sightings with GPS coordinates, descriptions and other information, which is then made available to National Recording Schemes. Their app is available HERE If you are into trees, the Woodland Trust has produced a useful app. In just a few steps you can identify native and common non-native trees in the UK whatever the season using leaves, bark, twigs, buds, flowers or fruit. The app is available HERE If for example you are interested in grasshoppers, crickets, earwigs, cockroaches and stick-insects, you might need something more specialised. The Biological Records Centre has produced a list of available ID apps. Click HERE Do let us know how you get on - envirostoke@yahoo.com

Click HERE for ENVIROFAIR Home Page Click HERE for full list of contributors Fixy Van Average Somerset households hold on to 20 unwanted electrical items. Fixy’s first year is dedicated to giving anything with a plug or batteries a new lease of life if it stops working, and helping people to get things mended rather than throwing them away. Fixy will be at our Envirofair. The initiative is led by the Resource Futures consultancy, in partnership with Somerset Waste Partnership and Donate-IT, a local community interest company that refurbishes laptops, tablets and phones, and distributes them to families who need them. The van has a collection point for these items and Donate-IT will securely data-wipe donations. ​ So, bring along your broken, and/or unwanted, electrical items on Saturday 25th June 10 am - 4 pm Every year, we throw away millions of tons of electrical and electronic items. Recycling is good, but reuse is even better, and it is often surprisingly easy to fix things. Not only can you save money, materials and energy, but repair is a useful action against climate change. Why not love your stuff for longer? ​ Check out some good advice from SWP HERE And to look at the idea of a 'Circular Economy' click HERE

1921 - 100 Years Ago Towards the end of 1921 saw the Diamond Wedding celebrations of a lad from Knapp, Walter Boobyer who had married a Stoke girl all those years before. The festivities were reported in the Taunton Courier on the 9th of November: DIAMOND WEDDING CELEBRATION AT NORTH CURRY Mr and Mrs. Walter Boobyer. of Greenway. North Curry, celebrated their 'diamond' anniversary of their wedding on Thursday the 3rd of November, having been married at the Parish Church of Stoke St. Gregory on the 3rd November 1861, the officiating clergyman being the Rev. Richard Watson Moor, the vicar of the parish for 47 years, who died in 1884 at the age of 80 years. Mr Walter Boobyer was born on 13th April 1839, at Combe Lane, Knapp, his father being the late Mr Charles Boobyer. Mrs Boobyer was born in 1836, and was the daughter of Mr Richard Boobyer of Curload, Stoke St Gregory. "At an interesting interview, Mr Boobyer was full of reminiscences of the early part of his life and records the fact that as a young boy he recollects the days when his father was wont to take home a bushel of wheat on a Saturday as his weeks wages, and his mother had to carry the wheat to Creech Heathfield to be ground, leaving the bran for the cost of the grinding, and taking home the flour to break bread early on the Sunday morning before her children could be fed. Mr Boobyer, at the early age of seven years, commenced work by scaring birds, and as he grew older he was engaged in general farm work. At the time of his marriage he was employed at Huntham Farm, Stoke St Gregory, by the late Mr William Hembrow, for whom he worked for 12 or 13 years. "From that time onwards he was employed as a cattle and sheep drover, visiting most of the principal markets and fairs in the West and South of England, including Barnstaple, Torrington, South Molton, Crediton, Devizes, Marlborough, Salisbury, Bridport, Wimborne, Blackwater, Basingstoke and Dorchester, at the latter place attending five fairs a year, and doing most of his journeys on foot. He attended the London Christmas markets for 27 consecutive years, and. As his daughter interjected, never forgot to bring his children a souvenir of his visit. "Mr Boobyer rather prides himself on the fact that he used to walk to Wells market from Stoke St Gregory in the olden times, reach Wells by 9 am, and returning with cattle to Stoke the same day. Mr Boobyer relates that, when first married, his weekly wage was but 10 shillings, and on this he was successful in keeping his wife and their first three children. He recollects the time when wheat made but 9 shillings a sack, and during the Crimean War bread had to fetched from Creech Heathfield, and was 2 shillings for two quartern loaves. "Asked as to the withy industry Mr Boobyer said his father helped to plant the first withy bed in the district, now known as Bennett’s Bed in Sedgemoor. Walter (but not his wife) received a telegram from Buckingham Palace. and the Courier added it's own congratulations: "This letter will be treasured with the many other congratulations and presents received on the auspicious occasion, which add our personal wish that in their eventide they may blessed with every comfort and joy, and be spared each other for some years." ​ At the end of November, the following item appeared in the Courier: ​ "Lively Girl (Stoke St. Gregory). A most self-assertive, keenly practical, independent, retiring, and business-like young lady this, with dignified, elegantly-dressed figure, and go-ahead activity in versatile pursuits if well rewarded, brimful merriment when interested and amused, scarcely gushing among companions, slow to boast or confide in utter strangers, won't allow rivals a look in edgeways, highly educated, very critical to minute detail, with clever secretarial, dramatic, and scientific qualities, unlimited pluck and resource, a capital buyer and sales hand, brilliant hockey player and photographer, and mimic or medical nurse, fanciful in selecting a suitable husband until diamonds are trumps." ​ Who was she and what became of her? ? ? In December 1921 the Taunton Courier reported on a rather more serious matter, a year or more after the League of Nations (See HERE for more details) had been set up: ​ "STOKE ST. GREGORY. LEAGUE OF NATIONS.- An address ‘The League Nations and the League of Nations Union’ was given by Capt. W. Gurney, R.E.S.R. in the National schoolroom the 15th inst. The chair was taken Mr. H. M. Hembrow, who, before introducing the speaker, read letters apology from Col. Barrett and Mr. H. C. Garland, also telegram from Sir A. Boscawen, M.P., expressing his regret at not being able to be present, but stating his full agreement with the League of Nations.—The lecturer in some length explained the functions of the League. It, he said, now embraced all the countries the world, except the United Slates and one or two late enemy nations, who would, doubtless, be soon admitted. Capt. Gurney then proceeded to explain the objects of the League of Nations Union, showing that the interest of the people, as a whole, was absolutely necessary in international affairs if there is to be a betterment of conditions in the world. Mr. Edmund Boobyer supported the object, and spoke of the good the League must from do from a business point of view. Mr Musgrove voiced the feeling of the Non-Conformist Church, which was one of hearty agreement with the League. The Rev. H. F. S. Gurney also expressed the full approval the Church of England, reading extracts, referring to the statements at the Lambeth Conference. The last speaker then proposed a resolution that a branch of the L.N.U. should formed in Stoke St Gregory. This was seconded Mr. E. Poles and carried unanimously. A branch was afterwards formed, and the following officers have been appointed:- Chairman, Rev H. F. S. Gurney (vicar), Mr Edmund Boobyer (Chris Coate’s grandfather), Secretary, Mr. E.Poles, Teasurer, Mr H. S. Chedzoy (owner of the village stores). Reverend Gurney in the Vicarage Garden FOOTBALL TRAITORS AT THE LOCAL DERBY One hundred years ago, Stoke St Gregory and North Curry were fierce rivals, whether it was sport or anything happening in public life. It's still the same today, of course, but perhaps the rivalry does not erupt in the way it did in a football match in October 1921. Someone from Curry was playing for Stoke, and three Stoke brothers were playing for Curry. Traitors! The Taunton Courier reported on the match: ​ "AN UNPLEASANT GAME. This match was arranged to be played Stoke St. Gregory on Saturday last, and the teams lined up on a hard ground in very hot weather. Being neighbouring parishes, a good deal of interest had been aroused in the fixture, and this was increased by the fact that in the Stoke team was one resident of North Curry, viz., Lane, while in the visiting team were three Stoke residents, the brothers Musgrave. It cannot be said that the best of feelings prevailed on either side from the commencement, but the trouble was merely verbal for a time. However, this led to the use of more energy than skill, and consequently one or two players were cautioned. Ultimately, a deliberate foul upon Lane caused marching orders to be given to Gill, member of the North Curry team, whereupon the visiting captain adopted the course of calling the whole of his team from the field, and so brought about a very unfortunate and premature conclusion to the game. No goals had been scored. Strong disapproval of this action was expressed the spectators when the North Curry team took their departure."

CONTRIBUTORS Click HERE for ENVIROFAIR Home Page Outside Seed/plant /produce swap under the porch (Trevor & Jane Williams) See more HERE Somerset Bee Keepers Seed Bombs and Bird Feeders with Mandy Boobyer Making Bird Boxes & Bee Houses (£2) Nationwide e- Bikes Growing Minds – young children play in nature Messy Church (Baptist) Fixy Van -see more HERE Offgrid Solutions SSG Cubs ​ Meeting Room - see more HERE Somerset Butterfly Talk Somerset Wildlands – Alisdair Cameron Owl Experience – Sharandy’s Bird Sanctuary Refreshments WI - teas and coffees, cake: 10-12 and WI/SEG 2-4pm. Veggie & meat Barbecue SEG 12 – 2pm. ​ Main Hall SSG Primary School Tree & leaves – ideas for our community SEG – Uses of plastic bottle/Future projects and 7 R’s/ Footpaths/ Spinney & hedge (Rota) Butterfly Conservation & badge making Chedzoy Fair Share Project Somerset Waste Partnership Reimagining the Levels Somerset Wildlife Trust Bumble Bee Conversation Trust Somerset Eco Centre Climate Action Taunton Field Studies Centre WWC Photo Display & Competition winners Crafts and Dog Toys (Karen Housego) Dykes Farm Raffle - The Levellers See more HERE Centre for Sustainable Energy Willowset

PROJECTS February 2022 Williams Hall Spinney Managing and coppicing to create new wildlife habitats See more HERE March 2022 - Composting Workshop - Nicky Scott, composting expert, will be running a workshop to help us improve our compost. Saturday 19th March, 10am-2pm See more HERE January 2022 - Hedge Around the Village Hall - The hedge will be planted on Saturday 29th January 2022. See more HERE Footpath Maintenance - Working with Landowners to maintain and improve our footpath network. See the work of the Footpath Group HERE Environment Fair See the report of the 2021 Fair HERE Hedgehogs For progress to date see HERE The Green Home A book to help you ecofy your home. More HERE We have also produced a task list which covers all the possible projects we have identified to date. It is available HERE

Williams Hall Stoke St Gregory 10 am - 4 pm FREE ENTRY Saturday 1st June sees Stoke Environment Group’s Fourth Annual ENVIRONMENT DAY in the Williams Hall, Stoke St Gregory - Free Entry & plenty of free parking. Make a note in your diary - it will be ‘Serious Fun For All The Family’. If you came to either of the first three ENVIROFAIRS you only need to know that this one will be even bigger and better. Have look HERE at some of the contributors Plant Table We Need Seeds, Seedlings & Plants For Our Plant Table PlantTable Please think about it NOW . If you are planting seeds, can you sow a few more in another container to l et us have on the day? If you have some plants you are thinning, can you pot them up now, so they have time to root? ​ And can you make sure you label them? Please drop them off to the Village Hall as early as you can on the morning of Saturday 1st June. If you can't be around then, please drop them off at Trevor & Jane's, Birch House, Woodhill , Stoke St Gregory as near as possible beforehand. Bring something with you & take something away; or just bring something with you; or just take something away. All free, but there will be a pot for donations. If you have somewhere you could display a poster please download and print this one HERE Fixy

Stoke St Gregory villagers, young and old, gathered last Saturday to plant 120 metres of native hedging around their Village Hall. About 500 whips of 14 different species were planted, being sourced from Reimagining The Levels and the Woodland Trust. Apart from the general benefits to the local environment, the new hedge will provide an important wildlife corridor from the hedge in Dark Lane to the one in Slough Lane. Roads, buildings and arable fields create huge barriers to wildlife. By filling in the gaps and connecting what must seem like an impossible obstacle course, wildlife - both great and small - can move safely from one place to another. This is the first environmental project organised by Stoke Environment Group that directly involved members of the community. We hope and believe that this will encourage community ownership of the hedge and the project overall. Wildlife Corridors Roads, buildings and arable fields create huge barriers to wildlife. By filling in the gaps and connecting what must seem like an impossible obstacle course, wildlife - both great and small - can move safely from one place to another. But it’s not just tunnels under motorways, or even hedges round village halls. We can all help to make smaller corridors within our village, especially from garden to garden. Winter is the best time to start. With some of the vegetation died back we can see what’s what. For ideas, have a look at this RSPB page HERE Below is a list of the species that were planted A Big Thank You to everyone - of all ages - who turned up to make this a truly 'Community Planting Day' Amongst the young people helping was Cecily Arthurs, aged 7½, Kingfisher Class, Stoke St Gregory School, who gave this interview: Why do you think it is important to plant hedges? C: Because it makes homes for wildlife and makes more oxygen in the air. Did you enjoy planting the hedge? C: Yes, because I saw lots of worms. And worms mean the soil is healthy. Why do you think it is important to look after the environment in the village? C: Because I have never seen a hedgehog and I really want to see one. And there will be more homes for squirrels.

24th September to 4th October The Big Planting Saturday, 24th September, The Williams Hall, 10am – 4pm Come along and join SEG volunteers planting native British bulbs at The Spinney, the Village Hall and along Willey Road. These will provide food for the early pollinators in the spring and add a touch of colour to brighten up our village for everyone to enjoy! (Refreshments and lunch will be provided). ‘Ways to Save on your Energy Bills’ Wednesday, 28th September, The Williams Hall 1.30pm-2.30pm The Centre for Sustainable Energy will give a talk on how you can make your home even more energy efficient. Hear about the grants available and the ‘Low Cost, No Cost’ actions you can take to reduce energy use and cut your bills. Get independent advice on suppliers, tariffs, billing, meters, payment plans and debt. The Big Swap Saturday, 1st October, The Williams Hall, 10am – 4pm Come along with any items you no longer use or need and would like to swap for something new to you! Clothes, toys, furniture, tools etc. Book a table or just come along on the day. A fun way to meet up with neighbours and share! Refreshments available. Email: envirostoke@yahoo.com Website: www.envirostoke.org

STOKE FOOD PARTNERSHIP Stoke St Gregory, Somerset, England stokefood@yahoo.com Back HERE to Stoke Food Partnership Home Page FOOD WASTE (Using All We Can ) As UK households we waste 6.5 million tonnes of food every year, 4.5 million of which is edible. We’re not just talking egg shells or chicken bones. We mean the last few bites from my plate that I couldn’t quite manage, or bread crusts, or potato peelings – all stuff which could have been transformed into something delicious. " Love Food Hate Waste" (Web site HERE ) is a very good starting point for anyone interested in reducing the amount of food they waste. As they point out: "The average family of four can save just over £60 per month by reducing their food waste. Whether you’re doing the food shop or ordering a meal at a restaurant, every decision is an opportunity to save food from the bin. If you don’t want a side salad, ask for your meal without it. If you won’t make good use of the extra portion, don’t be tempted by it. And if you can’t finish your main, ask for a doggy bag! Food is made to be loved, so that’s what we should do." Stoke St Gregory & North Curry Homegrown Swap Shop is a great way of cutting down on waste food if you have a surplus - from your garden or an unwanted BOGOF offer. Their Facebook page is HERE Spare plants are also always welcome. Just leave stuff on the shelves outside the Wagon House, Meare Green. The BBC 'Good Food' Section has some useful material on food waste (see HERE ) Reminding us that misshapen, marked, discoloured or oddly sized fruit and vegetables often don’t meet the standards of the marketplace (up to 20-40% are thrown away before even leaving the farm). There are suggestions and recipes to help avoid throwing away leftovers and surplus food. What Can We Do? Your suggestions and examples of your own experience would be very welcome. Let us know what you do at home to cut down on waste food and we'll post the suggestions here. Please contact us at stokefood@yahoo.com