A new Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Climate Adaptation Plan has been launched this week featuring the actions that can be taken by the community to adapt to climate change.
Burnham and Highbridge Town Council and Somerset Wildlife Trust (SWT) have been working together with local residents to compile the plan over the last two years.
The plan – which is available here – focuses on four priorities: Improving and increasing green spaces; Matching climate adaptation projects with funding; Sharing knowledge on climate adaptation; and linking climate risks to local policies.
It was launched on Saturday (March 15th) during the ‘Brue Green Pathways Celebration event’ in conjunction with Our Highbridge and SWT at the town’s Morland Hub.
A cheque for £1,000 was presented by SWT to the project to help fund work by local community groups in tackling the actions in the plan.
An SWT spokesperson says: “The impacts of the climate emergency are already unfolding. Sea levels are rising, and flooding, extreme heat, droughts and wildfires are all more likely to occur in Somerset.”
“Thankfully, there are many ways that communities can act together to be better prepared for the changes and build a positive future where people and nature can thrive.”
“Beginning with Climate Adaptation workshops at the Morland Community Hub and Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Town Council, the Act to Adapt process has brought together residents, community groups, town councillors and SWT’s Climate Adaptation Team to talk about Somerset’s climate change projections, discuss the need for adaptation in Burnham and Highbridge, and co-create a bespoke Climate Adaptation Plan.”
“The new plan shares the key priorities and strategies chosen by Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge residents, and offers advice on how to make these actions happen. We have also highlighted the adaptation benefits of taking action on each priority, as well as additional ‘co-benefits’, to demonstrate how they can support the towns in becoming better adapted and resilient to our changing climate.”
The event included an overview of the project from town councillor Lesley Millard, a display of local nature photos, plus music from Martin Shiells, a talented nature rapper, and a chance to contribute to a community collage using paint made from local mud collected by Sara Dudman. It shows local nature observations and ideas for nature improvements in a field next to Highbridge’s Brue Farm development.
For more details, email bandhgreenteam@gmail.com or click here.
