News: Summer 2024
Summer is here! The days are finally longer and (sometimes) warmer. The FODCAP team is excited to share the latest updates on the exciting climate work taking place across the Forest of Dean.
Please help us map the Forest of Dean’s transport!
FODCAP and the Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) are working to create a map for 2025 of all of the public transport and active travel routes that exist across the Forest of Dean.
We know that getting about the Forest is a serious challenge, and it would be useful for local people and tourists alike to be able to see what routes already exist. It would also be useful to have this information in one place, so we can use it to call for better and more integrated public transport for local communities.
Here is a draft summary of some of the services that exist across the Forest, which we hope to build into a visual map. What services have we missed or forgotten? Please drop a line to anya@holding-the-space.org to let us know anything else we should add.
More trains at Lydney station, more buses to Mitcheldean, and more EV charging points!
Twelve additional trains a day will now stop at Lydney train station on the service between Cheltenham and Cardiff. This is amazing news for local communities and visitors to the Forest. Train travellers also need to be aware that there are engineering works going on over the summer and the railway line between Severn Tunnel Junction and Gloucester will be closed between Mon 22nd July and Sat 10th August. Buses will replace this part of the journey.
New net zero & climate action group for businesses
The Forest Economic Partnership (FEP) has recently set up a new net zero and climate action subgroup. This group will work to help support and enable businesses in the Forest of Dean to decarbonize. Email FEP@fdean.gov.uk to join the subgroup mailing list. The Growth Hub is also providing support for businesses working towards becoming net zero.
Introducing Piers!
We are delighted to welcome Piers Cardiff to our partnership. Piers has recently started as the new Climate Change Community Delivery Lead at FODDC. His job is to support the delivery of the Councils Climate Emergency and Community Wellbeing objectives by leading their work on community climate action and its associated benefits.
Young Changemaker Programme on it’s way
It is looking likely that an exciting youth sustainability programme may be coming to the Forest of Dean in September. The Young Changemakers Programme is a year-long opportunity for Secondary School pupils to work on their own climate change and sustainability projects. This will also include exciting mentoring opportunities with local businesses and organisations. The programme will be run by Sustainability and Environmental Education (SEED), who have worked with schools in other parts of Gloucestershire. More information coming soon, but if you want to know more or are interested in being involved e-mail sarah@se-ed.org.uk.
Energy Climathon
April 2024
In April, the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) and the Forest of Dean District Council brought together a wide range of partners in the Forest of Dean to discuss the challenges and opportunities around energy across the District. The workshop included presentations from a wide range of experts which can be found on the FODCAP website here. Smaller working groups focused on what practical steps need to be taken. This includes work now underway to develop resources to support organisations and businesses trying to get grid connection.
Energy Climathon
April 2024
In April, the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) and the Forest of Dean District Council brought together a wide range of partners in the Forest of Dean to discuss the challenges and opportunities around energy across the District. The workshop included presentations from a wide range of experts which can be found on the FODCAP website here. Smaller working groups focused on what practical steps need to be taken. This includes work now underway to develop resources to support organisations and businesses trying to get grid connection.
Calling all businesses!
Can you help the UK Business Climate Hub understand how much progress UK businesses have made on getting to Net zero.
About the census - What the UK Net Zero Business Census is:
The UK Net Zero Business Census is the largest national research initiative of its kind. The census results will provide invaluable insights into the nation’s net zero journey for policy makers, investors and business leaders.
The census will establish:
· How UK businesses are progressing with net zero targets
· How many businesses are measuring their carbon footprint
· The actions businesses are taking to reduce this footprint
· A regional, sector and business size breakdown of the data
