COMMUNITY ALLOTMENT UPDATE
On Monday, 28 April a group of volunteers started work on the allotment for this year. Brambles & nettles were cut back and weeds removed ready for planting. We've started off with potatoes and spinach and will be planting up more on Monday 19th May at 6.30p.m.
If anyone has any spare vegetable plants do come along and join in.
On Monday, 28 April a group of volunteers started work on the allotment for this year. Brambles & nettles were cut back and weeds removed ready for planting. We've started off with potatoes and spinach and will be planting up more on Monday 19th May at 6.30p.m.
If anyone has any spare vegetable plants do come along and join in.
COMMUNITY ORCHARD UPDATE
On Friday, February 7th, 2025 several replacement apple trees were planted at the Whitenap Community Orchard by TVBC. A grant had been obtained from the HCC Forest Partnership for their purchase. Apart from feeding, these trees should look after themselves for the next few years.
On Friday, February 7th, 2025 several replacement apple trees were planted at the Whitenap Community Orchard by TVBC. A grant had been obtained from the HCC Forest Partnership for their purchase. Apart from feeding, these trees should look after themselves for the next few years.
A couple of pruning sessions were held during February to ensure the rest of the trees are in good shape. Blossom has started to appear on some of the older trees and the new saplings are now in leaf.
April 2025
April 2025
Community Allotment
On a bright chilly morning in March, members of Romsey Men's Shed installed some new raised borders at the Community Allotment behind the Railway Station. The wood on the old planters had rotted over the years, and this has now been replaced, ready for the coming planting year.
Thanks go to the Romsey Men's Shed for making and installing the planters and to Three Rivers for financing it.
The next stage is to replace the black membrane at the bottom of the planters and to refresh the soil.
If anyone is interested in joining future work parties at the allotment, or would like to use it, please fill in the contact form.
March 2022
On a bright chilly morning in March, members of Romsey Men's Shed installed some new raised borders at the Community Allotment behind the Railway Station. The wood on the old planters had rotted over the years, and this has now been replaced, ready for the coming planting year.
Thanks go to the Romsey Men's Shed for making and installing the planters and to Three Rivers for financing it.
The next stage is to replace the black membrane at the bottom of the planters and to refresh the soil.
If anyone is interested in joining future work parties at the allotment, or would like to use it, please fill in the contact form.
March 2022
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Community Orchard Work Parties
In August, work on tidying the Orchard took place - with another work party planned for September 8th from 10.00a,m, - 12.00p.m. to complete the job. The new protection fences were cleared as, they had become quite weedy.
Following the severe pruning earlier in the year, there is quite a lot of fruit - although rather small. It will, however, be ideal for juicing at our 'Apple Pressing Weekend' on October 3rd-4th
Anyone who would like to help at the next work party, can either just turn up or contact TTR through the form on this website.
August 2022
During January and February, work parties have been tidying up the Community Orchard ready for the new season. Volunteers, along with TVBC workers, have weeded, mulched, staked, pruned, and put on tree guards. The orchard is looking very neat and tidy now.
Thanks to: Sue from TTR for organising the work parties; the volunteers; and Jeffrey Boyce (Senior Countryside Officer at TVBC) and his workers; for making this happen.
We look forward to seeing all the blossom and wild flowers in the Spring.
If anyone is interested in joining future work parties at the orchard, please fill in the contact form.
February 2022
In August, work on tidying the Orchard took place - with another work party planned for September 8th from 10.00a,m, - 12.00p.m. to complete the job. The new protection fences were cleared as, they had become quite weedy.
Following the severe pruning earlier in the year, there is quite a lot of fruit - although rather small. It will, however, be ideal for juicing at our 'Apple Pressing Weekend' on October 3rd-4th
Anyone who would like to help at the next work party, can either just turn up or contact TTR through the form on this website.
August 2022
During January and February, work parties have been tidying up the Community Orchard ready for the new season. Volunteers, along with TVBC workers, have weeded, mulched, staked, pruned, and put on tree guards. The orchard is looking very neat and tidy now.
Thanks to: Sue from TTR for organising the work parties; the volunteers; and Jeffrey Boyce (Senior Countryside Officer at TVBC) and his workers; for making this happen.
We look forward to seeing all the blossom and wild flowers in the Spring.
If anyone is interested in joining future work parties at the orchard, please fill in the contact form.
February 2022
Transition: Bounce Forward
At the beginning of 2021, 'Transition: Bounce Forward' awarded a number of small grants to Transition groups around the country to help them and the local community 'Bounce Forward' following the pandemic. The money was distributed using funds from the National Lottery Community Fund.
TTR were lucky enough to be awarded one such grant, and although plans for a Green Fair in 2021 could not be realised, we were given permission to use the money to help us promote TTR, and set us up to run events during the coming year - when we will concentrate on practical ways in which to help people live more sustainably.
The money was, therefore, spent on:
Insuring TTR for the coming year;
Producing a display poster of the Community Orchard;
Buying a new noticeboard for the Community Allotment; and
Hiring an apple press for the Apple Pressing weekend in September 2021.
If you are interested in finding out about plans for the coming year, please come along to a meeting (see Events page) or email us on: [email protected] .
Our thanks go to: 'Transition: Bounce Forward'; the National Lottery 'Community Fund'; and everyone who plays the Lottery.
October 2021
At the beginning of 2021, 'Transition: Bounce Forward' awarded a number of small grants to Transition groups around the country to help them and the local community 'Bounce Forward' following the pandemic. The money was distributed using funds from the National Lottery Community Fund.
TTR were lucky enough to be awarded one such grant, and although plans for a Green Fair in 2021 could not be realised, we were given permission to use the money to help us promote TTR, and set us up to run events during the coming year - when we will concentrate on practical ways in which to help people live more sustainably.
The money was, therefore, spent on:
Insuring TTR for the coming year;
Producing a display poster of the Community Orchard;
Buying a new noticeboard for the Community Allotment; and
Hiring an apple press for the Apple Pressing weekend in September 2021.
If you are interested in finding out about plans for the coming year, please come along to a meeting (see Events page) or email us on: [email protected] .
Our thanks go to: 'Transition: Bounce Forward'; the National Lottery 'Community Fund'; and everyone who plays the Lottery.
October 2021
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Community Allotment Update
On a very sunny Friday in July, members of TTR spent the morning at the Community Allotment, where they were joined by members of Greenbuttercup CIC's Dementia Support Group. A gazebo provided welcome shade for those who preferred to stay seated and make bird-scarers out of old CDs and bottle tops. Others: did some weeding to prepare a bed for seed sowing; put up some bean poles and planted the beans; planted some herbs; picked the soft fruit which was ready; and picked rhubarb for their tea. A very sociable morning was enjoyed by all, and the Community Allotment is now attractively decorated with the bird-scarers for all to admire as they rush past on their way to catch a train..
July 2021
The 'Rule of Six' applied to litter-picking too........
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Members and friends of Transition Town Romsey joined in the Romsey & District Society's Spring 2021 Litter Pick.
Community Orchard Update
Autumn 2019 saw a group of TTR members and other interested parties held a pruning workshop at the Community Orchard.
A local resident recently commented: "For those that cannot get out as far as the orchard, I can report that it is looking good. The blossom is forming on the early fruit and leaves are greening on the later stuff and the underplanting of daffodils brightens up the whole field. It's a community asset"
Why not go for a walk to see it, as your daily exercise during the Lockdown ...….
April 2020
Autumn 2019 saw a group of TTR members and other interested parties held a pruning workshop at the Community Orchard.
A local resident recently commented: "For those that cannot get out as far as the orchard, I can report that it is looking good. The blossom is forming on the early fruit and leaves are greening on the later stuff and the underplanting of daffodils brightens up the whole field. It's a community asset"
Why not go for a walk to see it, as your daily exercise during the Lockdown ...….
April 2020
Current TVBC Position on New House Building
Cllr Nick Adams-King
4 October at 05:52
I've been asked by some residents about why there are so few applications for new homes being shown in the weekly planning lists and why TVBC have ceased issuing planning permission for new homes. It's all to do with the issue of nitrates entering the river Test and from there the Solent, so I hope it's therefore helpful to explain the current situation.
The River Test and its major tributaries flow into the Solent. The Solent region is one of the most important for wildlife in the United Kingdom. There are currently high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus input into this water environment and there is evidence to suggest that this is having a detrimental impact on the biodiversity of this area.
Housing and other certain types of development are currently contributing negatively towards this issue and there is evidence that further development, without mitigation, would exacerbate this impact.
Under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017) (‘Habitat Regulations)’, there are significant responsibilities conferred on the Council as a ‘competent authority’.
Chiefly, it requires the Council to only approve plans or projects (such as planning applications) if there is no likelihood of a significant effect on the internationally protected ecological sites along the Solent coast. This could include many potential impacts, including the deposit of nitrogen into the marine environment through waste water from new development.
As a consequence TVBC are unable to issue planning permission for any new development that would add to the population of the area, this therefore includes new housing and additional holiday accommodation.
All Hampshire Authorities are affected save for a few exceptions whose river catchments do not feed into the Solent.
We, along with the other Hampshire authorities are doing all we can to obtain clarity from Natural England and the Environment Agency to resolve the issue. Test Valley has a particular problem in that all our Waste Water Treatment works do not have nitrate limits placed on them by the EA. Consequently we are being told by Natural England we must take worst case figures in respect of nitrates exiting the treatment works.
You might quite reasonably ask why we cannot introduce a mitigation scheme to compensate for the nitrates entering the rivers. For example, taking agricultural land out of use would have a greater effect upon nitrate levels.
Our problem is that Southern Water and the EA are saying there is capacity for development and that this would not detrimentally effect nitrate levels, while Natural England are saying something quite different.
Until such time as that issue is resolved we can’t put a mitigation strategy in place because, using the figures being suggested by NE, mitigation would mean removing unfeasibly large areas of agricultural land from production. I’m afraid the agencies need to resolve their differences and come up with a more reasonable and rational calculation for measuring nitrate levels before we can suggest a mitigation strategy.
I’ve written to the Government ministers responsible, have briefed both Test Valley’s MPs and we continue to meet with NE and the EA alongside the other Hampshire authorities. We’re hopeful of a resolution soon, but I can’t hold out any magic wand solution for the problem I’m afraid.
Cllr Nick Adams-King
4 October at 05:52
I've been asked by some residents about why there are so few applications for new homes being shown in the weekly planning lists and why TVBC have ceased issuing planning permission for new homes. It's all to do with the issue of nitrates entering the river Test and from there the Solent, so I hope it's therefore helpful to explain the current situation.
The River Test and its major tributaries flow into the Solent. The Solent region is one of the most important for wildlife in the United Kingdom. There are currently high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus input into this water environment and there is evidence to suggest that this is having a detrimental impact on the biodiversity of this area.
Housing and other certain types of development are currently contributing negatively towards this issue and there is evidence that further development, without mitigation, would exacerbate this impact.
Under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017) (‘Habitat Regulations)’, there are significant responsibilities conferred on the Council as a ‘competent authority’.
Chiefly, it requires the Council to only approve plans or projects (such as planning applications) if there is no likelihood of a significant effect on the internationally protected ecological sites along the Solent coast. This could include many potential impacts, including the deposit of nitrogen into the marine environment through waste water from new development.
As a consequence TVBC are unable to issue planning permission for any new development that would add to the population of the area, this therefore includes new housing and additional holiday accommodation.
All Hampshire Authorities are affected save for a few exceptions whose river catchments do not feed into the Solent.
We, along with the other Hampshire authorities are doing all we can to obtain clarity from Natural England and the Environment Agency to resolve the issue. Test Valley has a particular problem in that all our Waste Water Treatment works do not have nitrate limits placed on them by the EA. Consequently we are being told by Natural England we must take worst case figures in respect of nitrates exiting the treatment works.
You might quite reasonably ask why we cannot introduce a mitigation scheme to compensate for the nitrates entering the rivers. For example, taking agricultural land out of use would have a greater effect upon nitrate levels.
Our problem is that Southern Water and the EA are saying there is capacity for development and that this would not detrimentally effect nitrate levels, while Natural England are saying something quite different.
Until such time as that issue is resolved we can’t put a mitigation strategy in place because, using the figures being suggested by NE, mitigation would mean removing unfeasibly large areas of agricultural land from production. I’m afraid the agencies need to resolve their differences and come up with a more reasonable and rational calculation for measuring nitrate levels before we can suggest a mitigation strategy.
I’ve written to the Government ministers responsible, have briefed both Test Valley’s MPs and we continue to meet with NE and the EA alongside the other Hampshire authorities. We’re hopeful of a resolution soon, but I can’t hold out any magic wand solution for the problem I’m afraid.
"You're supposed to drink from the waterbowl….not sit in it !"
Officials at TVBC have issued an urgent plea to residents after hedgehogs were killed with rat poisons in West Wellow.
Numerous reports of the animals being poisoned in Gazing Lane were received by Test Valley Borough Council during the last week.
The borough council said that as well as the suspected poisoning, there were comments on social media which suggested that a dog had been inadvertently poisoned, although it was not fatal. It believes that rodenticides nearby may been the cause of the hedgehogs’ deaths.
Portfolio holder for housing and environmental health, councillor Phil Bundy, said: “It is very important that householders who use rodenticide poisons outdoors to control rats on their premises follow the supplier’s instructions for use very carefully. “This is because poisons intended to eradicate rats and mice may also be harmful to non-pest wildlife, including domestic pets and hedgehogs. “The issue isn’t specific to this area and residents across the borough should ensure they take the correct precautions when using poisons to ensure that other wildlife is not adversely affected. “Hedgehogs have already experienced a difficult few months with the prolonged dry spell over the summer, so I would urge people to guard against inadvertently causing any harm when seeking to prevent or get rid of rats or mice.”
Besides being directly toxic to the mammals that ingest them, including dogs, cats, and humans, many rodenticides present a secondary poisoning risk to animals that hunt or scavenge the dead corpses of rats. A spokesperson from the RSPCA science team added: "Rodenticide could pose a threat to hedgehogs or any other wild animal they come in contact with; in simple terms, the poisons act by disrupting the blood clotting process- the bodies’ normal repair process-, causing haemorrhage and eventually killing the animal by blood loss and associated effects. "However, users of rodenticide are legally required to take all reasonable precautions to prevent access to the poison by domestic and non-target wild animals as well as children."
There are a number of things you can do to make your garden safer for to hedgehogs:
Hedgehog corridors: Hedgehogs travel on average a mile a day and may be impeded by walls and fences. You can help by using fencing with gaps, removing a brick from the wall, cutting a hole in your fence or digging a tunnel underneath.
Hedgerows: Swapping your wall or fencing for hedgerows provides a route in and out of your garden, as well as shelter for wildlife.
Log or leaf piles: Provide shelter for nesting mothers, young hoglets and hibernating hedgehogs, plus as havens for invertebrates for hedgehogs to eat.
Ponds: Provide a natural source of water and attract invertebrates for hedgehogs to eat. Make sure you slope the edges of the pond so that hedgehogs can climb out if they fall in!
Hedgehog homes: Plans for building a hedgehog house can be found at www.hedgehogstreet.org and www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk.
Anyone concerned about rats on their property can contact Test Valley Borough Council’s pest control team on 01264 368000 or 01794 527700.
Further information can be found on the council’s website.
Daily Echo August 2018
Officials at TVBC have issued an urgent plea to residents after hedgehogs were killed with rat poisons in West Wellow.
Numerous reports of the animals being poisoned in Gazing Lane were received by Test Valley Borough Council during the last week.
The borough council said that as well as the suspected poisoning, there were comments on social media which suggested that a dog had been inadvertently poisoned, although it was not fatal. It believes that rodenticides nearby may been the cause of the hedgehogs’ deaths.
Portfolio holder for housing and environmental health, councillor Phil Bundy, said: “It is very important that householders who use rodenticide poisons outdoors to control rats on their premises follow the supplier’s instructions for use very carefully. “This is because poisons intended to eradicate rats and mice may also be harmful to non-pest wildlife, including domestic pets and hedgehogs. “The issue isn’t specific to this area and residents across the borough should ensure they take the correct precautions when using poisons to ensure that other wildlife is not adversely affected. “Hedgehogs have already experienced a difficult few months with the prolonged dry spell over the summer, so I would urge people to guard against inadvertently causing any harm when seeking to prevent or get rid of rats or mice.”
Besides being directly toxic to the mammals that ingest them, including dogs, cats, and humans, many rodenticides present a secondary poisoning risk to animals that hunt or scavenge the dead corpses of rats. A spokesperson from the RSPCA science team added: "Rodenticide could pose a threat to hedgehogs or any other wild animal they come in contact with; in simple terms, the poisons act by disrupting the blood clotting process- the bodies’ normal repair process-, causing haemorrhage and eventually killing the animal by blood loss and associated effects. "However, users of rodenticide are legally required to take all reasonable precautions to prevent access to the poison by domestic and non-target wild animals as well as children."
There are a number of things you can do to make your garden safer for to hedgehogs:
Hedgehog corridors: Hedgehogs travel on average a mile a day and may be impeded by walls and fences. You can help by using fencing with gaps, removing a brick from the wall, cutting a hole in your fence or digging a tunnel underneath.
Hedgerows: Swapping your wall or fencing for hedgerows provides a route in and out of your garden, as well as shelter for wildlife.
Log or leaf piles: Provide shelter for nesting mothers, young hoglets and hibernating hedgehogs, plus as havens for invertebrates for hedgehogs to eat.
Ponds: Provide a natural source of water and attract invertebrates for hedgehogs to eat. Make sure you slope the edges of the pond so that hedgehogs can climb out if they fall in!
Hedgehog homes: Plans for building a hedgehog house can be found at www.hedgehogstreet.org and www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk.
Anyone concerned about rats on their property can contact Test Valley Borough Council’s pest control team on 01264 368000 or 01794 527700.
Further information can be found on the council’s website.
Daily Echo August 2018
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Top Tip for Feeding Hedgehogs If you are concerned about attracting and/or feeding rats rather than hedgehogs, then place a cover on the food bowl. A hedgehog will get the lid off, but a rat can't. This really does work ! |
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APPLETREE CENTRE GARDEN NOW HAS BIRD SCARERS
Despite the extreme weather, the beans and pumpkins are growing well at the Appletree Centre - thanks to those (especially Judith) who have helped water them. Tomato plants have now been added in pots. Unfortunately the peas have not done so well, as they have been too dry, but there were a few pods for those interested to taste them.
In July, members of RYC 's 'Friendship Club' (5-8 yr olds) recently made some bird scarers from old CDs to keep the birds away. We have now hung them across the garden.
Despite the extreme weather, the beans and pumpkins are growing well at the Appletree Centre - thanks to those (especially Judith) who have helped water them. Tomato plants have now been added in pots. Unfortunately the peas have not done so well, as they have been too dry, but there were a few pods for those interested to taste them.
In July, members of RYC 's 'Friendship Club' (5-8 yr olds) recently made some bird scarers from old CDs to keep the birds away. We have now hung them across the garden.
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ROMSEY YOUNG CARERS START GROWING VEGETABLES
Earlier this year, 'Transition Town Romsey' received a request from 'Romsey Young Carers' to help them start a vegetable garden at the Appletree Centre, where the group meets. There had been a couple of beds at some stage, but they had become neglected over time. Keen to help a new generation learn about growing their own food, members of TTR have been helping transform the plot into a working vegetable garden. Donations of compost, manure, seeds, and Waitrose 'grow boxes' have been received, and over the past three months the children have learnt how to sow seeds and then plant them out once grown. The youngest children (5-8 yr olds) have planted peas and pumpkins and the 8-12 yr olds have planted runner beans. June 2018 |
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Electric cars to get free travel over Southampton's Itchen Bridge
TOLLS on Southampton's busy Itchen Bridge are set to be scrapped as early as the summer for electric vehicles in a bid to reduce pollution in the city.
But campaigners say this is not enough, suggesting a pedestrianised city centre is the only way Southampton can battle its air quality problem.
Under proposals revealed at the end of last year, environmental chiefs said they plan to introduce a new toll category for eco-friendly motorists, allowing them to cross the pay-per-use bridge for free. The move could save the average daily commuter around £250 per year. But now Cllr Chris Hammond, Southampton City Council cabinet member for sustainable living, has confirmed the initiative will come into play in just a few months. While revealing the city’s 30 new electric charging points, he said: “Later this summer, we’re looking to introduce free passage for electric vehicles on the Itchen Bridge.” Adding: “The scheme is about encouraging local people to adopt electric vehicles. “Currently, it costs more to buy electric cars so this will give a little bit of discount to those who have taken the step and also use the bridge. “It is part of a package of things the city council is doing to increase the uptake of electric vehicles.”
But Liz Batten, of Clean Air Southampton, wants the council to take even more drastic action and introduce vehicle-free days in the city. “The city council is putting forward a number of measure to help people thinking about getting electric vehicles, which is good,” she said. “And although the number of electric vehicles is to be welcomed, it is the overall picture that I always look at. “Removing cars and vehicles from the city centre is the next step. A number of other cities (such as Birmingham) are doing it and I think Southampton should follow suit, maybe just a few days a week or on certain days in the year. “I think it will help transform the area – especially Old Southampton – into the tourist attraction it should be.” Liz also suggested that the upcoming ABP Marathon could provide a lot of answers for a vehicle-free city centre. She said: “That (the marathon) should be used as an experiment to see how difficult it is to get around the city, even with major roads shut off.”
In response to the call, Cllr Hammond said: “We have trialled vehicle-free areas as part of the Clean Air Strategy. “Clean Air Day on the road in front of St John’s School was very successful, with the school children enjoying playing in the road. “But we would be more than happy to consider different options in the future.” As reported, the toll scrappage is expected to cost the authority around £32,000 each year in lost revenue. However this lost cash is nothing compared to the millions of pounds in fines which it faces if the city’s dangerously high pollution levels are not slashed, civic chiefs say.
Daily Echo 13 April 2018
Waitrose to Remove Takeaway Coffee Cups
Although Romsey is not one of the trial stores, Waitrose have announced that single-use takeaway coffee cups will have been removed from all stores by Autumn 2018.
Why not make a start NOW by taking your reuseable cup along to the store when you want a free coffee.
For more information:
www.waitrose.com/home/mywaitrose/free_tea_or_coffee.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=keepyourcup
April 2018
Although Romsey is not one of the trial stores, Waitrose have announced that single-use takeaway coffee cups will have been removed from all stores by Autumn 2018.
Why not make a start NOW by taking your reuseable cup along to the store when you want a free coffee.
For more information:
www.waitrose.com/home/mywaitrose/free_tea_or_coffee.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=keepyourcup
April 2018
ROMSEY could be about to have a new electric vehicle charging point.
Hampshire County Council is to create 40 electric vehicle charging sites across the region – but they will only be available to public sector bodies. At its Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel meeting, officers disclosed plans to install the points in an effort to get more renewable vehicles on the road. However, it will only benefit council-operated transport, as the authority looks to bring in more electric vehicles (EVs) into its fleet.
As previously reported, some staff at the authority were given electric vehicles to help reduce pollution around Hampshire. The cost or location of the sites have not been revealed, or how many charging points will be at each one, but Steve Clow, head of property services at the county council, said that several public bodies were keen to switch to EVs.It means that Romsey could be a possible destination. “We have had lots and lots of engagement from across the county; lots of interest,” he added. “We are making great progress and we’re generally surprised by the amount of interest.” It was also revealed that the council is set to spend £6.7 million replacing hundreds of lights across the county with LED bulbs, in a bid to become more energy efficient. This, officers predict, will save 1.15 million per year – making back their investment in six years.
Romsey Advertiser 6 April 2018
Hampshire County Council is to create 40 electric vehicle charging sites across the region – but they will only be available to public sector bodies. At its Buildings, Land and Procurement Panel meeting, officers disclosed plans to install the points in an effort to get more renewable vehicles on the road. However, it will only benefit council-operated transport, as the authority looks to bring in more electric vehicles (EVs) into its fleet.
As previously reported, some staff at the authority were given electric vehicles to help reduce pollution around Hampshire. The cost or location of the sites have not been revealed, or how many charging points will be at each one, but Steve Clow, head of property services at the county council, said that several public bodies were keen to switch to EVs.It means that Romsey could be a possible destination. “We have had lots and lots of engagement from across the county; lots of interest,” he added. “We are making great progress and we’re generally surprised by the amount of interest.” It was also revealed that the council is set to spend £6.7 million replacing hundreds of lights across the county with LED bulbs, in a bid to become more energy efficient. This, officers predict, will save 1.15 million per year – making back their investment in six years.
Romsey Advertiser 6 April 2018
NEW electric car charging points at Southampton Airport.....................
..........are already sparking savings, say bosses.
The points have been up and running for just over a month, but the environmental impact is already being felt. The free charging bays have saved 205KW in their first five weeks of operation – equivalent to saving 143 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions from the local atmosphere.
There are six charging bays in the airport’s public car parks – four in short stay and two in priority parking.
With no extra charges for this service, drivers simply hook up to a charging point and pay normal parking rates. Local drivers are encouraged to drop by, park in an available bay and recharge their vehicles while enjoying a coffee from the comfort of the terminal building, just three minutes’ walk away.
Over the course of the first year, the airport estimates that the charging bays will save around 1500kg of carbon dioxide emissions - the amount of greenhouse gas from an average passenger car driven 4,375 miles. Dave Lees, managing director of Southampton Airport, said: “The number of drivers switching to EVs is increasing exponentially. "These drivers need access to public charging as they go about their lives, and we need to make sure we’re meeting the needs of this particular group of customers. "We’re also pleased to be helping build the UK’s charging infrastructure with this installation. “In the future we may install more charge points, but for now we’ll monitor usage of these along with feedback from our customers. "And, we’ll be tracking our C02 emissions to see what savings we are making in this area.”
Romsey Advertiser March 2018
Coming soon to Winchester....................The Handlebar Café
This unique cycle themed cafe and workshop will be open seven days a week, offering coffee, cake and snacks, from locally sourced producers for cyclists, walkers and visitors alike.
So far over £275,000 worth of funding and in-kind support has been raised but help is needed to raise the final £75,000.
Winchester residents have the opportunity to become a bronze, silver or gold member of the Handlebar Cafe. Members will receive many benefits including discounts and access to special member only events.
You can sign up for founder membership and find out more at www.handlebar.cafe.
31 January 2018
Health and nature in the government's 25 year plan for the environment - HIWWT's Response
The importance of nature for our health was recognised by the government last week in their 25 Year plan for the environment . Among the proposals were connecting more young people with nature through their schools, and prescribing nature-based experiences to help people with mental health issues. Read more about the proposals and the HIWWT's response here
12 January 2018
Recycling News - Single Use Coffee Cups
A First for Gosport
A NEW recycling initiative has been launched to make better use of coffee cups – a UK first.
Packaging manufacturer, Huhtamaki, have partnered with Gosport Borough Council to trial a new recycling initiative which will see paper cups and lids recycled and turned into new products. The launch of the scheme came ahead of calls from from the House of Common’s Environmental Audit Committee for all disposable coffee cups to be recycled by 2023. The committee is calling on the Government to introduce a 25p charge on coffee sold in disposable cups – the so-called ‘Latte levy” – with the money raised used to improve the UK’s reprocessing facilities and “binfrastructure”. Some shops already give discounts to customers who bring their own cups but these only represent around one or two per cent of the coffees purchased each year.
The committee is also calling on the Government to penalise producers who make packaging that is difficult to recycle.
The Gosport scheme, will see two specialist cup recycling bins for paper cups and lids placed at Gosport town hall and the leisure centre, both of which are owned by the council. Huhtamaki will then collect the waste ensure it is recycled rather than going to landfill. New products including garden furniture, park benches and flower tubs will then be made from recycled materials.
Council leader Mark Hook said: “We’re one of the first boroughs to try such a scheme, and it’s a great opportunity to show how councils and manufacturers can be ambitious in finding innovative ways to recycle. “I look forward to working with Huhtamaki on this important issue.” Finnish-owned Huhtamaki’s Gosport plant is one of the biggest manufacturers of paper cups in the UK. Neil Whittall, global category director for speciality coffee at Huhtamaki added: “We have worked on a number of recycling initiatives with customers, consumers and charitable organisations, but this is the first where our primary partner in the scheme is a local authority. “We are looking forward to contributing towards increased recycling rates in Gosport Borough.”
Daily Echo, 11 January 2018
A First for Gosport
A NEW recycling initiative has been launched to make better use of coffee cups – a UK first.
Packaging manufacturer, Huhtamaki, have partnered with Gosport Borough Council to trial a new recycling initiative which will see paper cups and lids recycled and turned into new products. The launch of the scheme came ahead of calls from from the House of Common’s Environmental Audit Committee for all disposable coffee cups to be recycled by 2023. The committee is calling on the Government to introduce a 25p charge on coffee sold in disposable cups – the so-called ‘Latte levy” – with the money raised used to improve the UK’s reprocessing facilities and “binfrastructure”. Some shops already give discounts to customers who bring their own cups but these only represent around one or two per cent of the coffees purchased each year.
The committee is also calling on the Government to penalise producers who make packaging that is difficult to recycle.
The Gosport scheme, will see two specialist cup recycling bins for paper cups and lids placed at Gosport town hall and the leisure centre, both of which are owned by the council. Huhtamaki will then collect the waste ensure it is recycled rather than going to landfill. New products including garden furniture, park benches and flower tubs will then be made from recycled materials.
Council leader Mark Hook said: “We’re one of the first boroughs to try such a scheme, and it’s a great opportunity to show how councils and manufacturers can be ambitious in finding innovative ways to recycle. “I look forward to working with Huhtamaki on this important issue.” Finnish-owned Huhtamaki’s Gosport plant is one of the biggest manufacturers of paper cups in the UK. Neil Whittall, global category director for speciality coffee at Huhtamaki added: “We have worked on a number of recycling initiatives with customers, consumers and charitable organisations, but this is the first where our primary partner in the scheme is a local authority. “We are looking forward to contributing towards increased recycling rates in Gosport Borough.”
Daily Echo, 11 January 2018
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GREAT NEWS FROM TVBC.......
From 1 January 2018, TVBC carton banks will also be able to collect plastic coated coffee cups for recycling – so get collecting !
To find your nearest carton banks visit www.recyclenow.com/local-recycling
REFILL READING
Refill Reading is a grassroots campaign started by Transition Town Reading. We are aiming to reduce the amount of disposable coffee cups going to landfill by encouraging people in our town to use reusable cups in cafes. This project has the support of both Reading Borough Council and a number of cafes across Reading. Why are we doing this? It is estimated that in the UK, over seven million disposable cups are handed out by cafes every day, or approximately 2.5 billion annually. Most of these cups are not recyclable due to the plastic lining within the paper cup, and so the waste cups go to landfill, where they may take up to thirty years to break down. For more information see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-36882799 or www.transitionreading.org.uk/refillreading/
Are you blown away by the awesome power of the wind?
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Air Pollution
One of the current campaigns of ‘Friends of the Earth’ (FOE) is Air Pollution. They have developed a ‘Clean Air Kit’ to help people uncover what air pollution is like near where they live.
Several members of TTR are taking part in this study, and we are looking for more people to take part – ideally in different parts of Romsey. .
The kits are now available for dispatch from FOE. Go to www.foe.co.uk/go/clean-air-kit to order one.
The kit comprises an air-monitoring tube, which participants have to put up for at least two weeks, and then send back for analysis. It also includes tops tips for avoiding exposure to air pollution and how people can take action to clean up their dirty air.
Several members of TTR are taking part in this study, and we are looking for more people to take part – ideally in different parts of Romsey. .
The kits are now available for dispatch from FOE. Go to www.foe.co.uk/go/clean-air-kit to order one.
The kit comprises an air-monitoring tube, which participants have to put up for at least two weeks, and then send back for analysis. It also includes tops tips for avoiding exposure to air pollution and how people can take action to clean up their dirty air.
FOE says that the analysis is the most expensive part of producing the Clean Air Kit, and so they are asking participants for a minimum donation of £15. If you would like to take part but are unable to afford the suggested donation, please contact us, as we may be able to help out with the cost of putting up tubes in areas not already covered.
FOE have developed a national air pollution map using results collected from the Clean Air Kits www.foe.co.uk/page/national-air-pollution-map
Romsey's Results
We now have the results of the 5 test tubes which TTR members have put up around Romsey.
The European Union has set the legal limit for NO2 pollution at an annual mean of 40µg/m3.
Test tubes were put at the following locations:
SO51 8DP 14.9518
SO51 7NL 25.2709
SO51 8HF 33.9572
SO51 8FH 40.3144
SO51 8JA 49.8732
This means that during the time the air monitoring tubes were up, NO2 pollution levels at two locations were above the level at which the annual legal limit is set. The highest being outside the Plaza Theatre at the roundabout. Interestingly, despite the press about high air pollution in Southampton, none of the tests done there were above the legal limit. The only other place in this area with an above average level was Lyndhurst.
However, this is a snapshot of the air pollution for the place and time being monitored. Lots of things affect pollution levels over the course of a year, such as variations in the weather. This means that annual average results could look very different from your snapshot. Air pollution levels also vary greatly depending on how close you put your tube to where the pollution comes from. So there’ll be a reduction in levels even a few metres away from the source.
Friends of the Earth state that they do know that most areas of the UK are currently failing to meet legal limits set by the EU. And that short term and long term exposure to NO2 can have significant negative health effects. Cancer, heart disease and asthma have all been linked to poor air quality, and it’s usually the most vulnerable in society, like children, who are at the most risk. We need urgent action to clean up our air and cut the number of vehicles on the road that are pumping out harmful pollution.
See www.foe.co.uk for more information about air pollution.
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FOE have developed a national air pollution map using results collected from the Clean Air Kits www.foe.co.uk/page/national-air-pollution-map
Romsey's Results
We now have the results of the 5 test tubes which TTR members have put up around Romsey.
The European Union has set the legal limit for NO2 pollution at an annual mean of 40µg/m3.
Test tubes were put at the following locations:
SO51 8DP 14.9518
SO51 7NL 25.2709
SO51 8HF 33.9572
SO51 8FH 40.3144
SO51 8JA 49.8732
This means that during the time the air monitoring tubes were up, NO2 pollution levels at two locations were above the level at which the annual legal limit is set. The highest being outside the Plaza Theatre at the roundabout. Interestingly, despite the press about high air pollution in Southampton, none of the tests done there were above the legal limit. The only other place in this area with an above average level was Lyndhurst.
However, this is a snapshot of the air pollution for the place and time being monitored. Lots of things affect pollution levels over the course of a year, such as variations in the weather. This means that annual average results could look very different from your snapshot. Air pollution levels also vary greatly depending on how close you put your tube to where the pollution comes from. So there’ll be a reduction in levels even a few metres away from the source.
Friends of the Earth state that they do know that most areas of the UK are currently failing to meet legal limits set by the EU. And that short term and long term exposure to NO2 can have significant negative health effects. Cancer, heart disease and asthma have all been linked to poor air quality, and it’s usually the most vulnerable in society, like children, who are at the most risk. We need urgent action to clean up our air and cut the number of vehicles on the road that are pumping out harmful pollution.
See www.foe.co.uk for more information about air pollution.
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