News ArchiveGwynedd's Ecological Footprint

WWF Cymru have now published the results of their research on the Ecological Footprint of Wales, Gwynedd and Cardiff. To find out more, visit www.walesfootprint.org.

Gwynedd Sustainability Directory

Now released: Sustainable Gwynedd Gynaladwy's Sustainability Directory with a range of exciting projects in Gwynedd. A free electronic version is available here.

Constructing Sustainability – BREEAM and Ecohomes

Construct Wales is holding free half day events on Thursday 26th January 2006 at St Asaph and Friday 27th January 2006 at Port Talbot.

From the 1st May 2006, the Welsh Assembly Government will specify that all social housing will have to achieve the BRE Ecohomes 'good' standard. In addition, the Welsh Development Agency (WDA) are requesting that all developments they support should perform to the BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) 'very good' standard for commercial buildings or BRE Ecohomes 'very good' standard for residential developments.

The purpose of these events is to let you know how these requirements will affect you and to provide an understanding of the BREEAM and Ecohomes standards.

Details and booking on www.bre.co.uk/events.

Have you say about a better world

Building a Better World - a Question Time debate is being arranged by the Commonwealth and Foreign Office at the Technium CAST building in Parc Menai, Bangor on Thursday evening, 17 November 2005. Contact 0207008 6063 for tickets or further details.

Seminar for community groups

Cylch (Community Recycling Network in Wales) is arranging a training day with various topics such as Managing your Organisation, Health and Safety, The Future for Furniture groups and other subjects at CAT Machynlleth on Wednesday, 23 November 2005. For more information please contact Jasmin Brown on 0129 2064 7015.

Seminar: Consuming at the Local Level

The Community Development Foundation is organising a seminar exploring Consuming at the Local Level and the role of local initiatives in bringing about change. It will take place on Thursday, 24 November 2005, 10am-4pm in the Norwegian Church, Cardiff. For futher information contact Delyth Byrne: 02920 481600, delyth@cdf.org.uk.

Recycling conference

The community recycling network Cylch are holding their annual conference on the 20th and 21st October in Swansea.The theme will be Recycling Prophets - Profit Recycling. Details are available from the conference website.

AGM 2005

SGG's Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 26 October at the Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon. An opportunity to hear the talk One Planet Living by Pooran Desai, Bioregional. Please contact SGG to book your place.

SGG at Meirionnydd Show

Sustainable Gwynedd are arranging an exhibition on Sustainable Living at the Show on the 24th August 2005 at Harlech. There will be a warm welcome for our member on the stall, which will feature displays on the theme Sustainable Living.

There will be lots to see and do, waste reduction, reuseable nappies, growing your own food, local food, fair trade, childrens activities and more.

We’d love to see you for a chat on the stall, or if you are interested in taking part in the display or would like to offer a couple of hours volunteering with the exhibition, please contact Jane or Cynthia in the office as soon as possible.

Welsh Peace Project: Launch

Saturday, 4 June, 10.30-4.30, Y Morlan, Morfa Mawr, Aberystwyth: Launch of A Oes Heddwch? - The Welsh Peace Project. Speakers from Seeds for Change, the Scottish Centre for Non Violence and others. Workshops on developing a conflict resolution course; supporting peace campaigners, and sharing experience between international volunteers. Organised by Cynefin y Werin. Details: Clare - 029 2082 1055 clare@wcia.org.uk; Ben - 01286 882 359, benica@gn.apc.org.

Biodiversity events

Moelyci Environmental Centre is organising a series of biodiversity events throughout 2005, and in particular during Wales Biodiversity Week on 11-19 June. For details please visit their website: www.moelyci.org.

Assembly meeting in Beaumaris re transport

A meeting of the North Wales Regional Committee of the National Assembly for Wales will be held at Canolfan Beaumaris, Ynys Môn at 10.00 a.m. on Friday, 20 May. The subject for the meeting will be Public Transport in North Wales. If you wish to attend, please register on 029 2089 8477.

Climate Change Conference

Climate Change Solutions Ltd. are holding their conference on 24-25 May 2005 at NEC, Birmingham. Further information from www.climate-change-solutions.co.uk or e-mail erwin@climate-change-solutions.co.uk.

Conference Consuming at the Local Level

Community Development Foundation Wales are organising a conference on the subject Consuming at the Local Level.elocalising The Vital Role of Community Development on Thursday, 7th April 2005 at Cardiff University. Details from delyth@cdf.org.uk.

Conference The Landscape of Snowdonia National Park - Past, Present and Future

The Snowdonia Society's conference will be held on 16-17 April 2005 at Bangor University. Details are available from the Snowdonia Society's website.

Hustings

There will be an opportunity to question the local parliamentary candidates on Monday, 18 April, 7.30pm, Y Ganolfan, Porthmadog. Organised by the Dwyryd a Glaslyn cell of Cymdeithas y Cymod, the Fellowship of Reconciliation in Wales. All are welcome.

Plant Sale

The Snowdonia Society will hold a Plant Sale on Saturday, 7 May 2005, 10am-4pm in the magical wildlife gardens of Tŷ Hyll, Capel Curig. For details see www.snowdonia-society.org.uk.

Seminar: European funding for the cultural sector

There will be a CulturEuro seminar on EU funding opportunities for the arts and cultural sector in Bangor on Thursday 5th May (at the University of Wales). For details see www.euclid.info/uk/seminars or contact Peter Mok: peter@euclid.info.

Rooms / Offices to let

24-26 High Street, Caernarfon, LL55 1RH. Terms to be discussed. Contact Ceren Williams, Mantell Gwynedd: 01286 672626, email:ceren@mantellgwynedd.com. Website: www.mantellgwynedd.com.

Sustainable Development: Promoting Best Practice in Wales and Scotland

One-day conference, 7th March 2005, Edinburgh.

The Sustainable Development Commission (SDC) is hosting the first Celtic Nations conference with SDC Scotland and SDC Wales in association with CYNNAL CYMRU and the Scottish Sustainable Development Forum celebrating and promoting best practice in sustainable development.

Further details are available on the conference website.

Community Seed Swap

The secret’s in the seed... bring your vegetable, herb and plant seeds to swap. Talks during the day by: HDRA – Vida Verde – Corporate Watch – CAT. Plus refreshments, stalls, kids’ play area, raffle, information, seed saving, seed collections, seed compost and much more.

Machynlleth Community Hall, February 13, 10am – 3pm. No admission charge – donations welcome.

For further details contact the Dyfi Valley Seed Savers: 01654 705971, biology.ltv@cat.org.uk.

Launch of the Reducing Wales' Ecological Footprint Project's findings

WWF Cymru invites you, on behalf of the Reducing Wales’ Ecological Footprint partnership, to the launch of the project’s main findings. The project is the first to calculate the footprint of Wales and two counties – Cardiff and Gwynedd.

The Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Thursday, 10 March 2005, 10.30am for 11am start. Buffet lunch.

Guest speakers: Rhodri Morgan, First Minister for Wales, and Robert Napier, Chief Executive, WWF-UK.

For further information, visit www.walesfootprint.org.

If you'd like to attend, please register with Kathy Beach, WWF Cymru, by Friday 25 February 2005.

Talk: Fair Trade

Thursday, 10 March, 7.30pm, Capel y Porth, Porthmadog: FAIRTRADE? What difference does it make? with Regina Joseph, Banana Farmer from the Windward Islands. Also an opportunity to begin working for Fairtrade status for Gwynedd County Council.

Finding Out about Energy

Day of fun, with lots of opportunities to learn and take part, on energy in your home and your community. Organised by Community Action for Energy (CAfE) and Cymdeithas Tai Eryri.

Friday, January 28 2005, 9.30 – 4.30, The Institute, Caernarfon.

For more information contact Denise or Ben at Cymdeithas Tai Eryri on 01286 881588.

Tree Planting in the Celli Barddoniaeth, Moelyci

Saturday 5th February, 10.30am, meet at Moelyci farmhouse.

Further details from the Moelyci website ar from catrinejmoelyci@yahoo.co.uk.

Delivering Sustainable Communities Summit

The Deputy Prime Minister will be holding a Delivering Sustainable Communities Summit from 31 January to 2 February 2005 in Manchester. Its aim is to "set a vision for the future and create opportunities for both developing and sharing best practice as well as provide a platform to work with experts from the public, voluntary and private sectors."

Funding News

We are very pleased to have received excellent news that we have been successful in attracting funding to further our work in Gwynedd. Cist Gwynedd have awarded us financial support for our next major project which will involve working closely with a number of voluntary organisations in Gwynedd to improve the sustainability performance of their daily activities. Please get in touch with us if you think your organisation or group might be interested in taking part in this work.

The Countryside Council for Wales has also given us a grant to help with our work on the Community Strategy and Gwynedd Environmental Forum.

Community Strategy

The community strategy for the county, 'Gwynedd Together' was officially launched at an event in Trawsfynydd in June. A PDF version of the document is available on the Gwynedd Council website. Remember that Sustainable Gwynedd Gynaladwy has a seat on the Steering Board of the Community Strategy, and Jane Evans, SGG development officer is currently the representative. This is a valuable opportunity for us to ensure that sustainable development is incorporated into the Strategy process, and we welcome SGG members' comments on how we can best achieve this.

Three projects have been identified as being priority work for year one of the strategy, Healthy School Menu's, Affordable Housing and Sustainable Development research work.

A Gwynedd Environmental Forum is also currently being developed to feed into the Community Strategy work, and SGG is also a member of the forum. For more information about our work with the forum and how we can ensure that members views are fed into the Environmental Forum and Community Strategy process please get in touch with Jane.

HEBFFINIA benefit gig for community radio project in Nicaragua

There will be a benefit gig at Hendre Hall, Talybont near Bangor, on Saturday November 27th, with live drumming from BLOCO ELECTRO, HEBFFINIA DJs and chilled beats from ambient dubsters the Dragon Collective in the ambient lounge.

The gig will be a benefit to support a community radio project in Nicaragua which is buying clockwork radios for remote communities.

HEBFFINIA's latest gig "Acting local, thinking global" raised over £s;100 towards the costs of North Wales activists in Palestine.

More news at www.hebffinia.com.

Wild Salmon Experience

There will be a Wild Salmon Experience Sunday 28th November, with staff of the Environment Agency. See wild salmon, and explore other wildlife of the river. Meet at the White Water Canooing Centre at Tryweryn, at 10.30 am. (Wear waterproofs).

Please contact Richard Brassington for more information. (01248 484053 / richard.brassington@environment-agency.wales.gov.uk)

BabyKind Real Nappies

A local couple Helen and Mark Burr from Nebo in Gwynedd have established a nappy retail internet site.

Helen and Mark have two children, who both wore re-usable cotton nappies. When Helen decided to find work that would enable her to stay at home they decided to use their experience with a number of different kinds of re-usable nappies to help other parents by offering a choice of nappies for sale through the internet and a network of agents.

Although there are many benefits of using re-usable nappies (see SGG's nappy leaflet: page 1, page 2), some parents often find it difficult to make the switch, as they aren't readily available in high street shops, and as there are so many different kinds on the market, choosing the right one isn't always straightforward. Helen and Mark offer nappy 'trials', and the convenience of shopping from home.

Since the site was launched in March they have been extremely successful, but Helen and Mark are keen to develop real nappy promotion projects locally, and would like to hear from others in Gwynedd to share ideas and information. You can contact Helen or Mark by telephone 01286 882 617 or through their website.

Compost in Criccieth

One of Sustainable Gwynedd Gynaladwy's volunteers, David Heaf of Llanystumdwy has conducted a pilot project in Criccieth to encourage take-up of home composting. Helped by volunteers from Criccieth Gardening Club, a copy of SGG's composting leaflet was distributed to the 650 households in the town together with a letter offering householders a free compost bin under the Gwynedd Council scheme, basic instruction in composting and calling for volunteers to train as compost 'doctors' - i.e. people with experience of composting who would be willing to offer advice and troubleshooting to people in their neighbourhood.

Over 90 people requested a bin, and the bins were distributed from the Memorial Hall in Criccieth, with four instruction sessions being held during the day. A functioning compost bin was used to aid the demonstration. Four 'compost doctors' agreed to advise people in the town on any composting questions - contact details below.

Following this extremely successful pilot project, SGG hopes to work with Gwynedd Council and in partnership with other voluntary groups in the County to extend this scheme to other communities, please get in touch with us if you are interested in developing such a scheme in your area. A full report on this project is available, please contact Jane Evans, Development Officer.

Members of the 'Compost Doctor' network for Criccieth are:

• David Heaf , Llanystumdwy 523181
• Mary Garner, Tremadog 512552
• Dorothy Wright, Criccieth 522679
• Bronwyn Kraushaar, Criccieth 522529

Gwynedd Key Fund

is a new fund that will give community groups in certain areas of Gwynedd an opportunity to recognise, develop and implement schemes for the area's benefit. The fund is implemented in partnership between Gwynedd Council and Mantell Gwynedd. For information please contact Mantell Gwynedd on 01286 672 626.

Projects with local plants

Flora locale, the national charity that promotes the wise use of native flora wants help in getting Wales on the map. They would like to hear from conservation projects, around Britain, that have used or are using local origin plants. Details of the projects can then be pasted on the Flora locale website at www.floralocale.org.

Introduction to Renewable Energy Weekend Course

There will be an Introduction to Renewable Energy Weekend Course at the Centre of Continuing Education, University of Wales, Aberystwyth will be on 15-17 October 2004.

The course will give an overview of the technology of renewable energy and outline the basic principles of solar electricity, solar water heating, small-scale wind power, microhydro, biomass and their applications for homes, businesses and farms. The emphasis will be on how things work, what it is practicable to do, and participants will have the opportunity to develop their own projects.

Fee: £35 (Concession: £25)

For information on the course contents please contact Green Dragon Energy 01654 761 570 or email: dragonrg@talk21.com. To register directly contact the Centre for Continuing Education, University of Wales, 10-11 Laura Place, Aberystwyth SY23 2AU, tel: 01970 622 677, email: bff@aber.ac.uk. It is advisable to register early.

Courses for groups can also be arranged at this venue and at others.

Sustainable energy - the challenge for Snowdonia

Snowdonia Society Conference on 22-23 October 2004, at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, Dolgellau (deferred from February because of bad weather).

A major factor in the long-term conservation of the Snowdonia National Park is the way we generate and use energy. The ecology and landscape of Snowdonia are being affected by climate changes, which are now generally attributed to the warming effect of carbon dioxide emissions on the global atmosphere. At the same time efforts to reduce these emissions, like energy efficient building design or renewable energy installations, are often perceived as damaging the landscape.

The Snowdonia Society's conference provides an opportunity to explore different viewpoints on this subject, offering talks by expert speakers, room for discussion and a field trip.

Please contact the Snowdonia Society for further details.

Launch of Tŷ Mawr Lime Plaster/Mortar using recycled crushed glas

Calch Tŷ Mawr Lime are launching their new lime plaster/mortar which uses recycled glas rather than virgin sand with a little conference. Friday, 18th June 2004, 11.30am, Tŷ Mawr, Llangasty, Brecon, Powys. Further info from tymawr@lime.org.uk; www.lime.org.uk.

Grants for clean energy

The new Wood Energy Business Scheme (WEBS) offers financial support to farmers to set up small to medium-scale woodfuel projects (between 80KW and 2MW). Further information is available from the WEBS team on 01970-821219 or from their website: www.woodenergybusiness.co.uk.

Food Co-op

Llysiau Lleu, the health and gardening project in Dyffryn Nantlle, has launched a food co-op for Talysarn and Nantlle.

For more details contact Ben Gregory, Cymdeithas Tai Eryri, on 01286 881588.

Gwynedd Community Strategy - "Working Together Towards a Better Future"

What is the 'Community Strategy'? The Community Strategy is being introduced in Gwynedd to create a better quality of life for the people of Gwynedd now and in the future. The process of developing the Strategy is a new way of working. It brings together public, voluntary and community organisations as well as the business sector and the wider public to work towards developing an effective plan that will meet the needs of the people and communities of Gwynedd. The Assembly has given every local Authority a duty to lead the process of developing a Community Strategy.

Jane Evans, Sustainable Gwynedd's Development Officer represents the organisation on both the Steering Board of the Strategy and the Sustainability Task Group.

Your Community - Your Future: The Discussion Document

How to have your say! A discussion document has been prepared based on the work that has already been done. Consultation with a wide range of individuals, groups and organisations on the content of the document will take place over the next two months. A copy of the document and more information can be found on www.gwynedd.gov.uk/adrannau/prif_weithredwr/strategaeth_gymunedol/index.english.html. For more information, please contact Siân Davies, 01286 672255.

To see the results of SGG's meeting to discuss our response to the document, please click here.

Environmental Stewardship Grants

Grants are available for innovative projects that will back the general principles of Environmental Stewardship and Local Agenda 21. Previously, projects that fulfil the following aims have received grant support:

• Raising awareness of Local Agenda 21
• Encouraging participation
• Encouraging renewable project development
• Working in partnership
• Promoting practical environmental education

For further information please contact Dewi W. Jones, Environmental Stewardship Coordinator, Planning and Economic Development, Gwynedd Council, Caernarfon, LL55 1SH. Phone: 01286 679233. E-mail: DewiWynJones@gwynedd.gov.uk

Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Strategy

Gwynedd Council and Gwynedd Local Health Board (LHB) and share the statutory responsibility for developing a Health, Social Care and Well Being Strategy for the population of Gwynedd. The aims of the strategy are to improve the health, social care and well being of the population of Gwynedd; to improve services; and to ensure better planning and investment of resources by those organisations which serve the population. Work commenced to develop a 'Health and well-being needs assessment' for Gwynedd which will provide information about what are the actual health, and well-being needs of the people of Gwynedd. The assessment is still ongoing, and the results will be fed into the strategy.

How you can be involved in the process? As the work progresses, their findings about the health, social care and well-being needs of the people of Gwynedd will be available on both the LHB and Gwynedd Council's websites, from early December 2003 onwards. They will welcome your comments and input to the needs assessment and strategy, and you can do this by contacting: Shan L. Williams, Health, Social Care and Well-being Lead Officer, 01286 679 289 or 01286 674 242 . You can also make comments and provide input directly via the websites of the Gwynedd Council and LHB.

Sustainable Regions

Two representatives of SGG attended the Sustainable Regions conference in Cardiff on 28 and 29 January, organised by the Cardiff Business School. The conference was an excellent opportunity for getting a snapshot of where Sustainable Development has got to at a Wales level. There were also a number of presentations sharing information about good practice elsewhere, such as Ireland, Italy and Spain. Full details of the presentations can be found on the Sustainable Regions website.

Sustainable Housing Strategy for Wales

Developing an Energy Agency for Gwynedd was the subject at a conference arranged by SGG recently.

On 8th July 2003, 45 people involved with the energy sector came together to ascertain the need for, and possible remit of an agency in Gwynedd.

A working group is being established to develop the project, and also a further meeting is planned to discuss the roles and geographical areas of EA's in a wider and more strategic way.

Click here for a full copy of the conference report and appendices.

Report

Appendix 1. 'Context map' of energy initiatives in Gwynedd and a wider area

Appendix 2. Conference presentation by Bob Cherryman, Energy Savings Trust

Appendix 3. Conference presentation by Andy Rowland, Dyffryn Eco Dyfi

Appendix 4. Conference presentation by Dilwyn Jenkins, Powys Energy Agency

Worried about your local river?

Keep Wales Tidy support local Rivercare Groups with grants, training and social events.  For more information contact Lee Oliver, Clean Rivers Officer 01286 674 081.

The Welsh Youth Forum on Sustainable Development

The Welsh Youth Forum on Sustainable Development will be gathering young people, especially 13 - 25 year olds from different parts of North Wales to come to Bangor on Dec 10 and 11, a Wednesday evening and Thursday day meeting.

Can you help us recruit interested young people from your organisation, from amongst your friends and neighbours?  Travel expenses will be reimbursed and overnight accommodation is free.

For more information telephone Awel Irene on 0786 7790 971.

Visit to Cwm Harry Land Trust, Tregynon, Powys

On a (very) wet Saturday in November, a visit was arranged to see Cwm Harry's community composting site and community supported agriculture project.

50 wheelie bins especially designed for collecting green waste have been placed with householders in the nearby village of Tregynon.  The bins are collected fortnightly by the Land Trust team to be emptied on site.  Householders are encouraged to add their cardboard waste to the bins, which enables the Trust to make the compost very easily in windrows.  After about 18 months the finished compost is riddled, and then is ready for use.   Most of the compost is used by the Land Trust's community supported agriculture scheme, where a number of householders from the village buy shares in the annual vegetable crop. 

Small community composting schemes would be ideal in the rural villages of Gwynedd, and a file of useful information for groups wishing to consider such a project was given to SGG by the Land Trust.  Groups considering community composting can borrow the file by contacting SGG's Development Officer.  To see a copy of the full report please click here.