Opportunities to encourage further change following our autumn events; support Shaftesbury School; many different events with a tree and hedgerow focus; other local and Dorset news in brief

Cost of living: what can I do and save the planet too? This question set the tone for our events this autumn and for a new look for our website. For starters, it introduced a display of suggestions that was exhibited at the Library in September. How did this and other events go? Read on to find out what happened, how many people joined in, and what opportunities were created...

Our display at the Library ran for an extra week after its launch was subdued by the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II. It was complemented by discussion at our September meeting and accompanied by a checklist of actions used in a survey. On the final Saturday at the Library we also had children's activities (the question wheel is always popular!) and volunteers on hand to talk to those who 'dropped-in'. We have been invited back: an opportunity for a further display or occasional Saturday morning drop-in/advice session there. The focus for these or for website additions could be informed by what we learnt from the survey (albeit most likely to be completed by people already trying to live more sustainably).

• The vast majority of respondents were avoiding buying non-essentials or single-use plastics and were sorting and recycling waste. They use eco-cleaning products and save water by not leaving taps running and by quickly repairing dripping taps/toilets. They switch things off after use to reduce energy and don't waste food. They walk or cycle when possible and aim to drive efficiently to reduce fuel use.

• On hearing about the impact of artificial light on wildlife, most were willing to reassess their use of light and/or fittings.

• Time pressures prevent some people from growing their own fruit & veg, or prolonging the life of their 'stuff' by mending, upcycling or repair.

• Financial help would lead to more people installing insulation, renewably-sourced heating, PV panels, or using an electric car.

• People need more information, advice or practical support on how to check that their heating is operating efficiently, how to use rain/grey water outside the house, how to arrange a car share, and how to share tools and skills with neighbours.

Plenty to think about here! We're also left with spare copies of the checklist which can be made available for other events.

Kiss the Ground (2020) attracted around 35 people to the Town Hall (22nd Sept) for this film that promotes regenerative agriculture and, thanks to ffinlo Costain, for a lively discussion afterwards. Issues raised in our discussion included the political and economic environment within which farming takes place, the role of our own food buying and eating habits, and other perspectives on food and land use futures. The film is available online - strongly recommended!

Exploring an electric car club for Shaftesbury. A smaller group (a dozen or so) joined this workshop (29th Sept) to learn how we might support local people for whom occasional access to an electric car would make practical and financial sense. Thanks to Gustavo (from Tisbury Electric Car Club) and Lorna and Hugh (from Bridport's Co-housing Project) we were able to understand that, although we're not yet ready to establish a car club here, we could help to link up households who want to share a car and encourage information gathering (perhaps in collaboration with schools?) to prepare the way for a car club in the future.

The Right Light at Night: the excellent illustrated talk by Steve Tonkin, adviser to Cranborne Chase AONB International Dark Sky Reserve (6th Oct), pulled no punches. Around 25 people heard evidence of the damage that the wrong sort of artificial light does to wildlife and to human health. Steve has subsequently provided technical information for those who want to reappraise their lighting, find it on the website Forum.

Shaftesbury area's open greener homes (1/2 & 8/9 Oct) together attracted around 30 visitors who enjoyed the opportunity for conversations about what they saw: electric heating systems, variety of insulation materials, impact of solar gain, cost-effective use of gas boilers, veg growing, and more. Visitors invariably comment on the value of the opportunity to benefit from experience relevant to changes they're contemplating for their own home. Hosts also enjoy it, part of an annual county-wide event organised through the Dorset Climate Action Network. Steps are being taken to make the greener homes website, and its details of willing hosts and the experience they offer, accessible year-round.

Shaftesbury School has asked for help ...

The school is hosting a prestigious event 'Louder than Words' at Shaftesbury Arts Centre on November 24th. Divided between four separate sessions (starting at noon, 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm), 16 speakers will take the stage to share ideas around climate change, social injustice, digital innovation, and well-being. Speakers include both school students (3 from Shaftesbury) and adults, with some speakers travelling from overseas to share their stories, ideas and passion. Tickets are selling well. Alex More of Shaftesbury School now needs help with other practicalities.

For each of the four sessions Alex needs additional volunteers to help lead speakers backstage, guide invited friends and family to a special reception, and direct ticket-holders to their seats.

The event is being live-streamed but Alex would also like one or two keen photographers there to document this experience for participating speakers.

Offers for Alex are being assembled by Rachel at planetshaftesbury@gmail.com - as soon as possible please.

This is the time for trees!

Shaftesbury Tree Group is meeting on Wednesday 9th November 2022, 5.30pm at Friends Meeting House, Abbey Walk. The agenda includes the schedule for tree planting around the town this winter (see below), proposals for boosting appreciation and conservation of local hedges, protecting our mature trees, and more. Come along if you want to get involved, all tree enthusiasts welcome.

Proposed Planting 2022/23 This is year 3 of the 5-year plan for enhancing Shaftesbury's trees and hedgerows. Volunteers are needed to help with planting; locals are particularly welcome as you'll be able to keep an eye on the young trees through the coming months. Areas and verges scheduled for planting include Wincombe Rec, Ash Close play area, Cockram's Field, Castle Hill Close play area, Enmore Green Community Field, and Grosvenor Road bank on north side. Please send your volunteer offers to birchbark@btinternet.com

Julian Hight is to be the guest speaker at Planet Shaftesbury's monthly meeting for November (17th). Invited by Shaftesbury Tree Group who recommend his beautiful book, Britain’s Ancient Forest - Legacy and Lore, Julian will include discussion of the Blackmore and Selwood Forests and why ancient trees need protection. Open to all.

A new wood near Tisbury is being created by climate change activists. 500 trees have already been planted and the next community planting day, families welcome, will be 26th November. Meet at Wardour Primary School SP3 6RF at 10am.

Planet Shaftesbury's December meeting (8th) will be a pre-Christmas gathering with cider apple expert Liz Copas who will give an illustrated talk on exploring Dorset to discover forgotten orchards and half remembered knowledge.

Tree Festival 2023? Shaftesbury's first Tree Festival (autumn 2021) was hugely successful and several enquirers are awaiting news of when it may be repeated. A small group is now considering the prospects for a Tree Festival in 2023. Watch this space!

Other news in brief

Shaftesbury Homegrown: It's not all about the produce. Volunteers at the community farm know that their involvement benefits their well-being. They are now developing a relationship with 'Eco in Mind', a project run by Dorset Mind to offer support to local people experiencing mental distress, and are also connecting with the 'social prescribers' at the GP Surgery.

Dorset Climate Action Network invites individuals and groups to sign up as members. Show your support. Spread the word. Use this link. The network is holding a strategy day on November 4th at Wootton Fitzpaine. Please join in if you are interested or experienced in taking the broader and longer view and could help to identify what is needed for current campaigns and to select priorities for the year ahead. Details on our website.

Dorset Wildlife Trust are seeking funds for the Kingcombe's Wild Energy project. The intention is to make the most of the abundance of nature found within Kingcombe to give wildlife the best possible opportunity to breed, feed, and move freely, beyond boundaries, creating new connections over massive areas. Find more information including how to donate here.

Zero Carbon Dorset are extending their use of social media. They have launched their own Youtube channel to create a platform for the many presentations and interviews recorded while they worked on the Dorset 2030 report as well as to be a show case for videos created by other groups. They also have a Facebook group, Dorset2030, and are developing an Instagram presence. Planet Shaftesbury next? If you could help us do the same please let us know!!

The next monthly newsletter will appear in the third week of November.  If you have news to share please send it to planetshaftesbury@gmail.com