SOMERSET Wildlife Trust has launched a new Climate Adaptation Plan for Glastonbury.
This is the first of a new series of toolkits aimed at helping communities across Somerset prepare for and adapt to the UK's changing climate.
It comes in response to climate and nature emergencies declared nationwide and recognition from the new UK Government in its 2024 manifesto that these crises pose significant long-term global challenges.
The trust has been encouraging Somerset residents to prioritise climate adaptation.
This involves preparing for the future impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events like flooding, heatwaves and drought.
The Act to Adapt process, piloted by the trust, aids communities in understanding climate adaptation and the changes necessary for preparing for the county's climate extremes.
Since October 2023, the trust has collaborated with Glastonbury Town Council, funded by the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), to develop Glastonbury's climate adaptation plan.
The plan, shaped by input from residents, business owners, and organisations, identifies four key themes and priority adaptation actions.
1. Planting more trees and plants
2. Adapting to flooding
3. Installing green walls and roofs
4. Engaging with local planning
Natalie Barnett, climate adaptation officer at Somerset Wildlife Trust, said: "Due to its long coast and large areas of low-lying land, Somerset is unfortunately one of the UK's most climate-vulnerable areas, and it's facing risks including sea-level rise, river flooding, and drought.
"This process has been all about working with communities — we’ve built plans around local concerns and ideas, which naturally leads to stronger communities, increased biodiversity, and improved wellbeing.
"It has been such a pleasure to have been involved in this project so far, and we’re absolutely delighted to be able to launch this Climate Adaptation Plan for Glastonbury."
At an event on August 24, Somerset Wildlife Trust and Glastonbury Town Council unveiled the final version of Glastonbury's Climate Adaptation Plan.
Residents reviewed the plan, asked questions, and shared advice for implementing key changes in the town.
The special gathering at St John's Church provided a platform for residents to engage with the plan.
Next year, the trust will organise an 'Adaptation Blitz', where locals will come together to implement as many of the plan's actions as possible.
Councillor Mike Stanton, chairman of the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), said: "Across Somerset, floods have been increasing in intensity and unpredictability because of climate change.
"Hence why one of the new objectives in the SRA Strategy 2024-34 is to increase the resilience of people, places and the environment to flooding, while adapting to climate change.
"It’s a fascinating piece of work.
"It covers many parts of the town, right down to individual ponds, bus shelters and toilet blocks.
"If you’ve been not involved so far, please do get involved now."
The Act to Adapt process is also being delivered in Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge, Minehead, the Polden Hills, Wells, and Martock, with plans for further expansion across Somerset.
Copies of Glastonbury's Climate Adaptation Plan and more information is available on the Somerset Wildlife Trust website.
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