On 10 February 2024 Climate Action: Bovey and Heathfield (CABH) held an Open Space meeting, at the Phoenix Hall in Bovey Tracey, with the aim of generating ideas and local action in response to the impact of the changing climate on our local community. A wide range of ideas emerged around a number of themes:

Sustainable Bovey Tracey which included looking at developing a vision for the town; linking together voluntary groups and others working on climate issues and addressing the needs of future generations.

Transport suggestions included lobbying for electric buses and electric car charge points; campaigning to reopen the Newton Abbot to Heathfield railway and integrated public transport (bus/train) services.

Reducing energy in houses and other buildings: ideas included improving access to information/advice on reducing energy and energy costs; promoting solar and the expansion of CABH Community Energy Savers Outreach Work.

Communication and links between climate/nature groups was a recurring theme and ideas included organising open meetings; liaison with like-minded groups e.g. Devon Wildlife Trust and Friends of the Earth; involvement with local schools; a directory of organisations and voluntary groups and a Climate Café.

Reducing Litter and Waste and increasing recycling generated suggestions for litter picking on a more regular basis, battery recycling; a Library of ‘stuff’ and specific recycling bins e.g. for Tetra Packs and small electricals. It was also suggested that there should be groups paying attention to the interests of different age groups.

Influencing Politics was a further theme discussed and suggestions for action included; lobbying Councillors/ Planning Authorities to require new houses to be lower carbon; Community Climate Change Wardens; a Climate Vote in Bovey; supporting the Green New Deal and checking political party manifestos on climate action.

Reducing Demand on the planet’s resources: issues raised included thinking about how do you persuade people to make changes to their lifestyle; less travel; shopping locally and eating less meat.

Community and Locally Produced Energy: suggestions were made for a longer term plan for local solar, wind and hydro and more community electric car charging points.