Bringing the Climate Home: Big Ideas, Local Action in Bovey Tracey

If you think climate change is just about polar bears, far-off wildfires and melting ice caps, think again – it’s also about potholes on our lanes, soggy summer barbecues, and whether your tomatoes ripen before the slugs get them. But here in and around Bovey Tracey, we’re doing more than just talking about the weather.

Climate Action: Bovey & Heathfield (CABH) is working to connect the global climate crisis with real, local action – and we’re lucky to have some serious climate science on our doorstep to guide us.
June saw Bovey Tracey host its own Great Big Green Week, part of the national campaign celebrating community action on climate and nature. Thanks to local volunteers, organisations, and our Town Council, we put on events to inform, inspire and involve people of all ages.

One standout was a talk by Prof. Peter Stott of the Met Office Hadley Centre in Exeter. His book Hot Air reads like a climate whodunnit, exposing the decades-long fight against misinformation. Despite the serious topic, his talk was accessible, engaging and even funny – and it reminded us that, yes, change is still possible.

Another highlight was a visit to the Global Systems Institute at Exeter University to hear from Dr Michael E. Mann, a world-renowned climatologist. His book Our Fragile Moment reminds us how unique and delicate the conditions are that support human civilisation – and how we still have time, and tools, to act. You can watch his lecture here, on YouTube

We’re especially fortunate to live near centres of climate research like the Hadley Centre, GSI, and the Marine Research Plymouth Alliance. From ocean health to the carbon cycle, they’re working on the big picture – and we can learn from them locally. It’s like living next to a giant climate brain – all we have to do is plug in!

But it’s not just about science – it’s about action. CABH is a group of volunteers helping our community respond. Whether it’s supporting biodiversity, reducing energy use, encouraging active travel, or promoting recycling, we aim to make climate action practical, local, and even enjoyable.

We’ve also launched a new initiative: “Climate Ally”. This recognises and celebrates local businesses and organisations taking real steps to cut carbon and build resilience. It’s not about perfection – it’s about progress.

Why does this matter here? Because Bovey Tracey is already feeling the effects of climate change: wetter winters, drier summers, and more extremes. But we’re also a place with strong community spirit and a love for the land – both great reasons to get involved.

CABH is here to help join the dots: between the science and the everyday; between the global picture and the local potential; to invite more people to get involved, ask questions and discuss the climate crisis like it’s weather!

Want to know more? Visit www.cabh.org.uk or find us on Bluesky: climateactionbovey.bsky.social.

Saving the planet might just start at your own front door – ideally with a cuppa in hand and a chat with the neighbours.