A joint event by Somerset Climate Action Network, Community Action Groups Somerset and Somerset Local Nature Partnership.

This is a free event but reserving a ticket is essential.

'Action for Somerset's Future' is an interactive day of developing connection across Somerset communities to encourage climate action and community wellbeing. All are welcome including individuals, community groups and councils.

Join us for panel discussions, workshops and the opportunity to connect with your local community over tea, coffee and cake!

We will hear from leaders and experts in business, the public sector and communities who will discuss a range of topics including the circular economy and our vision for 2030. There will be plenty of opportunity for open discussion and participation both in the panel discussions and through fun, interactive workshops. Attendees will be able to contribute to the development of Somerset’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

To reduce food waste we are asking all attendees to bring their own packed lunch to participate in a community indoor picnic, this will also help keep the event costs to a minimum and enable us to keep this as a free event. Light refreshments will be provided. We encourage everyone to take their waste home with them to reuse, compost or recycle responsibly.

This event is free to attend, but please do register.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Programme

10am Refreshments, introductions and networking

10:30 Welcome from the organisers - Community Action Groups Somerset and Somerset Climate Action Network.

10:50 Introductions and framing - A chance to outline our plans for the day and for everyone to get to know each other.

11:20 Keynote Speaker Trewin Restorick - Winner of the 2020 Global Leader of the Year award, 2021 Business Green ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’, and in 2022, was voted ‘Most influential person in the UK’s recycling and resource sector.’’

11:45 Panel discussion: ‘Waste and the circular economy’ - With insights from the local community, businesses and local government. Panellists include Wivey Kitchen Community Group, Lily Morton, Community Liaison Officer for SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK and Mickey Green, Executive Director for Climate and Place, Somerset Council. 

12:30 Interactive workshops - Options for workshops include 'Local Community Action by Lucy Smith' and 'Action on Reuse' by Cath Conway

13:10 Community indoor picnic (BYO lunch)

14:00 Panel discussion: ‘Visioning into 2030’ - Our vision, aims and actions for Somerset as we face the climate and ecological emergency. With insights from the local community, businesses and local government. Panellists include Anita Roy, Chairperson, Transition Town Wellington and Cllr Dixie Darch, Lead Member for Environment and Climate Change, Somerset Council. 

14:30 Interactive workshops - Options for workshops include 'Somerset's Local Nature Recovery Strategy' and  'Housing and Somerset CANs Retrofit project'.

15:10 Plenary session: ‘Actions for Somerset’s Future’ - Summarising the day and defining the actions we want to take forward as a community. 

This event is free to attend, but please do register.

We look forward to seeing you!

The Somerset Climate Action Network, Community Action Groups Somerset and Somerset Local Nature Partnership teams