Since March 2022, Climate Action Stokesley and Villages (CASaV) has been writing the monthly Climate Column, taking a different theme each month. We hope you have found the column informative and thought provoking.

Having just had our AGM we would like to share with you the activities we have undertaken in the past year to hopefully inspire you to take action yourself or in a group.

The group has held public meetings monthly with frequent meetings also being held by the Food, Nature and Waste sub-groups with additional activity being undertaken relating to Energy and Transport. In addition to our website and Facebook page, we produce a monthly update which provides diary listings of local and national events and causes to participate in as well as functioning as an online magazine with articles on seasonal gardening and eating, local zero waste businesses, low carbon holidays, upcycling and waste reduction ideas.

(Image: Climate Action Stokesley and Villages)

We have collated the ideas into a range of easy-to-read leaflets covering ten different aspects of how individuals can take action on climate change and biodiversity loss.

CASaV's aim is to "Think Global and Act Local".

Thinking Globally we have campaigned on the climate and nature emergencies by writing to our local MP on a range of climate related issues; written to and met with local councillors; responded to letters in the Darlington and Stockton Times; responded to national and regional consultations; and undertaken joint campaigning as part of the North Yorkshire Climate Coalition.

(Image: Climate Action Stokesley and Villages)

Acting locally

We have:

Held meetings/stalls/events/visits/open houses and attended online seminars to educate ourselves and others on a range of issues.

Run a Food Share scheme taking food surplus to those who are in need.

Held apple pressing sessions and lent equipment to other groups.

Held a seed stall and supported seed share boxes.

Undertaken ‘free’ gardening and held an open garden in Stokesley and given a gardening for wildlife presentation in Faceby.

Run several wildflower walks including round Great Ayton’s floodplain meadow.

Held a Dark Skies event in the Discovery Centre in Great Ayton.

The group also organised a trip to two areas of restored peat bog above Rosedale.

Maintained the Bug Trail in Great Ayton.

Continued to press for 20mph speed limits within Great Ayton and Stokesley and co-ordinated the team working on the proposed Endeavour Way active travel route.

Run 12 Repair Cafes (six in Stokesley and six in Swainby) with over 600 visits, leading to 618 items examined with 71 per cent repaired.

Maintained a Refill Scheme with venues that are happy to refill water bottles.

Worked with North Yorkshire Council to promote a Local Energy Advice Demonstrator (LEAD) project.

Used craft to engage more people.

Liaised with local businesses, councils and organisations working on climate change and nature emergency.

If you would like to be part of a group taking action on Climate Change visit the North Yorkshire Climate Coalition website to find a local group - www.nyclimatecoalition.org or visit www.climateactionstokesleyandvillages.org.