MORE than 50 people gathered at Lydney Town Hall this weekend to discuss how towns and parishes in the Forest can collaborate on actions to tackle the climate and biodiversity emergencies.

A contingent of local councillors and residents “gave up their days and the sunny weather” on Saturday (March 5) to exchange ideas on how town and parish councils can work together with their communities to develop “meaningful” projects and initiatives that benefit the environment.

The meeting, dubbed ‘Local Leaders For Climate Action’, was convened by the Forest Climate Group, which is made up of climate-concerned local councillors and residents who work together to share ideas on actions that can be taken to help avert the crises.

Delegates from 12 local councils attended the all-day event along with many concerned residents and representatives from Tewkesbury, Cheltenham and Chepstow.

The discussion began with a talk from Forest of Dean District Council’s Climate Emergency Officer, Daniel Paine, about the plans and aspirations of the Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership, which is a “nascent” group that aims to bring together residents, organisations, businesses and community groups to tackle climate issues.

Attendees then took part in a people’s assembly, in which “a wide variety” of participants grouped around tables to deliberate on climate and biodiversity actions that can be achieved at town and parish level.

FCG members described the assembly as “a rehearsal in enhancing local democracy”, and said the feedback from the process was “insightful and enthusiastic”.

Attendees then enjoyed an array of homemade soups, breads and cakes at lunch time before settling down to hear more about the projects that are already happening in the district.

West Dean Parish councillors spoke about their ‘Village Veg’ project, which encourages residents to organically grow, cook and preserve their own fruit and vegetables, in conjunction with local groups the Dean Forest Food Hub, Bream Gardening Society, the Rewild Project and Blakeney Growers.

Representatives of Dymock Forest Rural Action (DyFRA) explained their work to develop wildlife corridors so that flora and fauna can move to environments where they can thrive.

Martin Brocklehurst of Kempley Parish Council also told attendees about an impact carbon counting tool which reports on local carbon footprints, and several other participants “stepped up” to tell the meeting what they are doing to address the climate emergency in their areas.

Group members said that all in attendance found the event to be useful, and they will look to host further meetings following the Saturday’s success.

FCG member Alision Bruce, of West Dean Parish Council, said: “This was Forest Climate Group’s first face to face event; there will be more – time is of the essence and we are all in this together.”

Chrissy Birch of Brockweir commented: “There was diversity of expertise and initiative here; plenty to take back to work on.”

Melanie Getgood of Coleford Town Council said: “Thank you for a fantastic day; it’s been great to see people coming together to transform words into action”.