Stoke Environment Group
Introduction
Stoke Environment Group, formed following Somerset County Council’s declaration of a climate emergency, and aims to make a valuable contribution to both the community of Stoke St Gregory and its local environment.
Background
In 2020 the Parish Council convened the Forward Strategy Group (FSG) to advise on the steps necessary to inspire our community to create a greener future. At the April 2021 Parish Council meeting, it was agreed that a new, independent, group would be created to take the project forward. In July 2021 supporters of the initiative agreed to form the Stoke Environment Group (SEG).
The Vision of SEG is to support …
… a rural community that is friendly, inclusive and resilient where people share skills, ideas, knowledge, experience and time. A connected and healthy community, where everyone can get around with minimal carbon emissions. A green community that is rich in wildlife, that encourages biodiversity and cares for all species. An empowered community, where every individual can make a positive difference for the benefit of all. A socially responsible and sustainable community where we actively care for our environment and the wellbeing of current and future generations.
Projects/Activities undertaken
2021
ENVIRONMENT FAIR 16th October 2021 – RSPB, Somerset Wildlands, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Somerset Beekeepers, Plant and Seed Swap, Dykes Farm, Coates English Willow, Somerset Waste Partnership and Total Renewable Solutions had stands at this Village Hall event
Footpath Group – established and coordinated by Sarah Evans, various local footpaths are maintained by volunteers with tools purchased by the Parish Council; Sarah liaises with Somerset Council for new gates and stiles improving access and signage; creation of a local footpaths leaflet, available in the Shop.
2022
Composting Workshop
Village Hall Hedge Planting—‘Reimagining the Levels’ provided 480 young ‘whips’ of 14 native hedge species and two trees; community event was held to plant the hedges on two sides of the village hall plot, creating habitat for wildlife, helping prevent run off and enhancing the environment of the Village Hall.
Village Hall Spinney—pruning undertaken of the copse along one edge of the Village Hall ground to create habitats for understorey plant species to thrive and creation of dead hedges for animal and insect habitats; ongoing annual management required.
2022 ENVIRONMENT FAIR—held in June and expanded to include outdoor stands at the Village Hall.
Bus stop areas—wooden planters made from reclaimed wood and placed at the bus stops as the top of Dark Lane and at Polkes Field.
Wild flower bulbs planted around the village.
Centre for Sustainable Energy presentation well attended at the Village Hall.
SEG Newsletter circulated with Stoke News
2023
Tree grafting workshop—Andrew Boyle demonstrated how to graft apple trees.
Bus Stop Mural Painting—beautiful Kingfisher panel installed at the village centre bus stop painted by Somerset young artist.
2023 ENVIROFAIR—30 Exhibitors were keen to attend this successful community event and 150 visitors attended.
BioBlitz session using ‘iNaturalist’ and ‘Seek’ apps to feed in data to the ‘Stoke St Gregory Project to enable the Somerset Records Centre and Somerset Wildlife Trust to analyse local biodiversity
Botany identification session held at the Village Hall
Bat Detective evening—Somerset Bat Group and Somerset Wildlife Trust provided information and equipment to detect bat species
Round Robin’ Newsletter—including interesting articles and tips delivered to 540 households in SSG, approximately 3 times a year
Community Orchard—SEG secured a grant of £1,980 from National Grid to take on the further planting and management of the orchard plot next to the Allotments for the benefit of the community to use and pick the fruit.
2024
ENVIROFAIR 24—the fourth EnviroFair which saw a record number of organisations represented and a 150% increase in visitors, held at the Village Hall.
Community Orchard management—grass cutting, creating habitats, six new fruit trees planted, soft fruit bushes planted, raised herb beds planted.
Spinney management—including coppicing, weed clearance, establishment of habitats, wild flower planting.
2025
Wassailing in the Community Orchard—Stoke St Gregory Primary School pupils made willow crowns and parents joined them in a musical procession from the school to the orchard where all enjoyed the traditions of ‘toasting’ the trees for a fruitful harvest.
Community Orchard Picnic—The produce from the orchard is free to anyone who wants to pick, apples, pears, herbs, soft fruit.
Bat Count evening—collecting and contributing further data to the records previously recorded in the village.
Increased activity of the Footpath Group, in association with local landowners and Somerset’s Rights of Way Warden, has already resulted in eight stiles being replaced with gates, and several new safety measures being added. This has made the village footpaths safer and more accessible. More works are in the pipeline: https://www.stokeplus.org/footpaths
