Links to useful information
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Onion Collective Community Interest Company
Forum 21 is fully supportive of the Onion Collective. One of the current projects is a brave new collaboration between them and bio-tech company, Biohm, in a deeply-rooted, socially-just version of bio industry using fungal mycelium to consume locally-wasted resources to grow eco-friendly materials for the building and construction industry. Manufacturing with fungi 'Watchet based community interest company, Onion Collective, has been working to create a first of its kind community bio-manufacturing facility at the old paper mill site in Watchet. They are working in partnership with a London bio-tech company called Biohm, and together, they plan to use mycelium (fungus) to consume wasted local resources and through this process, grow new, environmentally positive products for the construction industry, such as insulation panels. Furthermore, they hope that through this business they can find multiple ways to benefit the local community, reconnecting people with economics and demonstrating a better way of doing business.' https://www.onioncollective.co.uk/industry-for-watchet Contact If you have any questions or comments, email info@onioncollective.co.uk, or follow / comment on the work on Facebook (/OnionCollective). 
Transition Minehead & Alcombe
TMA was set up in 2009. A transition town is one that is taking positive steps to becoming less dependent on outside resources such as food and fuel, and trying to meet more of our needs locally. It aims to create a more certain future for its children and a confident, thriving local economy and community. More information about transition towns can be found at www.transitiontowns.org TMA organises many local events, including seed swapping fairs and showing films. More details appear on the TMA Facebook Page. For more information about TMA, please ring 01643 709478, or email tma2009@hotmail.co.uk |
Watchet Energy Group WEG is a voluntary organisation dedicated to sustainability, particularly in terms of energy efficiency, in the Watchet area. It has carried out several projects, including running an Energy Advice Clinic in the centre of the town, offering home energy audits to local residents, and draught proofing a number of houses in the area. It runs an annual Winter Warmer event and also offers Green Deal advice. It supports Forum 21's work on the annual 'Surviving Winter' campaign. It is currently broadening its energy remit, as it works towards creating a community orchard for the town. See the Watchet Energy Group Facebook Page. ..................................................................................................... Somerset Climate Action Network (Somerset CAN) Read about all the latest action in Somerset NEW! Read the latest report by authors: Bill Butcher (Somerset CAN) and Lottie Leigh-Browne (University of Bristol) here: towards_a_carbon_neutral_somerset_evidence_base_-_scan_final_may_2020_280520.pdf Also consult this website for a wealth of information: https://onehome.org.uk/the-bigger-picture 
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Low Carbon Partnership - Western Somerset & Exmoor
CRIB (Carbon Reduction Implementation Board) was set up in May 2008 to implement West Somerset Community Climate Change Strategy: Developing a low carbon economy. It was set up by the strategy's authors, Forum 21, with West Somerset Council and Exmoor National Park Authority. Representatives from business, agriculture and education joined the group. CRIB's purpose was to develop a programme of strategic actions to ensure carbon reduction. Working groups were set up on energy, biomass, material resources, transport and renewable energy. An action plan was drawn up and the group met quarterly to review and monitor progress. In 2013 the LCP incorporated the Exmoor National Park's Carbon Neutral Partnership, thus extending its remit to cover the whole of Exmoor as well as Western Somerset. It aims to co-ordinate low carbon activities across the area, to act as an enabler for activities, to share information and influence local policies. Its core membership is made up of local environmental groups, statutory authorities (WSC, ENPA). Other local environmental agents may be invited from time to time. |
Quantock Eco
Quantock Eco started in 2009, working towards making the Quantock Hills area of Somerset more self reliant and sustainable.We centre our activities around food, transport, waste, energy generation and efficiency and water. We have always maintained close relations with the Quantock Hills AONB and have a highly successful ongoing tree planting project near Nether Stowey. We also support a fledgling organisation in Bicknoller dedicated to promoting bumble bee and pollinators throughout the area. With the support of Sustrans we are also planning a cycle path from Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren along the course of the West Somerset Railway to join into the Taunton cycle route system. Quantock Eco remains committed to trying to reduce the carbon footprint of our local area. We seek to promote local businesses, support people to reduce their energy consumption and enhance our local natural environment. We work to change attitudes and raise awareness of the impact of the lives we lead. Visit the website: www.quantockeco.org.uk |
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Centre for Sustainable Energy
(CSE) We are an independent national charity that shares our knowledge and experience to help people change the way they think and act on energy |
Exmoor National Park Authority
This has been another close partner for many years. The Forum has been a partner in several ENPA projects, including the Carbon Neutral Exmoor project. The Forum is named as a delivery partner in the Exmoor National Park Partnership Plan 2012-2017. Forum's Community Woodland is held under a licence from the National Park. |
West Somerset Advice Bureau (WSAB)
This is a two way partnership. The Forum works on energy efficiency projects with WSAB. It also refers to the Bureau people it meets in its project work who need help with benefits or financial problems. Likewise WSAB refers to the Forum any of its clients who need energy advice. |
Magna West Somerset
This is another fruitful partnership. The Forum carries out energy efficiency workshops for Magna tenants, offering home visits for an energy survey. In return, the Forum can report to Magna any energy issues it finds as a result. |