Partners

PARTNERS

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 draughtproofing 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.

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.
It has run four Green Fairs over the last four years promoting local producers, food and crafts. We are very excited to be launching the Quantock Eco Incredible Edible project in the spring of 2014.
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

West Somerset Council

The Western Somerset Private Housing Partnership employs two energy efficiency officers.
The work of the Forum's energy team is planned in discussion with them. For the past several years, some of the Forum's energy projects have been funded by the Partnership, including current support for our Green Deal work and the Landlords and Tenants project.

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.