New bird boxes at Teeds Rise Nature Reserve

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The Teeds Rise Volunteer Group erected three bird boxes on trees at Teeds Rise Nature Reserve on 5th February 2022.

SDC’s commitment to addressing climate change is one of the best in the country

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Stroud District Council has been named as one of the best councils in the country for addressing climate change.

The Council achieved a joint 10th place out of more than 400 local authorities in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, is rated the fourth-best district council in the country, and is the top performer in Gloucestershire.

Climate Emergency UK scored SDC at 77% across a range of measures designed to test the effectiveness of councils’ climate action plans.

As part of SDC’s Council Plan, environment and climate change is one of the council’s three top priorities, having declared a climate emergency in 2018. Stroud District Council was the first council in Europe to be carbon neutral and the 2030 Strategy aims to lead the district to carbon neutrality in eight years’ time.

Recently the Council has embarked on a project to plant a new woodland with Stroud Valleys Project, replaced gas boilers with water source heat pumps at its Ebley Mill offices and Brimscombe Port Mill, and has established a fleet of electric vehicles.

SDC is retrofitting council homes and exploring how to do the same with public buildings after successful bids for Government funds for both, as well as many other environmental policies and initiatives.

Stroud District Council Leader, Doina Cornell, said: “We are not resting on our laurels – this is a great achievement but there is so much more to do if we are to address climate change for ourselves and future generations.

“It is rewarding however to see our deep commitment to climate action recognised and this is down to the hard work of our officers, the commitment of councillors and the strong working relationships we have with partners, communities and businesses.”

To see the Climate Emergency UK scorecards, visithttps://councilclimatescorecards.uk/

Climate Emergency UK assessed plans according to 28 questions across nine sections between June and December 2021.

Find out more about the 2030 Strategy and how to get involved:www.stroud.gov.uk/environment/building-a-sustainable-future-together

Recycle, don’t burn – please think of your neighbours and the environment

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Smoke from bonfires can cause problems for people with underlying health conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and heart conditions.

Bonfires can be annoying to neighbours, cause air pollution, be a hazard to road users, and cause a fire hazard if they are close to trees or fences.

However, there are alternatives for cardboard and garden waste.

As long as cardboard fits in your recycling box, and excess cardboard is left out in pieces, reduced down to approximately the size of your green box and placed tidily underneath or next to the recycling box on collection day, it will be taken away.

Stroud District Council also runs a garden waste recycling service which re-starts in February 2022. Find out if you are eligible to subscribe here: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/apps/garden-waste-collection-service

Or you can take garden waste to Household Waste and Recycling Centre, such as Pyke Quarry near Horsley, run by Gloucestershire County Council. It is normally open six days a week (closed on Wednesdays) and will be closed on December 25 and 26 and January 1.To book a visit: https://www.gloucestershirerecycles.com/

Some garden waste and household waste is suitable for composting. Further information about home composting can be found on www.recyclenow.com.

So, if you’re thinking of making a bonfire, please think about the impact it may have on your neighbours first.

More information: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/environment/environmental-health/pollution-and-nuisance/bonfires-and-smoke-smoke-control

Get the latest council news, events and service updates straight to your inbox. Sign up for email alerts: www.stroud.gov.uk/email-alerts

ENDS

Background Information

Stroud District Council is led by a cooperative alliance of the Labour, Green and Liberal Democrat parties.

For media inquiries contact

pressoffice@stroud.gov.uk

How to report a rural wildlife or heritage crime

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Rural, wildlife and heritage crime can have a significant impact on our local communities. At Gloucestershire Constabulary, we are committed to tackling these crimes that take place in your area.

Rural crime is any incident that effects agriculture, livestock, equine and heritage sites. It can also include environmental crime, such as illegal waste dumping and fly tipping.

Wildlife crime on the other hand is any activity that goes against legislation that protects wild animals and plants within the UK, such as poaching and hare coursing.

This year, we introduced some new online reporting forms to make it easier for you to tell us where and when these crimes are happening.

To report a rural, wildlife or heritage crime, or if you have information about where a crime is going to take place, then please tell us through our dedicated online reporting forms linked below. The information you provide could be crucial in helping to stop these crimes from happening again.

To report a rural or heritage crime: https://bit.ly/GlosRRHC

To report a wildlife crime: https://bit.ly/GlosRWC

To tell us about a possible rural, wildlife or heritage crime: https://bit.ly/GlosPRWHC

In an emergency or if a crime is happening now, always call 999.Email tracking gif