… for local groups such as the VGS looking at local issues? . To what extent can AI help in doing research and putting together… Read More »To what extent can AI chat apps ‘create policy’?

Cornwall, North Devon and Bristol are. Surrey is not cheap either… Increasing car parking charges “at a time of unprecedented pressure on essential services”. .… Read More »East Devon is not ‘the most expensive place to park in the South West’

The University of Exeter is to build a solar farm on Duryard Park . One of the main arguments against solar farms is that they… Read More »Urban solar park vs urban green space

“The important role that biomass will play in Britain’s fully decarbonised power system.” [UK government] Growing maize to burn… cutting trees for wood pellets… .… Read More »How will the new ‘biomass strategy’ work?

“What does a car-free neighbourhood sound like? Go to Vauban in Freiburg where 3,000 people live in a neighbourhood with no cars – incredible place.”… Read More »Positive News: ‘the future is already here’

Local interest and concern – from the British Hearth Foundation, to the hospitality industry, to the Sid Valley Food Bank. . Yesterday’s news was dominated… Read More »The debate around ‘ultra-processed foods’: in the Sid Valley

“In the UK and US, well over half the average diet now consists of ultra-processed food.” “UPFs can be a part of that balanced diet,… Read More »The debate around ‘ultra-processed foods’: latest studies

“the most charming of tourist destinations…” [Alex Johnson on Book Towns] . Sidmouth is very lucky to have four bookshops – with its oldest now… Read More »Sidmouth bookshop town?

“Your bike is a global warming solution.” . Greenpeace do provoke – with some interesting comments in this Twitter feed: Plenty of other people would… Read More »Acting locally on climate change: cycling

“Reducing fuel costs through solar energy” [Sid Valley Energy Action Group] “The question is whether any concerted actions for solar energy can be undertaken.” .… Read More »Acting locally on climate change: solar energy

“economics as if people and planet matter” . The Times Literary Supplement ranks “Small is Beautiful” among the 100 most influential books published since 1945:… Read More »‘Small is Beautiful’ fifty years on

“We need cross-departmental working and cross-party agreement to forge a coherent long-term strategy that will secure good housing and the flourishing of our rural and… Read More »Calls for new initiatives for rural housing

“Continued economic growth is unsustainable under a ‘business as usual’ model.” “Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st Century Economist” – the economy… Read More »‘The Limits to Growth’ fifty years on

“Part of the problem is that heat pumps are misunderstood. There are many myths about them, spread on social media and via newspapers. Many are… Read More »Heat pumps: it’s complicated, especially in rural areas

“Facilitating conversation and debate to raise the profile of marine and maritime concerns in Devon” . The Devon Maritime Forum is very much back in… Read More »Devon Maritime Forum: newsletter August 23