Sustainable Youlgrave

This blog is meant to be about community action to fight climate change, but we’ve gone off track over the last few days. I thought you might like to hear about Sustainable Youlgrave in Derbyshire which was formed in early 2006. They have achieved a lot in a short time by working on a range of locally based activities  to combat climate change and make their community more sustainable. I met John and Andrew who are active members of the committee in September 2007.  They impressed me with their levels of enthusiasm and commitment. I was really astounded  with the range of initiatives they have taken on and the speed with which they get things done. This is a small, rural community that has already: established a regular newsletter to keep the community up to date with plans, carried out study on the feasability of  capturing wind energy, persuaded a local farmer to take part in a study of anaerobic digestion and launched a website which gives advice and information to the community.  These are rational men with a clear idea of what they want and have successfully formed an effective group of like minded individuals determined to achieve their aims to reduce carbon emissions.  They write in their annual report  that they

“have 3 main areas of activity: energy saving, energy generation and the socio/economic self sufficiency of the community”.  John Youatt concludes

“We can realistically expect to go “beyond carbon neutral”, without relying on external offsetting. If so, we would be unique, as far as I know. If we can’t do it…who can”.

Take a look at their website, and be inspired – and  – if you think your community is doing more, let me know.