Sept 9th - Launch of "STOP Expansion of Exeter Airport"

The launch meeting for SEEA (STOP Expansion of Exeter Airport)

Tuesday 9th September – Launch of "STOP Expansion of Exeter Airport"

As many of you will know, Exeter Airport has released their draft master plan for a 3-fold expansion of Exeter Airport. Flying currently is a wholly unsustainable means of travel. A 3-fold expansion is not only irresponsible, but a clear threat to any efforts to stop runaway climate change.

The campaign to stop the expansion is launched on the 9th September: Tuesday 9th September, 7:30pm, at the Mint Methodist Church Hall, Fore Street, Exeter.

Free admission (but donations welcome).

Jeremy Birch – from the Stop Bristol Airport Expansion campaign – will be giving a presentation. The Stop BIA campaign has been very successful, and we are hoping that Jeremy will give us some essential clues to success against this dangerous expansion of air travel locally.

Please come prepared to carry out some action no matter how small.

Thanks

Maurice,
Co-ordinator - Exeter Climate Action
07801 136937

'Underwater' Avaaz campaign to support small islands' leaders at UN

Dear friends,

Next week, desperate due to accelerating sea level rise, a group of small islands' leaders plan to take the unprecedented step of putting a resolution before the United Nations calling upon the Security Council itself to address climate change. Stand with these threatened people:

Sign the petition now!
Imagine the sea rising around you as your country literally disappears beneath your feet, where the food you grow and the water you drink is being destroyed by salt, and your last chance is to seek refuge in other lands where climate refugees have no official status. This is not a dream, it's the fearful reality for millions of people who live on islands around the world, from the Maldives to Papua New Guinea.

That is why these small islands are planning the unprecedented step next week, ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting, of calling on the Security Council itself to address climate change as a pressing threat to international peace and security.

This is a creative move born of desperation, a challenge to global powers to end their complacency and tackle this lethal crisis with the urgency of wars. This effort could help shift the tenor of the world's debate -- from a far-off storm cloud to a life-threatening crisis here and how. But the island states' campaign will meet fierce opposition from the world’s biggest polluters, so they need our help. Sign the petition now to raise a worldwide chorus of support for this call -- our signatures will be presented to the UN by the islands' ambassadors as they introduce their resolution next week:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/sos_small_islands

For the first time in human history, the North Pole can be circumnavigated -- the Arctic ice is melting more quickly than almost anyone anticipated. Now, small island nations -- where homes are, at most, mere meters above sea level -- are preparing evacuation plans to guarantee the survival of their populations. They are on the frontline, experiencing the first wave of devastating impacts from climate change which soon will threaten us all.

President Remengesau of Palau, a small island in the Pacific, recently said:
Palau has lost at least one third of its coral reefs due to climate change related weather patterns. We also lost most of our agricultural production due to drought and extreme high tides. These are not theoretical, scientific losses -- they are the losses of our resources and our livelihoods.... For island states, time is not running out. It has run out. And our path may very well be the window to your own future and the future of our planet".
Beyond the islands, countries like Bangladesh -- population, 150 million -- face losing large parts of their landmass. The experience of our planet's most vulnerable communities serves as a warning sign of the future world we can all expect: extreme weather growing in intensity, conflict over water and food supplies, coasts disappearing and hundreds of millions made refugees.

The more signatures we raise to be delivered to the UN next week, the more urgently this call will ring out to protect our common future. Sign now:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/sos_small_islands

The small islands' brave campaign for survival is our campaign as well. Just as sea levels rise or fall everywhere at the same time, the choices of every person everywhere affect the future of our common home. By standing with the people at the front line of the climate crisis, we show them, and ourselves, that we recognize our fundamental shared humanity -- and the responsibilities that come with it.

With hope, Ben, Iain, Alice, Paul, Graziela, Pascal, Ricken, Brett, Milena -- the Avaaz team

PS: For a report on Avaaz's campaigning so far, see:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/report_back_2

PPS: These are the States who are sponsoring the resolution: Fiji, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, joined by Canada and Turkey.

For a draft of the Small Islands States Resolution, please see:
http://islandsfirst.org/draftres.pdf

For more information about those presenting the petition please visit:
http://islandsfirst.org

For information on Tuvalu's evacuation plan and climate refugees, see:
http://www.wwf.org.au/articles/climate-refugees-in-a-drowning-pacific/

For information about how rising sea levels will affect us all:
http://www.earth-policy.org/Updates/Update2.htm

For more information on the rapidly-melting Arctic ice:
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/
for-the-first-time-in-human-history-the-north-pole-can-be-circumnavigated-913924.html

For more information about all of the island states:
http://www.sidsnet.org/aosis/

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ABOUT AVAAZ
Avaaz.org is an independent, not-for-profit global campaigning organization that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people inform global decision-making. (Avaaz means "voice" in many languages.) Avaaz receives no money from governments or corporations, and is staffed by a global team based in London, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Paris, Washington DC, and Geneva.


Don't forget to check out our Facebook and Myspace and Bebo pages!

To contact Avaaz, please do not reply to this email. Instead, write to info@avaaz.org. You can also send postal mail to our New York office: 857 Broadway, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10003 U.S.A.

If you have technical problems, please go to http://www.avaaz.org.

VITAL GRAZING BROUGHT BACK TO NORTH DEVON MOOR

Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) has restored traditional grazing to Bursdon Moor, near Hartland this month. The move will help conserve the important wildlife that this rare Culm Grassland habitat supports.

Bursdon Moor Site of Special Scientific Interest is one of the largest remaining areas of Culm Grassland in the country. The wildflowers and grasses growing in this species-rich grassland are a reflection of soil composition and past management practices. The project will help to conserve many threatened species, particularly the rare marsh fritillary butterfly which has declined by 66% since 1990.

DWT’s Working Wetlands Project Manager Peter Burgess said: ‘This has been a major undertaking and we would like to thank all the supporting organisations for their help in making this happen. The marsh fritillary last bred in an area which has been cut-off from the rest of the moor by the busy A39. With careful management by the commoners, involving burning and grazing, the grassland can once again support these beautiful butterflies.’

Restoration of Culm Grassland often involves the reinstatement of management through grazing. The project involved the fencing of 12ha of land cut off from the rest of Bursdon Moor, with the aim of enabling the area to be grazed by cattle safely. Thanks to support from the Forestry Commission, a section of coniferous plantation was also cut to allow a walkway for cattle to access isolated sections of the moor and create space for a stock handling area.

Lesley Deadman, the chairman of the Bursdon Moor Commoner Association, was actively involved in the project. Lesley said: 'The works have added a new flexibility to the grazing of Bursdon Moor. With four graziers using the moor, the works have made it easier to rotate the stock between sites enabling better overall management.’

One of the other main organisations involved in the project was Buttefly Conservation. Dr Caroline Bulman, Senior Species Ecologist with Butterfly Conservation said: ‘It is great to see grazing back on this site. The marsh fritillary butterfly is one of our most threatened species but we are confident that by re-connecting areas of habitat, like Bursdon, we will see the butterfly flourish’.

Further enhancements at Bursdon Moor are planned with the installation of a water supply for the cattle and interpretation boards for visitors. Visitors to this site should look out for a variety of species including orchids, butterflies, moths, the short eared owl and curlew.

The Working Wetlands project is supported by the Tubney Charitable Trust, South West Water, Devon Waste Management, Grantscape and Natural England.

For more information about the project call the Working Wetlands team on 01409 221823.

Eco-fayre launches in Topsham, on Sunday 14th September

A new concept in marketing eco-friendly products and services is to launch this September in Topsham, near Exeter

Eco-fayre.co.uk is the brainchild of two Devon women, Carolyn Watson and Sue Haswell. It brings together a series of local fayres or fetes, held in local village halls, dedicated to promoting ethical, ecologically and environmentally friendly services and products to the local marketplace.

“There are a couple of national exhibitions carrying eco-friendly products, but when it came to a local presence, there was very little” said Sue. “We wanted to provide an easy local route for people to find out about eco-friendly products, and buy them on their doorstep.”

Carolyn, who has lived in Devon most of her life said: “In the South West, we are a very environmentally conscious community, and as we are also a holiday region, eco-fayres are the perfect way for visitors to take away more environmental knowledge home, at the same time promoting local products.”

The whole aim behind eco-fayre is to bring eco products into the easy reach of the consumer. Products/services involved must be demonstrated to have a beneficial effect, or no adverse effect, on the planet and all its residents.

Already a number of companies have signed up to Eco-Fayres, including Riverford Organics, Totnes Nappy Company, Blacklake Farm, Green Chef and Earth Essentials, a local wormery/composter supplier.


Jon Ripley of Riverford Organic Vegetables said; "The Riverford network is based on a collection of small localised franchise operators such as ourselves. As a small family-run business it's great to be part of such a local and community-focused initiative. We hope to show people the benefits of having organic veg boxes, along with our other products like meat boxes, dairy produce, Fruit and locally produced juices as well as organic wines and beers and even chocolates. We also welcome customers to the farm where you can have a guided tour and afterwards a freshly prepared meal in our award winning field kitchen".

Carolyn continues: “For businesses, eco-fayre means an easy way to promote, inform and sell. Costs to take a table are kept low, meaning it's a great route for companies to bring their products to market and raise their profile, and for the entrepreneur to be able to launch on a minimal budget.”

To book a table at Eco-Fayre, Topsham on 14th September, simply call Sue or Carolyn on 01626 864458 or visit www.eco-fayre.co.uk


The whole eco-fayre concept is very straightforward. Craft-fayre meets eco-friendly. Local, green and easy….

www.eco-fayre.co.uk.


About Eco-fayre

The UK is becoming more and more eco-friendly, and some amazing ecological products are now available, but it’s not always easy to find the information or the products you need.

Eco-friendly products move swiftly, as companies clamour to give the best, most environmentally positive solution. From wormeries to solar panels, wind turbines to cleaning materials, the interest in the environment is seeping into every area of our lives, and long may that last!

However all this swift-moving, technological and ecological developments mean it’s tough to keep abreast of what’s happening and what’s the best solution. And it’s difficult to search for something when you don’t know it exists!

This is where Eco-fayre really scores. Eco-fayre will bring the whole environmental movement into a community, enabling people to sample, test and try products, ask questions of the experts, and ultimately do their bit for the environment, easily and locally.

Starting in Devon, in one of the countries most environmentally friendly counties, Eco-fayre aims to expand across the UK.

SOUTH DEVON NATURE RESERVE GETS FUNDING BOOST

One of Devon Wildlife Trust’s (DWT) most popular people friendly nature reserves near Loddiswell in South Devon has been given a boost this week thanks to new funding.

The grant of nearly £5000 from the Pennon Environment Fund is set to transform some of the key compartments on the reserve. Work will include the digging of a pond complex in one of the most recently acquired fields to attract a variety of standing water species such as dragonflies, caddis flies, mayflies and aquatic moths.

Other work which makes up the project includes coppicing of the hazel stands to help improve the habitat for the reserve’s resident population of dormice and scrub control work to prevent the open glades in the wood from being encroached and shading out the wildflowers.

Matt Boydell, DWT’s Land Management Manager said: ’This extra funding should ensure that this important south Devon nature reserve continues to thrive. Devon Wildlife Trust purchased the site back in 1986 so we have seen the site develop hugely over the last couple of decades and it’s exciting to have a new phase which will begin in the autumn. The grassy clearings are now fantastic for butterflies and wildflowers and with the addition of a new pond we should start to see more pipistrelle and brown long-eared bats feeding on the site!’

DWT looks after over 40 nature reserves around the county, many of them are open to the public and all play an important part in conserving Devon’s biodiversity for the future by acting as wildlife rich islands. For more information about Andrew’s Wood visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org

Pennon Group plc is the Exeter-based owner of South West Water and Viridor Waste Management Ltd. The Pennon Environmental Fund supports local environmental initiatives within South West Water’s operational area as part of the Group's commitment to enhancing the environment.

stand in solidarity with human rights activists

Everyday, grassroots activists around the world document pressing human rights abuses. These human rights defenders carry on in the face of terrible oppression and censorship. Join them in the fight for human rights. >> WITNESS is building a community of support for these activists called the Hub, a place where their voices can be heard. And you can become a part of this growing movement of activists, citizen journalists, lobbyists and video advocacy. >> Standing together with the brave activists who capture on film human rights violations in their communities, we can share in their act of witnessing. And by doing so, we are compelled to take action to right the wrongs documented. Help build a global community focused on alleviating human rights violations and strengthening the dignity of all people. Stand in solidarity with the Hub's human rights activists. >> Thanks for taking action! Samer Care2 Campaign Team

Stand in Solidarity With Human Rights Activists Help build a global community focused on alleviating human rights violations and strengthening the dignity of all. people.

Help build a global community focused on alleviating human rights violations and strengthening the dignity of all. people.


Care2.com, Inc.
275 Shoreline Drive, Suite 300
Redwood City, CA 94065
http://www.care2.com

GO BATS FOR GARDEN WILDLIFE IN EXETER

Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) has teamed up with DIY Greenforce in Polsloe, Exeter this month to inspire local people to help protect wildlife in their own gardens.

To show people the sheer variety of animals and plants in this part of the city, DWT’s Community Biodiversity Officer John Hayward will lead a walk around the area on Friday 22 August. The walk will start at St Mark’s Church Hall off Pinhoe Road at 7.30pm.

John explains: “This project is all about connecting people and places. If wildlife is going to be able to remain a vital and beautiful part of Exeter, and survive climate change, it needs to be able to move freely into and around the city. Gardens are crucial habitats that link together to help this to happen. However, first we’ve got to know what we’re catering for, and this walk will show people a few of the creatures that are out and about at night.”

The walk should reveal many creatures of the night, from spiders to bush-crickets to bats. The walk is open to all, but is not suitable for dogs.

DIY Greenforce is fully supported by Exeter Wild City, a collaboration between Devon Wildlife Trust and Exeter City Council which is currently being developed. Its project manager, Ralph Mackridge, explains that the Polsloe initiative is an example that others are certain to follow in the coming years:

“There’s tremendous potential for DIY Greenforce in becoming a pioneering example for other new projects in Exeter, in which the enhancement of wildlife and the strengthening of community life are combined activities."

DIY Greenforce is a local community group working in Polsloe, funded by Exeter City Council’s Our Neighbourhood scheme.

For more information about the walk call 01392 279244.

Greenpeace: Why John West's tinned tunna is the worst

What you can do

Tell John West it's time to end their tinned tuna destruction now.

www.greenpeace.org.uk


Hi there,

Tinned tuna is big business - there's a can in almost everyone's cupboard. Here in the UK we can't get enough of it - we're the second biggest consumer in the world after the USA. Globally tuna exports are worth more than any other fish species, at around $2.7 billion per year.

But there are big problems with the way tuna is caught. Our new briefing paper, Tinned Tuna's Hidden Catch, explains how sea turtles, sharks and other fish species are all being wiped out in their thousands - caught in the nets and on the long-lines of the global tuna industry. In 2005 this 'accidental bycatch' amounted to some 100,000 tonnes worldwide. And tuna is in trouble itself, with some species critically endangered by overfishing.

Some of Britain's top selling brands, like John West and Princes, are among the worst at ensuring the fish they sell are caught using sustainable methods. So we've produced a league table ranking these large tuna retailers according to various sustainablility criteria, and John West, the nation's biggest tuna brand, is languishing right at the bottom. Until things change, John West are officially John Worst.

Please help us to press for change in the UK tinned tuna trade by using the league table as a guide to choosing the tinned tuna that you buy, and steering clear of the brands that are sourcing tuna irresponsibly. You can also help by writing to the CEO of John West's parent company, MW Brands, and telling him that it's time that John West stopped trashing the oceans for the tuna in their tins.

Thanks for your help,

Joss Cope
Greenpeace UK
13 August 2008



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FIRST BUSINESS SIGNS UP TO LOCAL WILDLIFE CHARITY’S NEW ALTERNATIVE TO CARBON OFFSETTING

Wildlife Charity Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) based at Cricklepit Mill, Exeter has just signed up its first corporate supporter to its exciting new alternative to carbon offsetting. Carbon Compensation is a new way for businesses to help demonstrate their commitment to making a difference to the environment and climate change by investing in local and long term projects.

Farm and Cottage Holidays based in Northam, Devon have pledged to donate 10% of its booking fee to the charity rather than investing into a conventional carbon offset scheme.

One of the main initiatives to benefit will be the new Working Wetlands project that aims to restore the wet Culm Grasslands of North Devon. These are some of the rarest and most vital habitats in the country and as well as supporting a range of species also act as effective carbon sinks. Internationally wetlands may store as much as 40% of the global terrestrial carbon.

Tracy Ebbrell, DWT’s Corporate Relations Officer said: ‘We are delighted that Farm and Cottage Holidays have recognised the value in supporting the work of the Wildlife Trusts in the region. It is critical that we hold on to the carbon sinks the region has such as our Culm Grasslands. It is estimated that by the middle of this century emissions from wetlands and peat bogs could be as big a source of Co2 to the atmosphere as burning fossil fuels.’

Farm and Cottages Holidays are one of the largest agents of holiday cottages in the South West. James Morris, MD of Farm and Cottage Holidays said ‘We are delighted at Farm & Cottage Holidays to be working with the Devon Wildlife Trust as the work they do directly benefits the whole West Country. This in turn enhances and preserves the rich diversity of the wildlife and countryside which will make the region so popular to visitors coming back year after year.’

Devon Wildlife Trust is keen for other businesses to commit to Carbon Compensation, a local, long term and effective alternative to a standard offset scheme.

For more information about Carbon Compensation call Tracy Ebbrell on 01392 260858 or email tebbrell@devonwildlifetrust.org

A good resume on Climate Change - a Guardian article by Tim Flannery

A good resume on Climate Change in a Guardian article by Tim Flannery

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/aug/09
scienceandnature.climatechange