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Why hasn’t every big roof got solar? In an energy and climate crisis, it just doesn’t make sense. We’re working on a fix for that, one rooftop at a time. The Big Solar Co-opis a not-for-profit, carbon-first and volunteer-led organisation. We’re solarising commercial and community buildings all over the UK from doctors surgeries to factories and everything in between. Please take a minute to read more about us and answer a few questions <a href="https://shropshireclimateaction.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/bigsolarcoop/step1">here</a>. If you’ve got a big roof and a big energy bill then we can design, build and own solar on your roof – no capital cost, super energy and carbon savings: https://bigsolar.coop/get_solar/ If you want to see more solar in your area and have some time to volunteer we can train and support you to make it happen: https://bigsolar.coop/volunteer/ If you have some cash to invest then we’ve got a community share offer going right now: https://bigsolar.coop/invest/ And if you don’t want to make a commitment just yet but want to keep in touch, why not sign up for our newsletter via the box at the bottom of the homepage on our website: https://bigsolar.coop/ <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1672847303/projects/shropshireclimateaction/ec288b2c-ba0d-4722-a5a9-579a278485cc.png" />

Get to know The Big Solar Co-op!

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The second Bayston Hill Green Week has been a great success with many residents and community groups taking part in a range of activities. Local businesses and environmental groups provided information and advice on supporting climate action and environmental sustainability. Our week began with our ECO Fair held at Oakmeadow Primary School. Shrewsbury Mayor, Elisabeth Roberts visited all of the stalls with the Bayston Hill Parish Council Chair Caroline Clode and the School Community Champions. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1665566723/projects/shropshireclimateaction/4855eb24-0e18-4995-b366-239351738594.png" /> Residents were able to access the advice of the MEA on all matters regarding energy bills and their breakdown plus available grants: 0800 677 1307 <a href="http:///advice@mea.org.uk">/ advice@mea.org.uk</a> Thank you to all the people who took part in one of the 4 litter picks around the village including a very enthusiastic group of Brownies and Guides, D of E and parent volunteers! Many hands certainly made light work...

Thank you to those who attended a very informative talk by Ed Andrews (Country Parks and Heritage Sites Manager with Shropshire Council) explaining the on-going management and the challenges facing Lyth Hill. 

Thank you to Bayston Hill Library who hosted two events. Firstly, the pre-schoolers story, rhyme and craft time(every first Tuesday of the month). Secondly, a hedgehog house workshop. Well done to all our makers – hopefully you will have some new residents soon! 

Keep a look out over the following months as the wildflower meadow begins to grow again at the A49 junction to the village. Many thanks to Jim, Adam, Alec and Drew from Shrewsbury Town Council, plus our Oakmeadow Community Champions who all helped to re-seed this area. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1665566979/projects/shropshireclimateaction/14458a5f-2afb-417f-8864-de726f9a2324.png" />

Bayston Hill Green Week - Thank you!

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1665567135/projects/shropshireclimateaction/a4d6763f-0419-465a-a4e0-cb8c0146ca71.png" /> Bayston Hill is doing it again! After last year’s successful events, Bayston Hill parish is running another Big Green Week. They are kicking things off with the Eco Fair at Oakmeadow School on Saturday 1st, 12-4pm. There will be lots of activities, information and advice about how to reduce your carbon footprint (and save on energy bills as well). More events are planned throughout the week: get all the information and get involved via the pop up Bayston Hill Goes Carbon Neutral tile on the Zerocarbonshropshire Commonplace site.

Bayston Hill Big Green Week, 1-9th October 2022

This County has declared a climate crisis. We need to act now to protect our environment, and also the health and wellbeing of our residents.

We need your help in reaching our ambitious target to become climate neutral by 2030.

Share your ideas for reducing carbon emissions. Your opinions and ideas are important for the development and success of our climate strategy. 

We want to ensure a sustainable, healthy and resilient future for all.

Have Your Say on the Climate Emergency in Shropshire

Shropshire Climate Action

Backfill newGeocode field for projects with postcode or lat and long fields

Volunteer with our great team putting solar on commercial and community rooftops around the UK.

Big Solar Co-op

The Big Solar Co-op

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1670169431/projects/60cc9c749432b4a5f88cddd2/x7o1v4ildbnbs8ldj57w.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" data-uw-rm-ima="hd" style="width: 409px;"> What is the Big Solar Co-op?The Big Solar Co-op is a nationwide not-for-profit putting solar on buildings with big rooftops, about the size of a tennis court or bigger, and high electricity usage, say, &pound;10-20K or more per year. There is no capital cost to the rooftop owners and we sell the electricity generated to them at below the market rate. Rooftop owners have the option of buying the solar panels after five years, meaning they get all the electricity generated free of charge.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1670169357/projects/60cc9c749432b4a5f88cddd2/gdvx1ryz2cpfoleid9yj.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" data-uw-rm-ima="ai-w" style="width: 415px;">We aim to put 100MW of ethically sourced solar on rooftops nationally by 2030, saving 40,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually and reducing electricity bills for offices, hospitals, schools, supermarkets, community hubs, factories and other buildings with big rooftops from day one. <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/654873424?h=39037e8c74" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="player-vimeo" data-uw-rm-iframe="gn"></iframe>

Why volunteer for the Big Solar Co-op?We&rsquo;re looking for volunteers for the Big Solar Co-op to identify suitable rooftops, be involved with designing solar arrays and get solar on rooftops &ndash; all this to reduce carbon emissions and save organisations money on their electricity bills.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1670169120/projects/60cc9c749432b4a5f88cddd2/mcpqfj8k9uoj7nod8fmh.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" data-uw-rm-ima="ai-w" style="width: 364px;"> You&rsquo;d get full training in identifying sites, understanding solar and designing solar arrays using the latest software, as well as be working with a great team.&nbsp;<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/647307990?h=8ba95c0e1f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="player-vimeo" data-uw-rm-iframe="gn"></iframe>

Get in touch online to volunteer. Click on the image below. <a data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-empty-ctrl="" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPe1Fwg1hmmxZy-p1y64xwyb0o07nA09-TbYmg_-7uZIAoIw/viewform" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1670168461/projects/60cc9c749432b4a5f88cddd2/qvbwph6sycjv40ffesyx.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" data-uw-rm-ima="hd" style="width: 351px;"></a><a data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="https://bigsolar.coop/volunteer/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Or apply online to become a Big Solar Co-op volunteer!</a>Email:&nbsp;<a data-uw-rm-brl="exc" data-uw-rm-vglnk="" href="mailto:kevin@sharenergy.coop">kevin@sharenergy.coop</a><a data-uw-rm-brl="false" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="https://www.facebook.com/Big-Solar-Co-op-112802040399827" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a><a data-uw-rm-brl="pending" data-uw-rm-empty-ctrl="" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="https://www.facebook.com/Big-Solar-Co-op-112802040399827" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>- <a data-uw-rm-brl="exc" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/30608397" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> - <a data-uw-rm-brl="pending" data-uw-rm-ext-link="" href="https://twitter.com/bigsolarcoop" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a>

Promoting and celebrating the work of Bayston Hill Parish Council and the people of Bayston Hill to help the environment.

Parrs Pool

Bayston Hill Goes Carbon Neutral

Bayston Hill community is working to be a carbon neutral parish by 2030. &nbsp;We have established a Carbon Neutral Working Group (consisting of Councillors and Residents) to identify key actions that can be taken to help the Parish meet the target it has set to be carbon neutral by 2030.&nbsp;What have we done so far?Last year we held a Big Green Week: we ran an eco fair with lots of information and advice as well as competitions and activities including rickshaw rides; we planted a wildflower verge, cleared duckweed from the pond and organised litter picks; we screened films and held eco-craft sessions at the library; we had a talk and guided walk from the Wildlife trust and Christ Church and the Methodist Church held environmentally themed services<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1661243582/projects/60cc9c749432b4a5f88cddd2/fvq4ygh3m9vv9a5csdeu.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="The Food Hub tackles food waste and food poverty" style="width: 50%; height: 50%;"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1661243644/projects/60cc9c749432b4a5f88cddd2/jgxgtq6rqizjkgco5eii.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Taking a rickshaw ride at the Eco Fete" style="width: 50%; height: 50%;">What&#39;s next?We will&nbsp;&middot; carry out an energy audit of the Parish Council,&nbsp;&middot;&nbsp;set up a Repair Caf&eacute;,&middot; buy an infra-red camera so people in the community can to identify heat inefficiencies of their properties&nbsp;&middot; conduct a survey of all residents and businesses within the Parish to help inform the group&rsquo;s decision making&middot;&nbsp;put the climate at the centre of our response to all new development that the Parish is consulted on<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1661243714/projects/60cc9c749432b4a5f88cddd2/zivtju5maudgbdhgpti9.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Solar Panels on the Pavillion" style="width: 50%; height: 50%;"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1661243772/projects/60cc9c749432b4a5f88cddd2/ss3r68uoya3cuccm6j3h.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Litter pickers did a great job" style="width: 50%; height: 50%;">&nbsp;How can I get involved?We want as many local people as possible to get involved and share initiatives and ideas. &nbsp;Come to our Big Green Week in October, which is a fun and friendly opportunity to find out more about what is going on locally.Contact us via the website: <a href="http://www.baystonhillparishcouncil.org.uk/">http://www.baystonhillparishcouncil.org.uk/</a> or visit our stall at the Big Green Week&nbsp;Eco Fair at Oakmeadow Church of England Primary School, 12 to 4pm on the 1st October.Sign up for updates on all local net zero carbon initiatives and events&nbsp;<a href="https://shropshireclimateaction.commonplace.is/news">here</a>&nbsp;Coming Up!Bayston Hill Big Green Week October 1-9th 2022.After last year&rsquo;s success we are running another Big Green Week this year. &nbsp;We will kick things off with an EcoFair at Oakmeadow School on October 1st, 12-4pm.:There will be advice and information to support the lowering of our carbon footprint and how to develop a more biodiverse local environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Activities will run throughout the week including local litter picks, the &nbsp;launch of a new seed swap at the village library, making a hedgehog house workshop, competitions and two church services on 2nd and 9th October. &nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1661243838/projects/60cc9c749432b4a5f88cddd2/v2ilo6hbwms6tyvpjo5p.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Go Bayston Hill! Celebrating the wildflower verge" style="width: 50%; height: 50%;">

Read more about this initiative, how to have your say and how to get in touch.

Photo by Syarin Seth



Seedling

About Climate Action in Shropshire

<h3 id="isPasted">Climate change has become a climate crisis</h3>In 2019, Shropshire declared a climate emergency, recognising that climate change is an international crisis. In 2020, Zero Carbon Shropshire was set up, bringing together individuals, businesses, organisations and local government in partnership, to agree a way to tackle the climate emergency locally. We now have a bold target to become carbon neutral by 2030. Click on the photo to read the full action plan:<a href="https://zerocarbonshropshire.org/zcsplan/"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1657548923/projects/60cc9c749432b4a5f88cddd2/qdkwswimelbmlevhaz4g.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 50%; height: 50%;"></a>We are making good progress, but we still have a long way to go. Reaching net zero is a considerable challenge, and one that needs the support of everyone in our community.<h3>Have your say</h3>We want to get the community talking about climate change, its impacts on our lives, and inspire local solutions and ideas for a more sustainable future.&nbsp;This website is an opportunity to share progress, find out more about and get involved in the amazing climate action already taking place in your neighbourhood.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1657548313/projects/60cc9c749432b4a5f88cddd2/ecr1hf2d0xicvifkuqjn.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 50%; height: 50%;"> Tell us about your response to the climate emergency <a href="https://shropshireclimateaction.commonplace.is/map/comment-on-our-climate-action-map">on our interactive map</a>.Read more about climate action and events in your area <a href="https://shropshireclimateaction.commonplace.is/news">by signing up to our news updates.</a>Find out about local community groups that are making a difference by going <a href="https://shropshireclimateaction.commonplace.is/proposals/community-space/step1">on our Community Space tile</a>. We&#39;ll be showcasing a different organisation every few months.<h3>Get in touch</h3>If you have any questions about Zero Carbon Shropshire, you can contact us directly at <a href="mailto:admin@zerocarbonshropshire.org">admin@zerocarbonshropshire.org</a>

Find out about the action being taken by  community groups working to meet net zero in Shropshire.

About our Community Space

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1657190754/projects/60cc9c749432b4a5f88cddd2/ve6u4p0wqgmqgbqojrwb.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Within every Council there are community groups leading climate initiatives.Every few months, we will &#39;lend&#39; space on this site to a community group.They can add their own content, link to their websites, and host their own surveys.In doing so, we engage with the community and also with smaller organisations, working towards the same goal.If you are part of a climate action group and would like to participate to this initiative, please get in touch at <a href="mailto:admin@zerocarbonshropshire.org">admin@zerocarbonshropshire.org</a><a href="https://www.wem.gov.uk/wem-area-climate-change-forum"></a><a href="https://www.wem.gov.uk/wem-area-climate-change-forum"></a>