Climate news archive

Read past press releases and news stories related to the climate and ecological emergency

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Early morning flooded road and warning signs

Residents and businesses affected by January’s Storm Henk flooding may be eligible for Government flood relief money to help towards damage and flood resilience costs. More than 50 homes and…

More about Flood relief scheme opens for communities hit by Storm Henk
A scene showing extreme flooding across the Somerset Levels

This winter marks ten years since the wettest winter for 250 years left large swathes of the county underwater for weeks, devastating communities, businesses and farming. February 4, 2014, saw…

More about Flood anniversary: flood resilience and adaptation a key part of Somerset’s future
A hare in long grass

Somerset Council has launched an online survey to help shape the county’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) which will provide a single vision for nature recovery in Somerset. The work…

More about Have your say on Somerset’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy
Young children watering a freshly planted tree

Dig in with free trees

Climate Emergency

Schools and communities across Somerset are being urged to help re-tree the county by taking advantage of an offer from the Woodland Trust. The Trust is giving away hundreds of…

More about Dig in with free trees
This image depicts a satellite map view of an area around Creech Castle

Somerset Council has awarded three new contracts to deliver essential road maintenance services as well as improvements on its network across the County. The Council has awarded four-year contracts with…

More about Council unveils new partnerships to deliver road surface repairs and improvements

Somerset Council has received £1.5m in external funding which could be used to deliver the next phase of a cycling and walking route on the A39 between Carhampton and Minehead.…

More about Funding means next phase of A39 active travel route could be delivered
Flooded roads in South Petherton

Somerset Council’s Highways teams have been responding to incidents across the county following heavy rain overnight and during today (Monday, 4 December). They responded to more than 40 incidents, many…

More about Council teams respond to heavy rain and flooding
A view of Alcombe Children's Centre

A range of green improvements are on the way for Alcombe Children’s Centre thanks to Somerset Council and government grants. It is estimated the revamp of the building in Minehead…

More about Children’s Centre Gets Green
New trees planted at Wyndham Hill Yeovil

Somerset Council has been recognised as a leader in its work to respond to the climate emergency. The authority achieved a score of A- (“Leadership”) from CDP for its performance…

More about Somerset Council scores A- for climate work
Somerset National Landscape logos

Today, Wednesday 22 November, all designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England and Wales are becoming National Landscapes, including Somerset’s Mendip Hills, Quantock Hills, and Blackdown Hills National…

More about Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Renamed National Landscapes
The Tree of Trees, to mark the Queen's Green Canopy for Her Majesty's platinum Jubilee 2022 by Heatherwick Studios 31 May 2022.

A tree – donated by Buckingham Palace – is being planted in Taunton to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III. The red oak will be formally planted in the…

More about Royal tree planting in Taunton
A native european hedgehog carrying moss

New national rules are on the way that mean developers will need to leave nature better than they found it – and Somerset Council is seeking your views on how…

More about Somerset Council needs your help to shape new Biodiversity Net Gain planning rules for Somerset.
Flooded rural road in Somerset

A number of roads in Somerset remain closed today (Friday 3 November) after Storm Ciaran’s heavy rains and high winds. Drivers are being urged to take extra care as more…

More about Storm Ciaran recovery continues as crews on stand-by for further rain
A heavily flooded road and field at Donyatt, Somerset.

Somerset Council Highways teams responded to more than 100 incidents as Storm Ciaran battered the county overnight on Wednesday and into today (Thursday). The Council’s contingency plans were rolled out,…

More about Council steps up as Storm Ciaran hits
photograph of a country road looking towards Glastonbury tor

Somerset Council has signed a new eight-year contract with Kier Transportation Ltd to deliver core maintenance across its road network. The £225m agreement covers key maintenance works – including road…

More about Somerset Council announces new contractor to maintain its 4,172 miles of roads
An image of Wellington Sports Centre

A major refurbishment and carbon-cutting makeover of Wellington Sports Centre has been given the green light. Somerset Council has given final approval for essential maintenance and grant-funded ‘decarbonisation’ improvements at…

More about Green light for green revamp at Wellington Sports Centre
water butt

Joint pilot scheme takes water storage solution direct to local residents Free offer encourages residents to join fight to reduce risk in Somerset town Chard residents are being urged to…

More about Butt-ressing the battle against Chard flooding
Person holding smartphone with a thermal imaging camera attached and the phone screen displaying the thermal image of the room.

Somerset Council is taking part in Libraries Week by hosting activities centred around supporting life-long learning and climate change. Libraries Week, 2nd – 8th October, celebrates the nation’s much-loved libraries…

More about Somerset celebrates Green Libraries Week
Graphic reads: support and grants available to help your business go green

With the high level of energy prices continuing Somerset Council is taking action to help businesses to reduce their carbon emissions and, in turn, save money. The ‘Go Green Scheme’…

More about Support and grants available to help Somerset businesses ‘Go Green’
Photo of single-use plastics

Businesses across Somerset are being reminded that the ban on Single-Use Plastics begins this weekend. From 1 October, new rules come into effect which mean businesses across England will not…

More about Single-Use Plastic ban starts 1 October