Climate news archive

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

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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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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’…

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…

A somerset landscape with wording beneath saying a greener more sustainable somerset

In a letter to the Minister for Net Zero, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Climate and Environment has voiced her “frustration” at recent changes to green policy. Writing to the…

An image of Wellington Sports Centre

Plans for a refurbished and greener Wellington Sports Centre have cleared an important hurdle. The proposals cover maintenance works needed to keep the building fit for purpose, along with a…

Tree Officer and Tree Strategist

Somerset’s Tree strategy has been formally launched to community groups with the introduction of two new staff who will drive the ambitious plan forward. James Chapman and Craig Daters were…

Electric Charging Point at Dunster

The medieval village of Dunster has become the latest location to benefit from the Council’s rollout of electric vehicle charging points. The 22kW fast charge point is located in Dunster…

Local businesses can now take advantage of some of the busiest spots on Somerset’s road network to advertise socially responsible goods and services. Somerset Council is one of the first…

Single-Use Plastic Ban in England

Bins, waste and recycling

Trading Standards is reminding businesses, such as takeaways, sandwich bars, care homes and retailers who supply certain single use plastic items, that a ban comes into force this October and…

Love Parks Week 2023

Climate Emergency

We love Somerset’s parks; you love Somerset’s parks and now we’ve got a reason to celebrate them together – Love Parks Week 2023. Love Parks Week takes place from 28…

Left to right: Head Ranger Paul McNeill, Ranger James Boyland, and new Assistant Ranger Geoff Rowland

Somerset Council is welcoming a new Assistant Countryside Ranger at Ham Hill Country Park. The post is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Geoff Rowland will help deliver a wide…

European hedgehog carrying grass

The Council has been appointed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to lead the preparation of a new Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Somerset. As…