Climate news archive

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

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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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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’

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

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…

More about Climate Lead’s letter follows frustration at green policy changes

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…

More about Plans for Wellington Sports Centre green revamp a step closer

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…

More about Somerset celebrates the community launch of its new Tree Strategy

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…

More about Somerset’s EV Charging Network continues to expand

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…

More about County’s prime ethical ad spots can help fund highway maintenance

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…

More about Single-Use Plastic Ban in England

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…

More about Love Parks Week 2023

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…

More about Ham Hill welcomes new Countryside Ranger thanks to Heritage Fund

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…

More about Government funding for Somerset’s road to nature recovery

Somerset Council is backing the movement to go single-use plastic free and asking residents to be part of the solution to plastic pollution.  Last year Somerset households recycled close to…

More about Take on the challenge to go single-use plastic free this July