Find food local to you

Find the very best local produce with River Cottage & Free Range Review. Join THE local food community to discover, review, add and discuss your fave foodie places. Remember to vote for your favourite Glos outlets

I love this gadget

Firewinder is a decorative, 100% wind-powered outdoor light which harnesses the power of the wind from whichever direction it blows, to create a simple yet magical visual effect with a universal appeal. Easy to install, you simply mount it on a tree in your garden, on your roof terrace or attach to a post or wall and watch it light up and glow every time the wind blows! Firewinder magically breathes with the wind - in low winds the lights shine with a dim intensity and as wind speeds increase, the faster it spins and the brighter it shines, creating a pulsing, twisting glow in varying and inconsistent wind speeds. http://www.ecotopia.co.uk/product/140/dd0147/firewinder.html

I so want one!!

Green Electricity

What is Green Electricity?

'Green electricity' means electricity produced from sources which do not cause negative impacts upon the environment. Of course, every type of electricity generation will have some impact, but some sources are much greener than others. The cleanest energy sources are those which utilise the natural energy flows of the Earth. These are usually known as renewable energy sources, because they will never run out.

Green electrical companies such as Ecotricity harness power from natural sources, like the wind power, the sun (solar power) and water (wave), that don't pollute and don't contribute to climate change.

Deep green electricity sources

As mentioned previously, Green electricity is harnessed from natural sources, like the wind, the sun and water, that don't pollute and don't contribute to climate change. We call these Deep Green, because they're the ultimate in clean electricity generation. They don't involve any burning and offer a pollution-free, endless source of electricity.

Pale green electricity

There are other sources of green electricity. We call these Pale Green, because in most cases they involve some form of burning and there is some associated environmental impact. Examples of Pale Green sources include sewage, landfill gas and biomass. The first two provide a non-intermittent and comparatively cheap source of power and in most cases enable significant greenhouse gas savings compared to conventional sources. Pale Green sources helped Ecotricity to kick start the UK's green electricity market place and to get them where they are today, but they are no longer a feature of our generation. Our focus is on building new Deep Green capacity: the most important factor in reducing the threat of climate change.

The future of green electricity

Creating new Deep Green energy sources is crucial in the fight against climate change. This will mean a significant boost to green electricity capacity in the UK and will have a major positive impact on the environment; reducing Carbon Dioxide, other gas emissions and pollution. Every unit of green electricity that is made directly replaces electricity normally generated from conventional polluting sources.
Green Electricity Policies

Green Electricty companies should adhere to the following standards when it comes to their policies:

Increase the use of green electricity.

Minimise energy use wherever possible. Continual improvement on environmental issues where economically feasible.

Control the activities of the company to minimise risk of pollution to the environment.

Minimise the production of waste where possible and any disposal of waste produced will be carried out with due care for the environment.

Minimise the use of new products where other recycled materials are a suitable substitute.

Make every effort to ensure that where waste materials or products can be recycled they are recycled in an environmentally responsible way in order to conserve resources.

Be a responsible employer and neighbour.

Ensure that all employees carry out their duties in line with the above statement and, through training, are aware of their obligations.

Minimise the use of mobile phones and monitor existing use.

Ensure that our operations comply with or exceed current legislation and other relevant requirements

Cleaner home, cleaner Environment

With increasing emphasis in the media on climate change and the way in which we pollute our planet, environmentally friendly consumers i welcome Ecotopia’s move to increase accessibility to quality, natural household cleaning products.

The online ethical shop is a specialist supplier of Ecover products and is now the cheapest internet source of all Ecover branded items.

Many householders are unaware that the chemicals they use for washing their dishes, clothes and home can leave harmful residues, or contain petrochemicals which do not biodegrade once they have been thrown away,” says Ecotopia director, Steve Jones. “The government estimates that in, around 100 million tonnes of household waste is produced annually. Most of this waste is not recycled, ending up instead in landfill sites. This generates methane as it biodegrades which then adds to harmful greenhouse gases polluting the atmosphere.”

Ecotopia supplies a huge range of innovative, ethical products which can be easily incorporated into everyday life. Actively promoting a lifestyle which produces less impact on the environment, the emphasis is on hip not hippy. “Along with products such as the recycled car tyre mouse mats and bamboo screen computer monitors, the Ecover range is a fresh and fun way to do your bit for the environment,” adds Jones. “ Ecover shower gels and Ecover hand soaps are kind to the planet and to skin, making use of natural ingredients like lemon and Aloe Vera. Not only do Ecover products not cost the earth, they actually smell nice too!”

All Ecotopia Ecover products contain plant extracts instead of chemicals and are sold in 100% recyclable containers. To encourage consumers to make a commitment to creating healthier homes, all ordesr over £100 are delivered free of charge.
Find out more and order online at http://www.ecotopia.co.uk

DIY Energy Audit

Easily Find Out How Much Energy You Are Using

Energy costs continue to rise, placing ever-greater pressure on households. And the energy you use to heat your home is a large part of your carbon footprint.
By knowing what to look for you can conduct your own home energy audit. Here's how to get started.

1. Get to Know Your Energy Bills

Bills are never fun, but don't forget that they contain valuable information along with the pain. Compare your heating costs by month for as many years past as you can, and look for trends in usage or obvious changes. Do you see any spikes? Can you remember why? Your utility can make older bills available to you by calling customer service.

Note both the kilowatt hours you are typically using as well as the amount your utility is charging per KWH for electricity and gas. Get to know what it is that you are paying for every month.

Choose a Green energy provider like Ecotricity or good-energy.co.uk

that provide you with electricity from 100% renewable sources, such as wind and hydro power.

2. Locate Air Leaks

Simple leaks can sap home energy efficiency by 5 to 30% a year, according to the goverment. So take a close look at places where two different building materials meet, such as corners, around chimneys, where pipes or wires exit and along the foundation. Make sure good seals form around doors and windows, and that no mortar is cracked. Any gaps or holes should be plugged and/or caulked.

Use the incense test: carefully (avoiding drapes and other flammables) move a lit stick along walls; where the smoke wavers, you have air sneaking in and heating sneaking out.

Make sure the floor of your attic, including the hatch, is insulated, and that the material isn't crumbling or compacted, which means it has lost its effectiveness. Similarly, check your cellar ceiling, as well as cellar walls. Hot water pipes and furnace ducts should be insulated. So should exterior walls (determine this by carefully removing the cover from a power plug, or drill a small hole in the back of a closet).

If you find any problems, call in a professional, or go DIY and buy some fresh insulation yourself. Learn more about insulation here.

3. Examine Heating Equipment

Not surprisingly, heating usually accounts for the biggest home energy loads. Inspect heating and cooling equipment annually, or as recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Lighting

Energy for lighting accounts for about 10% of your electric bill. Examine the wattage size of the light bulbs in your house. You may have 100-watt (or larger) bulbs where 60 or 75 watts would do. You should also consider compact fluorescent lamps for areas where lights are on for hours at a time. Your electric utility may offer rebates or other incentives for purchasing energy-efficient lamps.

5. Turn it down

Heating: make sure your equipment is efficient, and, if it doesn't harm your health, turn it down a couple of notches. Gas is better than coal and electricity, which you should avoid. If installing a new gas central heating boiler, fit a condensing model - much more efficient.

For more help:

To get audits in the UK go to www.est.org.uk/check
The EST (Energy Saving Trust) can also be contacted on 0800 512 012 and have a responsibility to give free and impartial advice on renewables as well as other energy saving measures to householders.
If you are looking for help and are a business please contact the Carbon Trust http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/ 0800 085 2005.
These organisations are funded by the taxpayer and are good ports of call for anyone wanting to save energy or reduce their carbon emissions.

10 small steps, 10 great strides to being green!

Everyone's fussing about global warming and environmental degradation, but what can the average resident do to help the South West - and the planet?
Today, i would like to launch the 10 small steps, 10 big strides campaign! From unplugging phone chargers when not in use to buying environmentally friendly compact fluorescent light bulbs, we can make the South West greener!
The 10 steps are simple but actionable measures that collectively can make a very, very big difference - they are things that everyone can do!
Here's the list:

Change conventional light bulbs to compact fluorescent ones

Buy appliances with the environmentally friendly ENERGY STAR label

Don't air-condition an empty room

Unplug chargers and appliances when not in use

Switch to green power through your energy provider

Walk or take public transportation or join a car share scheme

Recycle your glass, metal, paper and plastic

Bring your own cloth bag to the supermarket

Use green cleaning products

Switch to paperless bank statements and online bill paying.

Wildlife Sites in the South West

You don't need to go far to see some great wildlife and nature in the South West. There is some near you. There are very well known sites across the UK, National Parks, National nature reserves, RSPB reserves and WWT (Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust) reserves, but there are many other great wildlife spots all over the place. Every county in the South West has a wildlife trust that will run a series of local reserves and county councils have their own nature reserves and there are plenty of other places where there is ample wildlife.
Click here for all the best sites in the South West, though we have no doubt that there are plenty we don't know about (please let us know by emailing us about anywhere that you can recommend).

Saving the Bumblebees!

Bumblebees are beautiful little creatures They are also important pollinators of wildflowers and crops. 3 species are now extinct and 9 more are threatened - they need our help...

It isn't difficult to make your yard, garden or even patio space a haven for beneficial bees. You'll be helping these important insects, as well as bringing more nature to your backdoor. I have bought a Bumblebee Nester.This nester is ideal to attract bees to your garden. Bumblebees also love plants of course!

The greater the plant diversity, the more bees you will attract and support. Always try to choose as many native plants as possible, and consult with nursery staff or other experts to find vegetation that will thrive in your specific conditions.

Here is a partial list of bee attractors:

Annuals

Asters
Calliopsis
Clover
Marigolds
Poppies
Sunflowers
Zinnias

Perennials

Buttercups
Clematis
Cosmos
Crocuses
Dahlias
Echinacea

English

Ivy
Foxglove
Geraniums
Germander Globe
Thistle
Hollyhocks
Hyacinth
Rock
Cress
Roses
Sedum
Snowdrops
Squills
Tansy
Yellow Hyssop

Garden Plants

Blackberries
Cucumbers
Raspberries
Squash
Strawberries
Watermelons
Wild Garlic

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust need your help! In order to conserve our bumblebees, it's crucial that we understand them. Here's where you can help.....

Beewatch 2008

They urgently need your help to map the distributions of our bumblebees (even the common species). Please record what species you see in your garden, or when out for a walk. Try to identify them yourself, but if you're uncertain then take a digital photograph and email it to the trust - they will identify it and let you know what species you have. Please include a post-code (or grid-ref) and date in your email to beewatch@bumblebeeconservationtrust.co.uk

Nest Box Trial

These days most good wildlife gardens contain several bird nesting boxes. The birds use them, and we love watching them building their nests and raising chicks. Not surprisingly, bumblebees need homes too! They probably struggle to find natural nesting sites, so the trust are keen to encourage people to start providing artificial sites in their gardens.....

Hypnorum Survey

The Trust are keen to record the spread of our new arrival, the Tree Bumblebee (B. hypnorum). This species arrived about 6 years ago from France, and is gradually spreading north. It's a very distinctive looking bee - take a photo if you can and let them know where you see it!

Can trees help cure Asthma?

No, they can't but a new study by the British Medical Journal has shown that trees can really have a positive effect on children's health!

Children who live on tree-lined streets have lower rates of asthma, suggesting that those leafy green areas may be as important to public health as they are to quality of life.

Researchers with the British Medical Journal published their findings in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health after conducting a study on rates of asthma among four and five year olds in New York.

With asthma rates climbing – up 50% nationwide between 1980 and 2000, with the greatest increase in urban areas – a solution as simple as tree planting would be a welcome. The benefit of trees was felt regardless of proximity to pollution sources, family income or population density.

Unfortunately, the study found no benefit to older children.

Trees shade buildings and sidewalks, helping to lower temperatures and keep energy costs down, and they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to limit the growth of greenhouse gases that fuel to global warming.

It's raining now but it is going to be a hot summer so think about saving water now!

I believe water is the most precious resource on earth. Full stop! It’s the main substance that separates our planet from all others and makes life possible. That’s why it’s so important to know your water saving devices. The availability of water impacts every part of our lives. While salt water is quite abundant on our planet, fresh water sources become more depleted every year as ever-greater demands are placed upon them. These increasing demands, have made water more precious than ever.

Careless use of our water resources is the surest way to bring about a future water crisis. That’s why it’s important to learn about water saving devices now. The place for each of us to start saving is in our home, and most people are surprised by the impact they can make there.

Check out my top water saving devices here:

The fabulous Interflush WC water saving kit costs £17.95 fits on top of your WC siphon and connects to the front mounted flush handle. Did you know that every person uses 150 litres of water per day. 60 of these litres are used for toilet flushing. The Interflush™ saves half of the flushing water, that is 30 litres per person per day. Hippo's are great too at £1.20 each..With this in your cistern you will help conserve your water supply.Each Hippo will save between 2.5 - 3.5litres of water when fitted in an average cistern of 9litres

Watergreen at £19.99 has won the Waterwise Marque by Waterwise, the leading authority on water efficiency. WaterGreen is a clever syphon pump. Put one end in your bath; the other end out the window, connect to a hose, squeeze the pump and let gravity syphon your waste water onto your garden. It moves water from your water butt, bath, shower or sink to your garden - simply, cleanly and affordably. It can also be used to empty cisterns, blocked sinks and dishwashing machines. It stores neatly and can be used at any time. Best of all, you can use your hosepipe to move recycled or rain water, even during a hosepipe ban! Easy: a few squeezes of the hand pump gets it going, then it runs by itself. Efficient: empties baths in minutes and can be left unattended Flexible: fill a water butt, wash the car or use straight onto the garden Convenient: attaches to any standard garden hose Effective: recycles water - saving money, your garden and the planet.

Check out the Tefal Quick Cup at £59.99. For real instant drinks here's a very clever device that brings you instant hot water at 95C. In this way it uses around 65% less energy than conventional kettles. Only the water that is required is heated instantly - no pre heating is required and therefore no cooling and loss of energy takes place. it also has a filter and produces ice cool water!

Have you heard about the 'cycle to work' scheme?

Cycle to Work scheme

Do you cycle to work or would you like to cycle to work?

The Cycle to Work initiative takes advantage of legislation introduced by the government to encourage employees to bike to work as part of the government's Green Transport Plan.
By allowing Income Tax, National Insurance and VAT exemptions employees are effectively provided with the use of a bicycle and accessories as part of their employment package through a salary sacrifice scheme. Depending on earnings an employee could save up to 50% on the full retail price of a bike and associated accessories.

For more info visit http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/

Skill swap in the South West

All over the world, people are registering at the freeconomy community. They’re all tired of the lack of community in their areas and the focus on money, and have decided to do something about it. By signing up to freeconomy, you are able to contact, and be contacted by, others in your area with the aim of sharing your skills and to help one other for free. It’s a fantastic way to get to know people in your local community, and to make a real contribution to your area. The online freeconomy community is only just a year old, but is growing rapidly and already represents 90 countries. The idea is to share skills, tools and room/land with people who live near you.

The south west has several hundred members with more skills than you can imagine and there is something for everyone!

Registration is free and easy so join now.

Make your vote count this week

I am getting so much election literature through my door for the local council elections which are being held on Thursday, it is not funny! It is all being recycled though....

However, the Labour candidate's promo made me giggle stating about being green and how much they are into supporting recycling - but the leaflet was not printed on recycled paper. They certainly do not practice what they preach! However, when i bought this up with the Labour candidate ( a very nice chap) who was on the other side of the road canvassing the neighbours he was like... 'oh yeah, good point.'

I feel this is the same for my local MP who claims he is 'green and cares' but doesn't actually back up what he is saying. Due to this i have decided to launch a campaign to make our councillors and MP's in Gloucestershire greener! I am going to contact my MP's first and educate them on holding a greener office...I will keep you posted!

Actions speak louder than words..

Anyway my point is to make your vote count this election and vote for a candidate that actually has and will make a difference rather than just regurgitating what they have been advised to say!

Save our Post Offices Campaign

WH Smiths is not good enough for elderly and disabled of Cheltenham!

Following the successful county wide rally in Gloucester on 19.4.08, Save Our Post Offices campaigners will be outside WH Smiths in Cheltenham at 1pm on Thursday 24th April the opening day of it becoming the central post office to access its disabled access and the impact of the closure of the main post office on the elderly and disabled in Cheltenham.

Lawyers acting for Save Our Post Offices have alerted Glos County Council chief executive Peter Bungard to the council’s legal duty under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to take account of the impact of post office closures on the disabled and elderly. We believe moving the central post office to WH Smiths will restrict access and so make the keeping open of Hewlett Rd, Edinburgh Place and Woodmancote even more important.

Cheltenham resident Sydney Tavender representing St Dunstan’s Association for the military blind will be helping Save Our Post Offices with our assessments. Sydney says: ‘it’s a disgrace moving it to WH Smiths, it shouldn’t be on the first floor, there’s no escalator coming down, the lift is a goods lift at the back of the store and they’re doing it on the cheap by not paying what the old post office staff got.’
Contact Sydney on 01242 516827

Save Our Post Offices is appealing to those elderly and disabled who feel they will be severely affected by the closure of their local post office and feel WH Smiths is an inadequate replacement to contact Save Our Post Offices with their details. We will pass these on to Glos County Council for them to take account when formulating their plans regarding the replacement of any of the county’s post offices.

Save Our Post Offices also notes that Royal Mail director Richard Handover was chairman of WH Smiths until 2005 and now WH Smiths have the franchises for 76 crown post offices around the country.

Report of Rally in Gloucester Sat 19th April 208

On Sat 19th April Cheltenham post office campaigner Carmela Walker Bishop joined others from Gloucester, Stroud, Dursley and Lydney, outside the Guildhall to hand in a letter for Barry Dare (Glos County Council leader) supporting what the council has done so far to develop a rescue plan for our post offices under threat from the government closure programme. A motion has been passed to ‘investigate’ a plan and a cross party meeting involving MP’s and councillors from around the county took place on 16.4.08 to discuss what the council could do, with talk of saving 5/6 post offices. But Save Our Post Offices believe much more needs to be done to produce a comprehensive plan covering all threatened post offices that the local community believe are vital to keep open.

The rally was addressed by:
Save Our Post Offices campaigner Carmela Walker Bishop (Cheltenham)
83 year Dolly Berryman from Podsmead (Gloucester)
County Councillor Brian Oosthuysen (Stroud East)
County Councillor Phillip McLellan (Barnwood)
Town Councillor Ronnie Harding (Dursley)
Save Our Post Offices organiser Chris Moore (Stroud)
County Councillor Roger Brown (Cirencester) sent his support but was not able to attend.

Chris Moore says 'The government are attacking our communities by closing our post offices and selling some to big business like WH Smiths but Gloucester County Council could put together a comprehensive rescue package for our condemned post offices where there's a will there's a way.'

Lend your support on this important issue by contacting:

Chris Moore (Save Our Post Offices campaign)
07810 732379 or chrismoore61@yahoo.co.uk

Why i love freecycle

Have you heard of Freecycle.org? I hadn't until about a year-and-a-half ago until my sister Rachel told me about it – she is an avid freecycler!! Basically, you join an email list (Yahoo Group) for your town and when you have something to give away, you ‘offer it’. Group members reply and you pick one to come pick up your item. If you're looking for something, you can post a ‘wanted’ email and see who has what you're looking for. It's easy and free, though there can be A LOT of emails flying around, especially on weekends where everyone seems to be cleaning out their garages.The mission of Freecycle is to reduce waste and keep useful items from going to landfills, but I have found that there are so many other benefits:

First, people can get things for free. Second, people usually post up stuff that they think isn't worth selling, which makes Freecycle good for avoiding landfill. Third, people come and collect what you've advertised, so it's very convenient for you.

Junk Mail - The postman hates it!!

Junk Mail - don't we just hate it? I had 4 pieces through my letter box today alone. I am registered with the Mailing Preference Service (MPS) to stop much of this junk mail but you do have to renew every year and i had let mine lapse.

Unwanted mail is not something we just have to live with. We have the power to be more selective about what comes through our letterbox.

MPS is for you and everyone who wants to be removed from up to 95% of direct mail lists in the UK.

HOW IT WORKS

The MPS stops personally addressed unsolicited mail. Once you are registered it takes between one to four months for the service to have full effect, though you should notice a reduction of mail during this time. Meanwhile, any junk mail that you get through the post can be recycled. Check out Recycle for Gloucestershire for more information

REGISTERING IS FREE!

To register with the Mailing Preference Service:
Visit http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/ or Download, complete & send the attached registration form, or
Call 0845 703 4599 (local rates)

These other preference services are great for getting rid of unwanted annoying sales people and faxes

Telephone Preference Service linkwww.mpsonline.org.uk/tps
Fax Preference Service linkwww.mpsonline.org.uk/fps

Earth Day 2008 - 22 April

Will you take the train or bus to work? Start washing your laundry in cold water? Just turn off a few more lights? Lower your heating? However you're planning to honor Earth Day on the 22nd and combat climate change, i would like to hear all about it – the more unique, the better.
Yes, we can tackle climate change – but only if we all pitch in.

Google is taking part using their maps where you can post a notice of what you will be doing on April 22nd.

Check out this google tool which gives you a chance to do your part – and inspire your fellow citizens to do theirs. Share your ideas, put yourself on the map and let your fellow users know what you've committed to do for Earth Day 2008, and for the rest of the year.

For me, i shall walk to work, lower my heating in my house and put on an extra jumper if i am cold and buy a standby buster . I have wanted one of these for ages as they let you switch appliances off completely so that they use no electricity - rather than leaving them on standby, unnecessarily using electricity that is costing you money and contributing to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Buy Local, Buy Ethical...

I am on a mission to change my food buying habits and switch to locally grown or ethical goods as much as possible. I have been on this quest for the last few months but realise I need to step up a gear!

So what does buying locally mean for Gloucestershire. According to the Soil Association:

• Buying local means boosting the local and rural economy - latest research from the New Economic Foundation shows that money spent on locally-produced food generates almost twice as much income for the local economy as the same amount spent in a typical supermarket


• It ensures farmers' fair share by avoiding the middleman. Creates better understanding between town and country and helps support improvements in farming. Cuts down on air miles, the least environmentally-friendly form of transport!


• It reduces processing and packaging

A big part of this new initiative will be to increase awareness about all of the great locally-owned businesses that are available in Gloucestershire. I hope that I will be able to motivate many of you to change your buying habits and support local businesses and where this is not possible with certain foods and the like - to go for green or ethical food. If you know of any local businesses that should appear on our website, send me an email and I will do my best to review and write about them .

A few of the stores that I visit regularly are:

• Over Farm Market - http://www.over-farm-market.com/

Great local produce such as cheese, veggies, stuffed olives and they do great homemade scotch eggs- plus a great day out for the family as they have a farm park!

• Gloucestershire’s Farmers Markets - http://www.gloucestershirefarmersmarkets.org.uk/

Fab local produce in Gloucester and Stroud

• Ecotopia - http://www.ecotopia.co.uk/A great range of foods (available over the web with next day delivery) based on one or more of the following principles - organic, fair-trade, ethical, recycled packaging. Check out their 'cafe direct' fairly traded coffee (It is the best coffee i have ever tasted and the farmers who produce it get a fair price and access to education and healthcare - see my previous post on the importance of buying fair trade coffee).

I also love Bottlegreen products. Nestled in a tiny village of Woodchester in the heart of the Cotswolds, the Bottlegreen factory has been carefully crafting a delicious range of soft drinks and Sorbets for 18 years. They are a great local success story. http://www.bottle-green.co.uk/

Over the next few months I shall be writing about other business and provide a brief summary about what they do, what they are known for and where they are based.I hope that my posts on buying local will motivate you to start buying local!

Do you know a community initiative that needs trees?

I am delighted to announce that i have now achieved 75,000 members of my facebook forest group. For those who don't know about it, this is a group designed to create eco awareness and for every 50 members, Ecotopia.co.uk are donating a tree to community projects.

75,000 members mean 1500 trees. We have donated trees to many projects:

The first Facebook Forest is being planted on a small plot of land just outside Minchinhampton on the Edge of what is to be the first carbon neutral market garden. Lucy Offord who is creating the market garden welcomes the Facebook Forest saying how this exciting project compliments the development she is carrying out with the market garden. The first site will have room for hundreds of trees. These will vary from year old to more mature saplings to help establish these new woodlands/ forests.Ecotopia will be looking to establish further Forests alongside other such environmental projects

We shall be supporting the Honeycombe Project by a donation of trees.The Honeycomb Project is a community interest company that creates eco awareness within communities in the UK and provides sustainable human habitats by following nature's patterns . For those that don't know this is a not for profit company somewhere between a charity and company. Assets of land, buildings,tools etc can never be sold for the profits of the directors, ever! They are protected by an "asset lock" which means any land they purchase will always belong to the community we serve! So all land bought for community farms will be held in "perpetuity" which means it will always be a community farm/orchard/allotment.See http://www.be-the-solution.co.uk/ for more information

We are also helping supporting anti social behaviour projects throughout Gloucestershire -watch this space! We are looking for more community projects to support so contact me on 07885975671 or on sarahobbin@btinternet.com for more info

Check out http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12906572587

Join CarShare Gloucestershire

Thinking of Car Sharing?

Car sharing is when two or more people share a car and travel together. It allows people to benefit from the convenience of the car, whilst alleviating the associated problems of congestion and pollution. CarShareGloucestershire has been set up to provide a free carsharing service for all those who live in and around Gloucestershire. Registration is quick and easy - So register today and enjoy the benefit of car sharing.