Valley & Valance June/July 2023

The Great Big Dorset Hedge
Surveying our hedges in Martinstown Parish has begun!
We have a team of 8 Green Martinstowners surveying our precious hedges as part of the Dorset Climate Action Network’s Dorset wide project, the Great Big Dorset Hedge. The survey records what species of tree are in the hedge, its height and depth, the condition and any gaps. The condition is assessed according to the Adams Code and once done, future management and planting schemes can be planned in association with the landowner.
Nick Finding, of Clandon Farm, has kindly given us the go ahead to survey his hedges and this is where we have begun. If you would like to join our team please email us.

Ponds for Wildlife
Last month we announced our latest project offering to create ponds – up to 1.5m x lm – for villagers. They are important wildlife habitats, especially for invertebrates, amphibians and pollinators, and a source of drinking water for birds. So if you would like us to do the hard work for you and provide materials – please let us know.

Members Meeting
Our next members meeting will be at the Manor House on Tuesday July 4th at 7.00pm. We will be discussing new ideas and assessing the progress of current projects. The meeting is open to members and anyone interested in sustainability issues. Drinks and nibbles will be there to tempt you to come!

Good News!
UK greenhouse gases fell by 3.4% in 2022 – this means that emissions are now 49% below 1990 levels. Keep up the good work!
Nearly 1 in 7 new cars sold in 2022 was an electric vehicle. Five years ago it was just one in 70. Keep up the good work!
Solar energy will be the world’s largest source of electricity by 2027. A decade ago it accounted for just 1% of global electricity. That is a massive change in the right direction! The cost of living crisis has provoked a boom in solar panel fitting in the UK. Great News! In Berlin the government has mandated that all new buildings have to be fitted with rooftop solar. Surely it makes sense for that to be the case worldwide.

Email: greenmartinstown@gmail.com