Climate change project appeals funds to get it going

Torridge project wants climate change solutions for the community

A project in Torrington is seeking funding to bring reduce carbon emissions in the community.

Planning permission was granted recently for a new building which will be called the ‘climate changing room’ and sit in the grounds of the town’s Castle Community Centre.

Volunteers will run the facility which aims to give facts about climate change, talks and events, with input from local organisations plus the North Devon Biosphere Reserve and Petroc University Centre.

The project is the brainchild of the Great Torrington and District Community Development Trust which wants to help people feel part of a collective response to the challenges of a changing climate and motivate individual and community action.

Trustee Phil Topham said a big gap needs to be filled between sustainability events like beach cleans and the Devon carbon plan and climate adaptation strategy.

A survey of local residents showed more than 70 per cent of respondents are interested in knowing more about climate change and adapting to its impact. There is a lot that could be done on a local level with minimal cost, he said.

“I started thinking about it when we had a heatwave a couple of years ago and it was 42 degrees at the front of my house which is south facing. I wanted to try and find ways of cooling the house down.

“There are many home hacks that you can do and we want to share them and engage people. We would like demonstrations about heat pumps and electric cars with all the pros and cons provided. People need to know the facts, there is a lot of misinformation out there.

“ We hope to get an image of what a sustainable Torrington looks like.”

The trust has had £20,000 in grants but needs around £50,000 more to build the climate changing room and is preparing a crowdfunding campaign.

More than 70 applications have been made for external funding.

The Castle Community Centre also houses the town council, library, workhub, information centre, a café and there is garden space for public enjoyment and contemplation.

Devon County Councillor for Torrington Rural Andrew Saywell (Conservative) said the project would not only help people to learn more about the impact of climate change but help with practical advice such as improving home energy use.

“It is these small but practical measures we can take that will help us offset some of the more negative consequences of climate change. I will be looking to give a grant to the project from my locality budget.”

To learn more go to https://www.facebook.com/climatechangingroom