Exmouth environmentalists call for the creation of an Eco Hub

On a cold, wet Exmouth evening, over 90 people representing 50 different local groups met to discuss their vision for what a low carbon Exmouth might look like, and to identify immediate steps we can all take towards it.

Hosted by Transition Exmouth, this was the first of a series of events brought about by the declaration of a Climate Emergency by local, regional and national governments.

People present ranged from Extinction rebellion activists to parliamentary candidates, local businesses to Facebook groups and allotment holders to churches.

"The synergy in the room as we all worked together was amazing", said Carol Jay, Transition secretary.

The evening started with a rousing series of welcome speeches from Nicky Nicholls the new Chair of Transition Exmouth, plus the outgoing Chair Adrian Toole and local student Jess Nicholls, who inspired attendees with her experiences in the Fridays for Future school strike movement.

Working groups for the evening were formed covering a range of issues: Food, Built Environment, Community, Energy, Transport, Biodiversity and Reducing Waste.

Together the groups mapped out all the great things currently happening in Exmouth, and what they would like to see happening in the future. They focused on what actions would be needed to achieve the big visions, and what rapid steps we can all take today.

Nicky Nicholls said, "Tonight was brilliant! But now the hard work really begins. There is such an appetite to support Exmouth, the residents and the Council in achieving the changes that are needed to be Carbon Neutral by 2030.

"The plan for how to make those desires a reality is being developed and there are some great ideas afoot. Watch this space!"

The most popular long term vision was an Exmouth Eco Hub or an environmental / arts discovery centre where workshops can be held, information shared and practical community action taken.

A few of the hundreds of ideas for a next step we can all take tomorrow ranged from: Switching to a renewable energy supplier, volunteering for an eco group, using the Refill shops in Exmouth, cycling more, joining a car share scheme and of course planting a tree.

Transition Exmouth's Next Step was to respond to Devon County Council's call for proposals on how to achieve a Carbon Zero Devon.

"All the suggestions made during the meeting were included in our submissions, it was an almighty task collating them all in time for the first round deadline on Sunday, but our fantastic team achieved it," said Carol.

Transition Exmouth are encouraging everyone to respond individually to the consultation, which goes on until early 2020, click the red button below for more information.

Anyone who would like to use the Transition Exmouth's submissions as a basis for their own can email [email protected].