The number of people generating their own power has almost flatlined, with only one new group formed in the UK last year, according to the body representing grassroots energy organisations. Cuts to subsidies for homeowners to install solar panels and a “hostile planning approach” that has in effect banned new wind turbines are behind the “wholesale decline”, Community Energy England (CEE) said in its 2018 State of the Sector report. Grassroots schemes can slash electricity bills in half at a time when the “big six” energy companies have raised their prices so that the average household is paying £1,150 to £1,200 a year. But setting up a project is risky, with the cost of installing solar panels or constructing turbines paid up-front, and nearly 30% of community energy groups saw some of their schemes fail last year, the report said. Subsidies can hedge the risks, but in 2015 the government cut them for green energy, including the … [Read more...] about Green energy feels the heat as subsidies go to fossil fuels
Environment
‘Pollen counts’ say bee fans
0 Post a comment Saturday, 23 June 2018 - Environment by Contributed Item - Contributed Item @twitter.com/gem_news [email protected] ‘Save our Pollinators’ was at the forefront of the curriculum at Ysgol y Ddraig, Llantwit Major last week. The National Botanical Garden of Wales treated Year 2 pupils to activities about plants, bees and insects at the school where they learned about pollination and made their own seed balls, along with local MP, Alun Cairns.The Save our Pollinators campaign recognises that the populations of honey bees and wild pollinators, which we rely on to pollinate the crops we need, are in huge decline. The aim is to understand the reasons for these losses and educate people on how pollinators can be conserved and supported, through information on habitat requirements and the needs of pollinating insects.Mr Cairns joined pupils as they took part in practical exercises to learn about how to protect pollinators and helped them … [Read more...] about ‘Pollen counts’ say bee fans
New project will help conserve and protect ancient ponds
One of the Pingos on the Great Eastern Pingo Trail at Stow Bedon, near Watton. Photo: Denise Bradley Copy: Ed Foss For: EDP Norfolk Mag Wayland 10 reasons ©Archant Photographic 2009 01603 772434 ©Archant Photographic 2009 A new project to help protect the future an area of the Brecks which is home to many rare plant and animal species is to be launched. The rare pond mud snails are found at Stow Bedon's pingo ponds. Picture: Freshwater Habitats Trust The natural ponds, also know as pingos, at Stow Bedon Common, near Watton, are a haven for an impressive range of wildlife. Owned by the Stow Bedon Fuel Allotment Charity and with help from the Freshwater Habitats Trust, over the next year the area around the pingos will be cleared and new fencing installed to allow livestock to graze the site. The grazing animals will keep the ponds in perfect condition for the wildlife that live there by stopping the growth of trees and scrubs. The project has been made possible by a … [Read more...] about New project will help conserve and protect ancient ponds
Dry, with plenty of sunshine for the Parish Walk
0 Post a comment Saturday, 23 June 2018 - Environment by The iomtoday newsdesk - Reporter [email protected] The weather from the Met Office for Parish Walk day. Dry with plenty of sunshine and light winds. Top temperature 20 Celsius.Another fine day with light winds on Sunday, then staying settled for the early part of next week with temperatures in the low twenties. Add Comment … [Read more...] about Dry, with plenty of sunshine for the Parish Walk
Minister shocked at trout killings
0 Post a comment Friday, 22 June 2018 - Environment The Minister for the Environment, Food and Agriculture says he is shocked at the events which led to the deaths of thousands of trout. But he has allayed fears of a potential shortage for the island’s reservoirs.Geoffrey Boot MHK said: ’This is a shocking and concerning incident and I urge anyone with relevant information to assist the Police in their investigations.’For several years, Troutlodge has been supplying the island’s reservoirs with rainbow trout of exceptional quality as part of the agreement covering the company’s lease of the government-owned fish farm at Cornaa, Maughold.’Fortunately the majority of the trout destined for the reservoirs are held at Cornaa and I can reassure anglers that the incident at Glen Wyllin is not expected to have any impact on reservoir stocking.’This week’s Examiner detailed how more than 4,000 fish and potentially 15,000,000 fish eggs at … [Read more...] about Minister shocked at trout killings