Guildford Environmental Forum Celebrates Its First 25 Years

IN THIS ISSUE Our 25 years / The IPCC Report / Guildford in Bloom / Effingham Commoners' Day / Award for Energy4All / Making Guildford an Eco Diocese / The Year Gone By Future events on back page

GUILDFORD ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM

www.gefweb.org.uk DECEMBER 2018 – FEBRUARY 2019

Guildford Environmental Forum celebrates its first 25 years

ON 11th OCTOBER, GUILDFORD to a packed room including the Lord ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM CELEBRATED Lieutenant of Surrey, representatives from ITS 25th ANNIVERSARY. Guildford and Woking Borough Councils, In a week when coincidentally the Surrey University. Guildford Diocese, Surrey Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Wildlife Trust, Surrey Hills AONB, Guildford Change (IPPC) released its alarming special Society, Guildford Rotary and several local report on the impacts of global warming, businesses. Apologies were received from the Forum had invited a celebrated speaker the leader, deputy leader and managing to address the prime issue of today – director of Guildford Borough Council (GBC) climate change. as well as many others who were unable to James Smith CBE, former chair of Shell attend. UK and of the Carbon Trust, proved to be As we settled back to enjoy the lecture, an admirable choice, speaking on ‘MUST the speaker, known for his commitment WE, CAN WE AND WILL WE AVOID to exploring and promoting low-carbon DANGEROUS CLIMATE CHANGE?' technologies, challenged the audience by setting an exam consisting of four 2 questions: The IPCC October 2018 report – a summary 3 How do we avoid dangerous climate change; Our human activities are estimated to emissions ceased today. The slower the rate of sea but still get the energy we need; 1 have caused approximately 1.0°C of global level rise, the greater the opportunities for us to at least cost; warming above the global average for 1900, adapt to it. and with a high likelihood of which is as warm if not warmer than the climate Limiting global warming to 1.5°C or at most success? was at its hottest some 12,000 years ago at the 6 to 2°C above 1900 levels will limit the impact on end of the Ice Age. The recent warming has terrestrial, freshwater, and coastal ecosystems, This resulted in a lively interchange of reversed a long term cooling trend lasting some views throughout the evening. enabling us to rely more on their services. thousands of years. Biodiversity will continue to decrease under the It quickly became evident that all were Global warming is likely to rise above its pressure of population growth. agreed that we must avoid dangerous 2 present increase of 1.0°C to reach 1.5°C climate change, which the IPPC report There were plenty of questions for James Smith to ponder. Limiting global warming to 1.5°C compared to between 2030 and 2052 if it continues to increase 7 2ºC will reduce the rate of increase in ocean has demonstrated as a global average policies and infrastructure, to bring this at the current rate, so we have a margin of just temperature and of loss of oxygen from the o temperature rise of more than 1.5 C about. 0.5°C to work in if we are to not to overshoot ocean. In addition the proposed reduction in above pre-industrial levels (we are It is unfortunate that the leaders at that demanding target. carbon emissions will decrease the rate of increase o already committed to a 1 C rise). The Guildford Borough Council were not Climate-related risks to the planet’s natural in ocean acidity. These changes will reduce risks speaker demonstrated, using a series of present to hear this message as the Council, 3 and human systems are higher than at present to marine biodiversity, fisheries, and marine authoritative studies and quotes, that it local businesses and residents need to work for the anticipated global warming of 1.5°C. The ecosystems. is technically possible to avoid dangerous together to reduce Guildford’s carbon risks include steadily rising sea levels, decreased To limit global warming to the 1.5°C target, availability of water for populations in arid 8 climate change provided that we use, as footprint. anthropogenic emissions of CO2 emissions must a matter of urgency, all the wide range The speaker left us with one final thought regions, added heat pressure on agricultural decline by about 45% by 2030, reaching zero plants in those same regions, an increased around 2050. of technologies available, including – MAKE IT URGENT – as the changes are incidence of severe heat-waves and forest fires, To limit global warming to below 2°C, CO renewables, nuclear, hydrogen and carbon massive and we have left it very late and coral bleaching, and ocean acidification affecting 2 9 emissions must decline by about 20% by 2030, capture and storage (CCS). Decarbonising are close to running out of time, and may the base of the food chain in places. Dry areas reaching zero around 2075. electricity is relatively straightforward but require carbon removing technologies will tend to become dryer, wet places wetter. Our heat and transport are more difficult. (‘negative carbon’). The climate doesn’t global food security will be diminished, while 10 Pathways limiting global warming to 1.5°C He also quoted various studies which have a reset button and we have one shot the threat of forced migration will increase. The with no or limited overshoot will require rapid combination of increased heat and humidity will and far-reaching transitions in energy use, land have shown that the cost, although non- at getting it right for our children and likely expand the spread of certain disease vectors use, urban development, infrastructure (including trivial, is affordable. However, both he and grandchildren. (e.g. malaria, dengue fever) north and south from transport and buildings), and industrial systems. the audience were more sceptical about the After an absorbing two hours the their current tropical to subtropical locations. The required transitions are unprecedented strength of the will to keep below the 2oC, chairman regretfully had to bring in terms of scale, but not necessarily in terms Climate models suggest how global warming let alone the 1.5oC, level. the proceedings to a close, thanking 4 of speed. They imply deep carbon emission may develop if we overshoot the 1.5C target and reductions in all sectors, multiple options It was stressed that we require both the the speaker for a thought-provoking move towards a global average warming of 2°C. will and action at global, national and local presentation setting out the challenges the for mitigation, and a substantial increase of Those global averages conceal the fact that the investments in those options. levels. We need to consume less, have a world faces. GEF will need to work hard to Arctic will warm twice or even three times as fast sufficient and visible price on carbon for all spread this message so that Guildford can as elsewhere, with a high probability of melting To reach the 1.5°C target, renewable energy 11 sources must supply 70–85% of electricity by goods, a logical, low carbon strategy based play its part. yet more Greenland ice, further raising sea level. At 2°C above 1900 levels, currently hot extremes 2050. on both price and regulation, with the right Report by Bill Kyte, photographs by Raymond Smith will be significantly exceeded, rain will be The voluntary global emissions cuts offered heavier leading to increased severe flooding in 12 by the world’s nations under the 2015 Paris currently wet areas, presently dry areas will suffer Agreement would lead to global warming of more extended droughts, freshwater supplies will about 3°C. Larger efforts are required. decline in dry regions, and higher sea levels will increase the likelihood of coastal flooding on 13 The demanding 1.5C target can only be low lying coasts. met by joint action from national and sub- national authorities, civil society, the private By 2100, global mean sea level rise may reach sector, indigenous peoples, local communities and 5 1.0 metre or more (less if the temperature individuals. International cooperation is essential rise then is 1.5°C or less). However, sea level for this target to be met. We did it for the Ozone will continue to rise well beyond 2100 even if Hole, and we can do it for the climate.

The full report can be downloaded from http://report.ipcc.ch/sr15/pdf/sr15_spm_final.pdf 4 Comments from GEF's Climate Change Group 5 The GEF Climate Change Group has discussed the IPCC • We must increasingly adopt lifestyles and report on climate change [see below] and the 25th technologies that accord with “One Planet Living”. GUILDFORD IN BLOOM 2018 anniversary presentation by James Smith, and can • We should, as far as possible, ensure that our summarise its views as follows: investments are placed in “ethical funds”, which a. We totally support the key focus of our 25th should prioritise green technologies. Anniversary talk “that we must avoid dangerous e. Advice on how to achieve sustainable living for the climate change”, which the IPPC report (issued on 21st century, entitled ‘Transformation is Feasible’ 8th October, 2018) has demonstrated requires a was also published in October, by the Stockholm temperature rise of no more than 1.5oC above pre- Resilience Centre, as an update to the 1972 Club industrial levels. of Rome report ‘Limits to Growth’. It supports the b. We also fully endorse James Smith’s emphasis that thrusts of James Smith’s talk, and of the October we must MAKE IT URGENT as the changes are reports of the IPCC and the Royal Society. All three massive and we have left it very late and are close to reports are available on the Internet. running out of time. We agree that this urgency may f. The GEF Climate Change Group supports the idea, also require carbon removing technologies (‘negative proposed to GBC, that Guildford forms a “Guildford carbon’) like those listed in the October 2018 report Low Carbon Forum”. We are disappointed at the by the Royal Society on ‘Greenhouse Gas Removal’. lack of response and support by GBC councillors c. We support James Smith’s key statement that our and executive and GEF will continue to promote a climate doesn’t have a reset button and we have Guildford Low Carbon Forum. one shot at getting it right for our children and g. GEF will hold climate change-related talks in the next grandchildren. quarter on “Population Matters” (24th January, by d. GEF firmly believes that individuals can and must David Hepper) and “Welcome to the Athropocene” make a difference, especially through the following (18th March, by Colin Summerhayes). actions: h. We encourage all our readers to ensure that the • We should all use our votes to pressure our threats to future generations posed by climate Councillors and MPs to ensure that climate change change are talked about as widely as possible. We is given much higher priority in policy and decision- hope that the summary of the report, set out below making in Guildford and in the UK as a whole. will be useful. Adrian Thompson Mo Usher reports on the Wildlife awards

Climate change: are we too late? Raymond Smith John Bannister BEST PLAYGROUND FOR WILDLIFE were and at the pupil’s involvement. They should be IF LIKE ME you have reacted in horror at the recent heat is being reflected back into space and is absorbed THE JUDGES HAD SUCH FUN judging all the hard report from the IPCC (International Panel on Climate by the sea instead; sea encroachment and severe work and seeing how the schools are encouraging very proud of their achievements. Change) and are wondering where this will end, all I droughts affecting our food production and its cost. the wildlife into their playgrounds and creating a Sadly, only a week after the Schools Awards can say is that we are not alone in being scared. My children and grand children will have to face living safe space for them. We were delighted to see lots of Ceremony Suki passed away, but she was able to see The average global temperature has already risen with the consequences of my generation’s total failure weeds growing in the grass, bird feeders, bug hotels the fruits of all her hard work. She had been on the by 1 degree C since the industrial revolution, So what to act in time to avert this crisis when the IPCC has been and even bug mansions, flowers to attract the birds Guildford in Bloom Committee for 17 years and in hope is there of staying below 1.5 degrees C, which is trying to tell us to act. So much so that we are going and the bees, wild patches and lots of recycling. that time had worked tirelessly to encourage schools the rise that the IPCC is telling us is the safe level if we to have to fall back on man’s ability to suck CO out 2 to create playgrounds for wildlife. are to avoid the worst from global warming? None at of the atmosphere, carbon capture and storage, and In the competition there were such amazing and all in my view. We are already seeing a multitude of unproven geo-engineering projects that business and inspirational ideas meeting the theme of ‘The World problems from forest fires, some in most unexpected some governments love the idea of. Around Us’. And the most important thing is that BEST GARDEN FOR WILDLIFE everyone really enjoyed creating their projects. places, loss of ice at the poles, sea level rise, droughts, The UK government is quick to point out that the With 12 entries for this category, it was the best extreme weather, wildlife impacts, etc. I think there is UK’s CO emissions are falling, which is true, and that 2 Even though my co-judge, Suki Lowres, was so ever, although it had been a harsh year with the now no hope of staying below 1.5 and we will soon we are in a leadership position, which is exaggerated. unwell, she was amazing and it was my privilege to very late spring frosts and blistering summer exceed this and head up to 2 degrees C and beyond, This is because the UN protocol for reporting each have shared 2 years working alongside her as co- temperatures rendering most of the gardens to a where the climate will be out of control. By 2100, nation’s CO2 emissions only includes those emissions we may well be looking at a 5 or 6 degree average generated within its borders and excludes emissions judge. The Awards Ceremony took place at Clandon crisp! Conservation was evident with gardens being temperature rise. associated with imports and exports. So for a nation Park Garden Centre. It was obvious the children watered with washing up water or bath water, and The IPCC report makes it very clear that if we allow like the UK that is a net importer of fossil fuels, loved it, with the guest speaker 'Beekeeper' being a an elderly couple with a very steep garden had the average global temperature to increase by more food and manufactured goods, for example, we are great success; and it was so great to see the children cleverly harvested rainwater from their shed to save than 1.5, then one or more tipping points will kick in grossly under-reporting a lot of the emissions that getting their hands dirty as they planted up pot carting heavy watering cans up steep steps. even more aggressively and the temperature will race we are responsible for. China and South East Asia by plants generously donated by Clandon Park Garden Our youngest gardener was nearly three who, with away. Even a rise of 2 degrees C is too much (unless you comparison are having to report more of these kind Centre. believe the US President who claims the climate will of emissions because they are big manufacturers and the help of his Grandma, had created a small front change back). exporters. The winner of the 2018 Best School in Bloom was garden for wildlife to encourage his insect friends. Several tipping points are already occurring: the We need to be aware of this so we can better direct Wonersh and Shamley Green. The judges were No pesticides, insecticides or slug pellets were used progressive melting of Arctic ice, so less of the sun’s our attempts to mitigate climate change. very impressed at how well informed the children and they had planted perennial plants and shrubs for colour, scent, shelter and food with such plants placed on the pole in their memory. Snakey Lane is a 6 as rue, scabious, verbena, thyme, sage, lavender, Community Group run for the community. 7 penstemon, geranium, rosemary and clematis. The The winners of this year’s Best Garden for Wildlife result was an inspiration to children passing on their were Pewley Down Volunteers who had done way to and from school, but for little Freddy the an incredible amount of hard work to attract 500 experience with his Grandma would probably last a species to the site, along with creating three scrapes lifetime. to ensure the flora and environment required for Encouraging children to garden to attract wildlife the precious Small Blue butterfly. We were delighted has many benefits: to see that youngsters were being involved through the Duke of Edinburgh Award. By means of careful Adrian Thompson takes a measured look  It creates a respect and responsibility towards What success has GEF had in protecting our environment? nature management, the volunteers had created ideal conditions for the Down’s flora and fauna and a  It develops practical skills beautiful space for human beings to be at one with I have re-read copies of GEF newsletters dating back 3 “Here in the South-East we need 3½ Earths  It encourages care for the environment nature. to 2005. I was most impressed by the content and to support our lifestyles”. In December 2005,  It encourages an understanding of the need for the quality of the articles (and they can be read in John Bannister wrote this headline on the front conservation and preservation WHAT IS OUR VISION FOR THE full via the GEF website – go to http://gefweb.org. page of that GEF newsletter and explained that  It encourages working together as a team uk/nsltr.html). Bioregional (with WWF support) had launched FUTURE? However, what struck me most was that in some the BedZED project. Pooran Desai, Director of  It creates an awareness of the passage of the Everywhere the judges went, young and old were cases, significant environmental improvements had Bioregional, returned in Nov 2016 to update GEF seasons passionately caring for our wildlife. However, despite been achieved . . . but in other areas, very little has and Guildford on the lessons learnt. In Sept 2017,  It helps to remove fear of creepy crawlies this we really need to up our game if we are to changed and ten years have been lost. At the end of GEF returned to BedZED in Sutton with GBC and  It enhances and protects the environment protect our environment and what makes Guildford this article, I suggest a few reasons for this. Let me Woking officers to review this ground-breaking  It encourages recycling and its environs so special. go into a bit more detail on a few particular issues: housing project. The original scheme has been repeated across the world. Pooran has been  and it's lots of fun! I am very concerned at Guildford Borough Council’s 1 “The world must act quickly on Climate looking for a site in Guildford, but there appears commitment to putting parts of our Green Belt Both myself and my co-judge, Raymond Smith, Change”. In January 2006, a talk by Bill Kyte. to be no interest within Guildford Council to and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty under were impressed at the role volunteers were playing The article concluded that “We must not support this fine example of “One Planet Living”. in protecting wildlife. Snakey Lane Community concrete, which goes against protecting our underestimate the time it takes to perfect and Wildlife Group totally demonstrated that: with environment and wildlife. deploy new technology – typically 40 years – so 4 “Wood Chip and Wood Pellet Production in the help of their volunteers they had created an It's now proven beyond doubt that global warming we must find the political will and start NOW.” the Surrey Hills”. In March 2007, Lucy McKenzie oasis of peace and therefore deserved the Dorothy is a harsh reality and that what's going on is caused Over 12 years later, in 2018, the recent IPCC wrote in the GEF newsletter that The Surrey Walden Trophy for Best Themed Garden, which by human activity. Another shocking fact is that report stated that we now have 10-12 years to Hills Wood Fuel Group had received a grant this year was ‘Peace’ in memory of all those who wildlife is in serious trouble and again this is due avoid catastrophic Climate Change. GEF directly from DEFRA to develop this carbon-neutral fuel had lost their lives in the First World War. The site to human activity. The 'Living Planet' report by the invited 34 GBC councillors and staff to our 25th source on our doorstep. GEF long-term member has attracted foxes, deer and badgers along with World Wildlife Fund states that many species are in Anniversary Talk on Climate Change and 13 Mark Lebus has used this grant to help develop a variety of birds, dragonflies and butterflies. A danger of extinction. The UK has lost more nature accepted the invitation initially. On the day only 3 a thriving business (LC Energy) based locally in totem pole had been erected with carvings of all this than the global average and we are now one of (2 of whom were already GEF members) actually Albury, which now delivers high quality renewable incredible wildlife, and local residents who had lost the most nature-depleted countries in the world! attended. heating services and fuel supply to local loved ones were being encouraged to have a plaque Another chilling fact is that 97% of our wildflower The GEF Climate Change Group will continue universities, airports, hospitals and businesses. GEF meadows, on which our pollinators rely, have been to press for greater awareness of the challenges was represented by John Bannister at the 10th lost in the UK since the 1930s. that Guildford should now be addressing, but we anniversary celebration of LC Energy and this was are not confident of any additional support in the reported in our December 2017 edition. With alarm I've witnessed this depletion with short term. my own eyes at the University’s Manor Park 5 “Changing from a high meat diet to a development, where the endangered species never 2 “There is only between 2 and 5 years of standard vegan diet would save 1.5 tonnes returned to the area. Now in the Local Plan a vast landfill space left in Surrey and Guildford of carbon dioxide per person per year”. area of rare and nationally important chalk ridge, achieved a 24% recycling rate in 2004/5”. In John Bannister reported in June 2006 on research our iconic Hogs Back, is committed to development. December 2005, Trudy Thompson wrote an article undertaken by the University of Chicago in late in response to the EU 2004 waste directive. Thanks 2005. He correctly pointed out that one third of The big question is, are we only doing lip service to to the long-term policy of GBC to reduce the our personal carbon emissions were the result of protecting our wildlife and environment if we build amount of waste going to landfill, the recycling our food consumption. on our precious Green Belt and AONBs? Both are rate in Guildford has risen to 57% (see article in our inheritance for now and future generations and June 2018). This example does show the power of with global warming being so critical, it is insanity to the EU, when supported by community pressure, throw this away. to succeed with an environmental issue. Surrey It's a salient thought that not so long ago County Council is expected to open an ECO Park nightingales used to sing in Guildford. That was until at Charlton in 2019 and GEF are planning a visit. the erection of lighting on the A3. No-one hears This is an important step, but it will have taken

Raymond Smith nightingales in Guildford now. some 13 years to achieve! 8 Not quite so EFFINGHAM 9 worrying There is a healthy COMMONERS' DAY 2018 over the last 15 years. These are recycling, wood population of nearly chip production and solar PV energy. All of these 3,000 polar bears John Bannister in the Chukchi Sea required initial investment funding and are now off Alaska, a study COMMONERS' RIGHTS for the population gorse or wood for building or heating; paying back that investment for the benefit of has found. Many at large to access and make use of piscary for fishing rights; pannage to future residents. others elsewhere in the Arctic remain land were largely taken away with the fatten pigs in the autumn on acorns, threatened by Enclosures Acts in the 18th and 19th beech-mast, etc; and turbary to take The articles in the March and June 2006 issues Guildford would be a much more attractive place diminishing sea ice. centuries. These Acts were part of a turf for fuel. A decision to Enclose had criticised the Western diet, for including too much to live now, had the environmental costs of failing (Source: i Weekend, saturated fat and sugar that caused diabetes, to address the other four issues been accepted 10 17 Nov '18) movement by the landowning gentry on to be made by three-quarters of the the presumption they could make much landowners. Many poor yeomen and cancer and obesity. Not only have successive UK years ago. However, it is not too late to do so and Go for tap, not better use of such land as farmland. But farmers were forced off the land and had governments failed to tackle these issues, but UK we would encourage Guildford residents and our bottle some of these rights have miraculously to find work in the towns and cities. It and US companies have exported the problems councillors to live more sustainably as regards: Western consumers to developing countries, thus compounding the are increasingly survived and are still around to this day. must have been a very hard time. buying bottled Effingham Common is one of the few problems of diet, food miles, and inefficient land a Climate Change – Other articles in this issue water, adding to the Effingham Common and Bookham local examples still intact. and water use. It is noteworthy that the IPCC (especially the recent IPCC report) make it problem of plastic Common have been shown in records report of October 2018 (over 12 years later) listed clear beyond all reasonable doubt that we waste. Yet experts at the University of GEF helped exercise commoners' rights since before Domesday, and were the reduction of meat in our diet as one of the MUST invest NOW to help avoid catastrophic Nottingham estimate on Effingham Common at their Open originally part of a larger open area that to make a most effective ways of reducing our CO2 emissions climate change occurring in our lifetimes. Day on 30th September. Roger Gates including what was then Yaffingham 1-litre plastic bottle so as to limit climate change. requires 162 grams and I did this by demonstrating how and Bochum. Today it is a long curved b One Planet Living – GEF advocates this of oil and 7 litres of to take a hay crop using scythes, which area of rough grassland with thin woods 6 “For many years, GEF have been helping way of living and more information can water. would have been the traditional tool to either side running roughly north-south homeowners and schools in Guildford to (Source: New Statesman, be found at https://www.bioregional.com/ 20 July '18) harvest grain for humans and food for from Effingham station to the village install solar panels”. In a letter to the Surrey oneplanetliving animals over winter. The Parish asked for of Effingham. Clay pits used to support Advertiser in early 2009, John Bannister, the Chair our support at Effingham Commoners' several brick kilns on the common, and of GEF advised Guildford residents that “after c Eating more sustainably – by watching issues Day a few years back when we offered in 1888 the London & Guildford South working with GBC the rules on installing solar FACTS such as food miles, healthy diet and efficient to demonstrate our scything skills. This West Railway (L&SWR) built Effingham panels have now been modified to allow solar land and water use. We need a lead and year it was a slightly bigger event and Junction station. Guildford Borough panels on sloping roofs without having to obtain investment by central and local government scything by GEF was the only traditional Council acquired the largest part of the prior planning permission”. Guildford was slow to to reduce the pressures of our growing FIGURES skill on offer and we were glad to common in 2003. respond to a national trend, but many properties population. maintain and share this tradition, as we have since benefitted from the FIT support It was good being part of the affirmative Monopolistic& do twice a year with GEF scything courses provided by the government. Solar PV currently action to keep the commoners’ rights d Sustainable transport – GEF encourages more at our Rosamund Community Garden. provides about 3.5% of the UK’s energy needs merger alive in the 21st century. There are only walking, cycling and public transport but, In April, Bayer (7% in Germany) and this may well have been Patronage for commoners came under four properties today with commoners' as individuals, we should be aware that the purchased Monsanto Guildford’s biggest single contribution towards for $62.5 billion, the Lord of the Manor, who could grant rights in Effingham, but these rights are single biggest step that we can make is to fighting climate change in recent years. creating a company rights to: pasture for horses, ponies, recorded on the Surrey County Council reduce or eliminate travelling by plane. that controls more than a quarter of geese, sheep or cattle; estovers for furze, Register of Common Land. 7 “Cycling as a Means of Transport”. Exactly 10 the world's seed and Commons are wonderful years ago, GEF member Ian Waghorn argued that pesticides market. cycling to work reduced petrol costs, improved As James Smith said in our 25th (Source: Soil Association, places for children to Apr '18) health, reduced all of air pollution, noise, energy anniversary lecture, “Changes are explore and play in. When I was at Primary consumption, stress and travel time (especially urgent as the changes needed are The UK Red List in London). There are some projects such as the Twelve species have School my mother let been put on the excellent Bike Project (109 Southway, Guildford massive and we have left it very me have the run of first Red List of wild Wimbledon Common; GU2 8DQ, tel 01483 440742) and the plan to link late and are close to running out mammals in the UK. the town centre and the University of Surrey for Among them are she kept a sweet shop of time”. red squirrel, wildcat cyclists. 24% of Guildford residents (SCC survey in the High Street. and grey long-eared There I learned my love in Summer 2015) stated that they were likely to bat – all facing severe consider taking up cycling. What they wanted was threats to their of nature and to climb survival. Almost one trees – I still have the more cycle paths to be separated from traffic and in five UK mammals scars to prove it and the this has hardly been addressed at all in Guildford. is now at risk of extinction, say the memory of being hit The seven examples above of key environmental Mammal Society and with a hair-brush for Natural England. issues show three significant areas where GEF (Source: BBC News, John Bannister (right) and Roger Gates demonstrate scything at tearing my new school members have been successful in fighting for, and 13 Jun '18) the Effingham Commoners' Day event trousers! supporting or implementing, environmental matters GEF has accepted with gratitude a handsome donation from Effingham Parish Council 10 Take-away 11 Community meals Intercession Urban sparrow- hawks are now reproductively more successful than their Energy Awards At first we didn’t mind country cousins, due to an abundance of didn’t really notice. avian prey in cities and a landscape Like us they searched that favours the 2018 hawks' hunting for water and food – technique. (Source: BBC Wildlife, the dew, streams, lakes, Mar '18) roots, fruits, carrion, Hidden expense of each other, sometimes, badger cull The cost of policing used shelter already there – the badger cull in Cheshire – one caves, leaves, trees of the 21 zones undertaking the the carcasses of monsters. slaughter of badgers – in autumn 2017 Then, gradual as time, was £8oo,ooo, i.e. more than £1,000 we found life harder – for every animal Century Society Twentieth killed there. less for all our needs – (Source: i Weekend, 5 May '18) Making Guildford an Eco Diocese Kathy Smyth (Springbok) with Paul Phare, John food, shelter, space itself, Alwyn Marriage Malone and Mike Smyth of Energy4All freedom from fear, FACTS AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER this year, the The parish of Holy Trinity and St Mary’s, We congratulate Energy4All – often Guildford Diocese of the Church of England Guildford, which was represented at the freedom to raise our young. featured in these pages – on receiving the launched a project to become an Eco event, achieved an Eco church Bronze award Diocese, with an event at St Peter’s Church, earlier this year, and is now well on its way 'Outstanding Contribution to Community We moved and moved again FIGURES Frimley. About 40 parishes from around the to the next stage of achieving a Silver award. Energy Award, 2018'. Mike Smyth said, diocese attended, to learn more about what There has been an environmental group at is happening in those churches that are Holy Trinity for the last couple of years and "We are thrilled to receive this special award. kept on moving &We're attempting to lighten their footprint on the the church took out membership of GEF Making such a contribution has relied on: Some of us moved so far outnumbered earth, and to hear a talk by Bishop Jo Bailey- earlier this year. As well as encouraging and the original vision of Baywind (the founders One in four animal Wells which, as well as warning of the severe advising over important matters pertaining THEY never saw us again. species is a type of dangers we are in, and acknowledging the to church buildings and activities, the of Energy4All); the amazing support of the beetle. gloom and grief we are having to face, also environmental group has recently conducted (Source: 'Insecta' by offered some words of encouragement and a questionnaire for parishioners at Holy Trinity members of E4A's 24 co-ops and bencoms No longer was it ice or fire, Charles and Adrienne Nesbit) optimism. and St Mary’s, so that we can assess (and (Community Benefit Societies); the work in time improve upon) the environmental Sun or rain not coming, In order to qualify as an Eco Diocese of the of the volunteer boards of those co-ops; credentials of our congregations. Among Church of England, it is necessary for a certain we saw THEY were the cause – other initiatives, Holy Trinity has installed one collaboration with like-minded partner number of parishes to become involved in of GEF’s swift boxes on the church tower, and Presidential the Eco parishes scheme at Bronze, Silver organisations; and the tireless hard work of Like all our other woes St Mary’s has been developing its wildflower advice and Gold levels. At the first level, 10% of area of the graveyard. Church schools are the dedicated staff at Energy4All." Joined and multiplied, local parishes need to register for, and 5% be "We'll be not included in the assessment, but it is awarded Bronze. Looking further ahead, 20% fine with the perhaps worth noting that Holy Trinity saw this would never end. need to register for, and 10% be awarded environment. School, Guildford has for a number of years Silver; and 30% need to register for, and 20% We can been a beacon of environmental awareness, be awarded, Gold. YOU, the inventors of words, leave a little including harvesting electricity from solar Do not the words fit YOU, bit, but you Sixteen dioceses have so far registered for the panels. can't destroy scheme, and at the beginning of November, Caring for God’s creation is an important Salisbury Diocese became the first to qualify ‘Illegal Immigrants’? businesses." part of Christians’ commitment, and we are for Bronze. I’m very pleased to be able to (Donald Trump, delighted that awareness and action are both report that Guildford Diocese now has 13 having slated now growing in our local churches. Michael Tanner America's parishes with awards and another 14 parishes Environmental registered, which means that Guildford If you would like to know more about the Eco Protection qualifies for an Eco Diocese Bronze award. We Diocese as it develops, please contact the Diocesan Agency.) look forward to moving on towards Silver and Environmental Advisor, the Revd Dr Lesley Crawley, Gold without too much delay. at [email protected]. euphorbia growing from a crack in the lane’s edge colourful wellies. Towards Stella Cottage the river 12 THE YEAR GONE BY: above the steps: it proves too tough and exudes a flows through dense willow woods and the air is 13 sticky milky juice, like its smaller cousins. full of goose language in a range of pitches and extracts from A Country Diary by Forum member Michael Tanner Saturday March 3rd, late afternoon patterns, though you cannot see a single goose. RUNFOLD AREA Huge sweet chestnuts, beeches and sycamores flank the path, which is a favourite with walkers. Saturday December 16th 2017 Sunday January 28th, early afternoon Temperature about 6 degrees – after several days On its northern side are wooded red sandstone BOUNDLESS ROAD AREA, GUILDFORD of freezing and snow on Thursday and Friday a fast SEALE AREA AND HOG’S BACK slopes, sometimes forming cavernous cliffs. Today Temperature today up to 13 degrees; no wind. The thaw has set in. Some snow showers were heavy but SIDE OF HINDHEAD the area holds a definite sense of drama which is hazels of the central in our locality nothing like so bad as in the south- Mysteriously empty and unsupervised on the road sustained in the approaches to the ruins of Waverley reservation of the A31 west or even as close as mid Hampshire and East verge, two large and smart trucks for transporting Abbey. Presumably Jonathan Swift must once have hold a gentle luminosity. Sussex. Here it has become much warmer despite large and smart horses, no-one to be seen. The day known the locality intimately, in those moments of Their catkins dangle over occasional sharp, cautionary gusts. is cool and dry after a morning frost. The mystery is stretching his legs after so much sitting at a desk or long sections. A solitary Naturalised daffodils round here are again solved for me when I return more than an hour later tutoring Stella. from a walk further to the south, up Beech Hill. Half cluster of celandines in vertical. Small birds can

a dozen beautifully groomed horses with male and Seale Lane below catches record-lrc.co.uk again be heard – a great tit Wednesday April 11th and adjacent period female riders appropriately attired in attendance are and holds the eye; so do the white scars of the chain- or two and others difficult to GUILDFORD ENVIRONS IN GENERAL waiting for a vehicle to pick them up. The one they slash pruned hedgerow above it. The plough land is identify. In some lucky back Earth in all the area has received enough water to came in has broken down. sodden. On it rooks mingle gardens small charms of suffice quite a while. Marvellous for blackbird and I have a brief chat with them but remain unclear with vociferous jackdaws, goldfinches are swaying on song thrush but frustrating for people, who include rspb.org.uk as to whether their activities actually concerned a buzzard drifts over the the heads of dead sunflower farmers, gardeners and those who like to tread hunting. None of the riders or the horses look as carriageway from north to species and blackbirds rural footpaths. Daffodils have been flowering for if they have a speck of earth or sweat on them south. After recent heavy suddenly seem to be everywhere. Footpaths are weeks just about everywhere. Tulips are out and and they all seem in good fettle. Perhaps it was a rain, the wide valley to the slushy though little snow remains. Ponds retain a magnolia and rehearsal for Boxing Day. south of the ridge holds a skin of ice. A single swan is on the pond in Waverley camellia blooms There was a white frost this morning , and number of extensive pools. meadows and sheep have ventured out onto are beginning to recently some heavy rain, but day temperatures have One or two of these are exposed pastureland. brown. All birds frequently been quite mild. already inviting mallard and Sunday March 18th, late afternoon are getting on with it, whatever Sunday January 7th 2018 maybe a pair of Canada PUTTENHAM GOLF COURSE the weather, AFTERNOON ON HANKLEY COMMON geese. Hedge sparrows About an inch and a half and thrushes are singing. though it will not

of snow encrusts the mown mikelane81.wordpress.com This is the essence of Surrey heathland, with its favour such as rspb.org.uk Woodpigeon couples are sward. The wind bites in undulating slopes covered in dark heather, deeply owls. Whitethorn blossom is resplendent everywhere obvious in the leafless trees. this exposed area. Even so, incised by storm water, its extensive woods of fir and you go. Woodpigeons in pairs are also ubiquitous Sunday February 4th, mid afternoon several young rabbits are pine, its iron-stained sand littered with pebbles and and it seems, grey squirrels (which does not bode visible near hedgerows on chipped flint and its ability to deprive the walker of THE WEY PATH ON WEST SIDE BETWEEN well for a number of other species, both animal and the edge of tracks. Perhaps his/her sense of direction. No stutter of automatic GUILDFORD AND THE STEPS UP TO OLD vegetable). Ponds and pools are full to overflowing they are the reason for the weapons today, or the thudding of helicopter PORTSMOUTH ROAD and much low grassland oozes water. There is no two kites patrolling the blades, though the seemingly indestructible length A host of mallard are gathered on the island near doubt that now we really require some dry weather area. The white surface of the 1940s simulated Nazi Atlantic Wall still lurks the Britannia Pub. Intense and sometimes vicious and some sun. would be pristine but for forbiddingly just within the edges of woodland. Even rivalry between the drakes. Two drakes will often SAME AREA AS ABOVE ONLY FOUR here, man is reminded that his synthetic rock takes the easily identifiable

shepherd one duck and see off any third drake that rspb.org.uk tracks of a man with some DAYS LATER less than a man’s lifetime to begin its metamorphosis seems interested children and a toboggan and the telltale prints of Warm, dry and sunny all day. Saw two brimstone into a kind of limestone which alkaline-loving plants in their adopted a pheasant, crows and a fox. Hazels still bear long butterflies today travelling are already colonising. duck. Further catkins just past their lovely lime-luminous prime. In at some speed (12 mph) in Though there are walkers out with their dogs upstream solitary the pervading stillness, something seems to be in the one direction, for about 300 today, and ponies on some of the trails, you can go ducks skulk balance. It makes one stand still and listen. yards. By what miracle do for long stretches seeing no-one. amidst reeds, such fragile creatures store Gorse in bright bloom can still surprise you, even apparently Good Friday March 30th, late morning or replenish such vigour in this month. The human being here is absorbed wishing to take WEY VALLEY BETWEEN EAST FARNHAM ednewbold.com

over winter with its lack of butterfly-conservation.org by the landscape as he has been for many hundreds no part in the AND WAVERLEY ABBEY sunshine and its wet? of years, back to the time when his scraggy cattle main group’s activities. There has been plenty of rain upon already sodden foraged here and he managed to find sufficient fuel Today the river is full and the current fast and ground and even now there is a slight drizzle. In Wednesday May 9th and previous days in the dried twigs of gorse and the dead roots and powerful. The sluice beyond the boathouse releases the middle of the flood plain where the footpath from May 3rd branches of old pine. a maelstrom of frothing water. Molehills are crosses the river, the waters create a fearsome IN GUILDFORD ITSELF These days his trail ponies, his rambling dogs everywhere on the patches of grassland. There are maelstrom today as they plunge to a lower level. Sunshine and warmth have returned. The May Bank and his own feet must be significant factors in the many rowers out on the water despite the strong Still there are many trail and road cyclists about Holiday broke records with 28 degrees recorded heathland ecology to a degree he still does not fully current (perhaps because of it). An exasperated and walkers with young children who cannot at Northolt. All plants, insects, birds and mammals understand or appreciate. coach looks out over the water. I try to pick a stem of resist testing the capabilities of their frequently (including us) are not slow to respond. Orange tip, small white and small blue (?) butterflies already maize are taking the that evening summer sky, or a petrol-driven hedge the boathouse some rowing novices are earnestly 14 seen in my back garden. First small dragonflies on brunt of lack of water. trimmer buzzing like an angry hornet. Hazel nuts absorbing instruction. Just south of the big sluice 15 the garden pond and a number of newts in it, plus The potatoes are in hazel trees, and still plenty of blackberries this the seasonal sheep have reappeared in the usual one frog. Magpies and crows are hunting for the producing flowers and season, even if the potatoes pasture – they are novices who need no instruction. earliest eggs of other birds. Chiffchaff and blackcap sustaining a dark dull and the maize are going to Ducks, no longer in couples, form busy flotillas. singing in the woods. Laburnum already flowering green and the maize, be greatly disappointing. The outdoor areas of the pub are very popular. The locally. The colour of red tulips is burning out. about a foot high is Back yards of well established usual ambulance sirens call from the town streets. denbighshirecountryside.org.uk Monday May 28th,, late afternoon desiccated though still residences are neatly stocked Already a vivid pink/orange sunset provides a show EASTBURY HILL, COMPTON vertical. Crows and with well-seasoned logs for for comment. Crimson dahlias in some gardens catch magpies seem happy good winter fires. Just what Parsleys are particularly and cherish that evening glow for precious minutes. enough and loudly agmrc.org would someone from Tower abundant along footpaths this You might easily think that nothing has changed. dispute their findings in Hamlets think if they ever sauntered through? year, with their tall slender Saturday 27th October back gardens. Dahlias, The city dweller, on the whole, has probably long stems, delicate flowers and IN GUILDFORD geraniums and petunias forgotten what he/she is missing. perfume - too often taken

woodlandtrust.orguk Here, autumn continues to occupy the stage in all need daily watering for granted. The swathes Thursday 13th September her beauty: brilliantly lit mornings (only a touch and most lawns are left to wither. But not all is of yellowish field garlic and GUILDFORD SUBURBS AGAIN of frost so far) dramatically organised sunsets of brightness and doom: fruit-bearing shrubs such as bluebell which only recently Well, post-drought autumn is in the air and aqua-marine, salmon, even green tints before a blackberry and spindle trees are full of green berries dominated either side of the early. At least it seems so. No one really knows brief conflagration of rose and startling orange, botanic.co.uk and if rain should come will yield well. Footpaths are climbing footpath are now how local nature in the form of plants, insects, while a three-quarter moon ascends in the east. dry (though ponds are tending towards the same) gone. Strange and unidentifiable sounds from birds and mammals is going to respond to such Three named varieties of dahlia are making a and demoiselles are gracing garden ponds. Certain the tall woods on the west side. The tall meadow unusual weather conditions since the rains virtually prolonged display in the front garden: here 'Bishops species of butterfly are also doing well (commas for buttercup seems to be flourishing everywhere. In stopped. Acorns started to fall a week ago, quickly of Llandaff' and 'Oxford' (crimson and orange) vie example twirling in fours, higher and higher in their many spots the footpath is sprinkled with the little followed by horse chestnuts. Suburban ‘lawns’ with the pure, translucent yellow of 'Mystic Illusion', courting behaviour above woodland paths). green boomerangs thrown down by the maples. are no longer lawns despite the bright patches of definitely female. In the avenues of the outskirts, Tall grasses are in flower. Stitchwort and campion Monday July 9th, late in the evening grass re-occurring in the more shady spots. Certain what a harvest of horse chestnuts, beech nuts, still grace the hedge banks with their contrasting PUTTENHAM GOLF COURSE flowers such as dahlias and roses have had a notable acorns and finally drifts of leaves in many shapes white and varying shades of pink. Conditions are Again today temperatures up to 30 degrees. Much resurgence. October’s wild geese skeins over the and tints. now such that many birds are capable of having and of the golf course, excepting actual tees, is pale, town have come before October. Below the lily Wednesday 7th November supporting a second brood, sometimes even more. bleached and dusty. pads, water in ponds is crystal clear. There are stiil GUILDFORD SUBURBS Thrushes are still large green leaves on the rhubarb. A good harvest Friday June 22nd, after 4pm Very heavy, intermittent showers, too much for the singing in the adjacent of apples is probable. A local falcon is already SANDY LANE TO CONDUIT FARM AND drainage infrastructure in many roads especially woodland. The busy slaying pigeons and doves at dawn when SOUTH FLANK OF HOGS BACK with the impeding clutter of fallen leaves. But presence of rabbits no-one is witness. Two months of little or virtually A bright, warm, dry day. The oilseed rape crop temperatures have remained unusually mild. White is more evident in ineffectual rainfall – how will everything adapt to is almost ripe; it dominates the grand sweep of frost on several mornings has scarcely survived their scrapes, bank that, including us, the greatest consumers of all? the down above. That earlier vivid yellow of the sunrise. The media gives increased mention of holes and droppings. wagwalking.com However, I heard one noted horticulturalist say that flowering crop has been replaced by a nondescript climate change, as though it hasn’t been evident for Bracken six feet high encroaches the public warm nights are at least as important as sunlight - so dull green of stems over a metre high, bearing pods well over a decade. Most of the public fail to give footpaths which are lined with a powdery soil. that bears thinking on. which are long and fat. If you break a pod or stem serious heed to the effect on ecologies everywhere. Sunset evolves in a pinky orange watercolouring the you have the smell of a brassica plant. The footpath Saturday 29th September, late afternoon Some respond to a good David Attenborough film blanched undulations of the golf course. Ragwort, to the top on the west side of the boundary hedge WEY FOOTPATH on TV but feel there is little they can do to reduce abundant this summer, still makes bright spots at has been rendered impossible by the jutting hedge Eight or so black and mixed cattle in the water carbon emissions. True, of course, for each person as dusk along the grass verges in many areas. with nettles and thorns protruding. The walker has meadows seem content to sit or stand chewing a single unit but, how many billion now inhabit the to climb by the space left on the west side of the tall Tuesday 21st August, about 7pm the cud. Walkers (with or without dogs) joggers earth? If each one could NOW make a decided and hedge, between it and the rapeseed crop. SEALE SANDS AREA and cyclists are making the most of narrowing dedicated alteration in lifestyle it would probably In the past week or two hay has been cut in many What a quintessentially English summer’s evening possibilities – they all know this instinctively, effect the desired goal of evading the tipping point fields and we are now in dry conditions which seem in the south-east! A good cameraman could have without calendars. Poets draft their autumn and actually provide a deal of real self-respect and to presage drought; indeed only a week passes found it marvellous material for a documentary. reflections. Well, English poets, at least. Sluices satisfaction – would it not? before we have three hot, dry weeks under our belt, The local rural roads are tranquil – not even the have so far held back the precious stuff coming December 2018 calls in the closing minutes of a cricket match. The slowly downstream. Beech mast is making sections discounting any slight ineffectual shower. Write your own diary for this month or wait for next grain and hay harvests are toils long achieved; there of the footpath crunchily uncomfortable. Down by AND MEANWHILE IN THE GUILDFORD year’s ‘The Year Gone By’. SUBURBS is virtually no traffic on this weekday evening; a suitable pattern for Paradise on earth (and nothing Lawns are dusty and bleached and small yellow Guildford Environmental Forum aims to improve the environment in and around like the West Indies). Apart from one screeching jay, flowers have appeared all over the place: ‘mouse Guildford for wildlife and for people and to build a sustainable future. all is in harmony – in fact it might be part of the ear’ I believe. The singing of thrushes has been Join us in our work for the town and have this newsletter posted to your door four times replaced by the repetitious calling of collared recipe. Plump ponies browse in paddocks beneath a year. Forum membership costs only £10 per year or £15 for a couple, and new members doves and woodpigeon in the early mornings and flourishing chestnuts. A few cyclists drift by; not are warmly welcomed. evenings. On the local arable farms, potatoes and even a helicopter going on its fussy business up in Please contact Adrian Thompson on 01483 222687 or email [email protected] 16 CALENDAR All the Forum’s meetings are open to the public

Thursday 24th January "Population and Climate Change: More Feet = More Emitters". In discussions of man-made climate change some commentators either make soothing noises to discount the effects of ever-rising global population or wave their hands in the air as if the problem is too hard or too politically sensitive to be faced. Others find this a cop-out. David Hepper's talk will look at ways of reducing our individual carbon footprints through various kinds of “green living”, before proposing acceptable national and international policies that can help to defuse the “population bomb”. 1900. Council Chamber, GBC Millmead Offices. Tuesday 12th February A film: "The North River to the English Channel". A tiny part of the Borough of Guildford is not in the Thames Valley, but is in the Arun catchment. This film pursues a leisurely exploration of the valley from this corner of Guildford to the English Channel, looking at the landscape and history of the valley as it goes. Environmental historian Raymond Smith, who created the work, will introduce it. 1900. Room 6, Hurtmore, GBC Millmead Offices. Tuesday 26th February Geographical Association of Guildford. Talk by Mr Pete Loader, chief examiner WJEC/CBAC and chairman of the Education Committee of the Geological Society: "Tectonic Hazards . . . and a nice cup of tea". 1730. The County School, Farnham Road, Guildford. Monday 18th March "Welcome to the Anthropocene". A talk by Colin Summerhayes of the Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge. We humans have greatly modified the Earth’s surface and the water cycle, but with the development of advanced industrial practices in World War II, a ‘Great Acceleration’ began in the spread and deposition of multiple new materials, which grew exponentially as the consumer society took off. We believe that the beginning of the ‘Great Acceleration’ can be dated to about 1950, and a formal case is being built to propose that this marks the lower bound of a new human-influenced geological period – the Anthropocene. Among our human influences now are global warming and ocean acidification. 1900. Council Chamber, GBC Millmead Offices. Tuesday 19th March Geographical Association of Guildford. Talk by Mr Alan Kinder, chief executive of the Geographical Association: "Cities in the 21st Century". 1730. The County School, Farnham Road, Guildford.

GUILDFORD ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM Chair – Adrian Thompson Biodiversity – John Bannister Tel: 01483 222687 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01483 570468 E-mail: [email protected]

Vice Chair – Richard Seymour Schools – John Scott Tel: 01483 234564 E-mail: [email protected] 07732 866601 john [email protected]

Treasurer – Adrian Thompson Energy – John Scott Tel: 01483 222687 E-mail: [email protected] 07732 866601 john [email protected]

Membership – Position vacant Food Group with Transition Guildford – John Bannister (Adrian Thompson pro tem: details above) Tel: 01483 570468 E-mail: [email protected]

Transport – Alastair Atkinson Waste and Recycling – John Bannister Tel: 07929 138650 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01483 570468 E-mail: [email protected]

Community Projects – John Bannister Newsletter – Clare Windsor Tel: 01483 570468 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01483 418048 E-mail: [email protected]

Guildford Environmental Forum’s newsletter is published in March, June, September and December. Please send contributions for the next issue to Clare Windsor by Monday 11 February. The views expressed in this newsletter are strictly those of its contributors and Guildford Environmental Forum.