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PRESS RELEASE 05/01/2007 (version 1)
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Since the packed public meeting in Lampeter 28 days ago, thousands of people have joined the Transition Town movement, planning 'energy descent' initiatives across West Wales. From Lampeter and Llandeilo in the south, to Aberystwyth and Machynlleth in the north and West to Fishguard, Newport and Goodwick, individuals and communities have begun preparing for a future without oil.
Ahead of the Government elections on 3 May, they are calling for political action and candidates from every political party in West Wales have unanimously declared their support for the following initiatives:
- Developing the Transition Town movement and helping communities in Wales to prepare for a life without oil, incorporating this concept into local and national Government policy.
- A re-localised food and farming plan based on a low carbon, sustainable system. At the moment food production and distribution is dependent on vast quantities of cheap oil.
- Making a vast reduction in energy generated by transport, housing, industry and agriculture.
- Agreeing a target reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of 15% in the lifetime of the next Welsh Assembly Government.
- Ensuring that all publicly funded projects are assessed for their likely carbon impact and that projects are only accepted if they meet the proposed reduction target.
Individuals have also specifically requested the re-establishment of the old rail link from Swansea to the north, through Lampeter to Llandudno. This initiative captures the essence of a low carbon future, enabling people, food and non-food products to be transported efficiently across the country.
Over 500 people attended the Lampeter meeting, including residents, farmers, business people, teachers, students, politicians and local and national media. The attendees unanimously voted to take part in the transition movement, supporting their local communities in preparing for a low energy way of life.
Ideas that have already been implemented include installing community wind and water turbines; sharing sheep's wool for house insulation; producing and consuming local food including community vegetable gardens and allotments; planting fruit and nut trees in public spaces; education in schools and training people to measure their own carbon footprint.
On 2 June, people will be invited to join the West Wales Soil Association (WWSA), which will be re-launched with a speech by peak-oil expert Richard Heinberg. The WWSA will bring people together to create a vibrant local food and farming transition culture. [1]
The Soil Association, the UK's leading organisation working for a sustainable food and farming future, is well placed to deliver on the food and farming aspect of transition communities. The Soil Association has a network of organic producers and action groups across Wales that enable individuals to play their part in this movement.
Peter Segger, founder of Organic Farm Foods and local farmer to Lampeter, commented, "It was clear at the meeting that the enthusiasm and determination to contribute to a different, a more sustainable food culture was manifest. I was touched by this and feel sure it will be the start of a new direction in food and farming. A direction the West Wales group of the Soil Association will fully support."
Patrick Holden, director of the Soil Association and a local organic farmer, commented,
"Since the Lampeter meeting, I have been inspired by the motivation and commitment of individuals and communities, taking action to prepare for an oil scarce future. An idea that emerged from the public meeting was to re-establish the old railway link from Swansea to Llandudno and this really captures the spirit of the Transition movement."
Rob Hopkins, one of the original pioneers of Transition Town, said,
"Transition Towns are being set up all over the world, as people recognise the full implications of an oil-scarce future and act to adapt and shape their communities' positive energy futures."
Across the Severn bridge, Bristol is preparing to become the first Transition city with a public meeting on 1 May, which will provide an opportunity for individuals to take environmental change into their own hands. [2]
Ends
For media interviews please contact:
Soil Association contacts
- Patrick Holden and Rob Hopkins via Soil Association press office on 0117 9874580 or press@soilassociation.org
Local spokespeople
- Peter Segger on 01570 424 400 / 07977 002 445 or peter@organicfarmfoods.co.uk
- Rhiannon Rowley, owner of Abaca, on 01269 598 491 or info@abacaorganic.co.uk
- Greg Evans on gregnook@btinternet.com
Other organisations
- Countryside Council for Wales press office on 01248 385566 or 02920 772455
Notes to Editors
[1] For more information on the West Wales Soil Association re-launch event on 2 June, please contact the Soil Association press office on 0117 9874580 or press@soilassociation.org
[2] For more information on Transition City Bristol, please visit the website: www.transitioncitybristol.org or contact Lucy Wallis at Soil Association on 0117 3145000 or lwallis@soilassociation.org
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Address of this document: http://www.soilassociation.org/web/sa/saweb.nsf/librarytitles/NT00024CDE.html
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