Recent Events - Reports
100 Mile Meals
These take place every couple of months and are becoming more and more popular. See our 100 Mile Meal pages to view the mouthwatering, local and sustainable menus.
Bike Maintenance
We've had a couple of workshops so far with more planned. Contact us for details by email: info@sustainablecarlisle.org
Saturday 19th February - Forests Protest
Whinlatter Rally and Celebration
Whinlatter Rally and Celebration went ahead as planned on 19th February despite Govt U turn earlier in this week .
500 or so people turned up following on from 1500 achieved at Grizedale Rally last month. The atmosphere was electric celebrating after what has been achieved so far. Some good speeches were heard from the organisers including Lord Clark of Windermere former Forestry Commission chairman who reminded us all these state woodlands should be kept in trust for the next generations and should never be sold.
Chris Bonnington, Tony Cunningham MP gave short speeches , Jack Ellerby Friends of the Lake District who was particularly witty. Keith Fitton volunteer from Lake District Osprey Project spoke of the successful breeding of 25 Osprey chicks and the important role FC play in Biodiversity and perhaps increasingly more so. Hopefully the Ospreys will be back from Africa in a few weeks to breed again in Dodd Wood. He urged everybody to view this magnificent raptor hunting over the Bassentwaite Lake this Summer. Red Kites can also to be seen at Grizedale too.
Warnings were given ! However it is only a partial victory and the Govt knows there is more than one way to skin a cat ! Campaign leaders urged supports to keep an eye on developments and maintain vigil over the nations forests.
- Govt still plans to reduces Forestry Commission budgets by 30% maybe making the organisation vulnerable , short of staff and funds and therefore unable to manage the state woodlands properly.
- The Govt still it plans to still sell off 15% of the state’s woodlands which might account for 40% OF Lakeland Forests.
- These actions both need stopping and the Campaign plans to continue opposing Govt Plans
- Concerns were expressed above the Govt plans to create a Panel of Experts set up to look at bio diversity and public access issues. Who are they and whose agenda they following?
- The other note worthy point is that none of the Cumbria woodlands are deemed Heritage woodlands so would not automatically protected as outlined by Govt for Heritage woodlands .
If you would like to get more News of Campaign and to get involved check out www.savelakelandsforests.org.uk or email contact@savelakelandsforests.org.uk or graham@lakelandsforests.org.uk
Saturday 5th February - Tree Planting, Near Workington.
Flood damage repair work.
10am depart Carlisle
John and his family farm land on the inside of a sweeping curve in the Derwent River. Just over a year ago, on the same day that the first cogs
of Diggin’ the Trees started to turn, large areas of the bottom fields, a hedge, about 20 mature elm trees and a few tonnes of stonework disappeared from John’s farm in the floods. £28,000 later, we have the opportunity to help in the final stages of the process – 2,000 trees need to be planted to stabilize the reconstructed bank.
Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for working on a river bank. There's no need to bring a packed lunch on this occasion.
Dog owners please be aware there are ewes in lamb on the farm, please call Emma to discuss if you'd like to bring a dog. 07961613805.
For lift shares from Carlisle or Penrith please contact me.
(Emma 07961613805)
Mon 7th February - Cumbria Forest Food Network
Cumbria Forest Food Network Meeting
University of Cumbria, Newtonrigg (nr Penrith)
A day of permaculture and forest gardening at Newton Rigg campus There will be talks and workshops by Andy Goldring, head of the UK Permaculture Association, and Tomas Remiarz who is leading the research for them. We will also be sharing the results from the Cumbria Forest Food Network questionnaires and discussing where we can work together to enhance the network and our forest garden.
Download the programme: <click here>
All Welcome!
Please let Naomi know if you are planning to join us just so we have a feel for numbers. (Naomi.VanDerVelden@Cumbria.ac.uk)
Thursday 10th February
Sustainable Carlisle Network
Steering Group re-start
7.30pm-9.30pm, Firestation Communitiy Rooms
- Arrive
- Tea & Coffee
- Welcome / Introductions
- Apologies
- Minutes of previous meeting / Matters arising
- Legal Form / Organisational Structure proposal
We propose that SCN look at forming an Industrial & Provident Society / Community Cooperative. - Treasurer’s Progress Report
- Rename the ‘Network Group’
- Funding (Note: Mark’s funding run’s at end of March)
- BREAK
- Update from Mark
a) Update on latter half of 2010, 2011 so far and future SCN events
b) Intro / Update on Cumbria Sustainability Network - Update from Mark on Groups
- Abundance
- Funding (already covered above)
- Campaigning
- Tree planting
- Eco-Schools
- Upcycling
- Objectives / Project Groups
Several of us believe that a major focus for SCN objectives should be to support the existing Project Groups and to support the formation of new Project Groups. We propose the formation of a small sub-group to develop these objectives in open consultation with SCN membership. - AOB
(Note: We may not be able to handle all AOB depending on time. However, we will note them all and progress them either by email or at the next meeting) - Meeting Close
Sustainable Carlisle Network (SCN) has been very active over the last 18 months despite not being formely incorporated. This has been due in large part to the passion and commitment of Mark and friends and amazing support from COWC - for which we are very grateful. We've also had real help and encouragement from other local groups such as Brampton, Penrith, Cockermouth and Kendal - to name a few.
It's time though for SCN to become more independent. We've taken several steps towards this but we need to complete our own transition to standing on our own two feet. This means some administrative tasks and some formalities but we've made good progress on some of those as well.
We need people who are able to put in some ideas, expertise and of course some time and effort. Come along if you feel you can help. We are very flexible and it needn't be onerous. Every little bit counts.
A great, warm, diverse, active team is building here and you surely want to be part of it.
Contact George for further information <click here to go to contact page>
Here is a new film about the transition movement that is well worth watching http://vimeo.com/8029815
Save our Forests Protest - 30th Jan 2011
Sustainable Carlisle hired a mini bus and took 15 people to a protest at Grizedale forest on the 3oth January.
Over 1,200 people gathered to protest against the governments plan to sell off public woodland.
There are 39 Cumbrian Forest that could be sold if the new public bodies (Reform) bill is passed.
There will another protest at Whinlatter Forest on Saturday 19th February. Speakers include Sir Chris Bonnington, Lord Clark of Windermere, and Jack Ellerby from Friends of the Lake District.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-12318218
http://www.savelakelandsforests.org.uk/
Tue 25th January 2011 - Using Law to Protect People and Planet:
* Global - Making Ecocide a Crime,
* Local - creating a Transition Enabling Act
Polly Higgins, international barrister and environmental campaigner, came to Carlisle last Tuesday to talk about two proposed laws - one national and the other international - both with the potential to radically shift the way we do business and function as a community. The event was jointly organised by Sustainable Brampton and Sustainable Carlisle Network and was attended by nearly 60 people, including a minibus full from Kendal.
Ecocide Bolivia has recently submitted a Declaration of Earth Rights to the UN, proposing that the Earth and her ecosystems have the right not to be degraded or destroyed. To enforce this, a fifth International Crime Against Peace has also been formulated, making Ecocide (the destruction of ecosystems) a criminal offence. The tantalising thing about the proposal is that the laws that govern war already exist and by simply transposing them into peacetime and changing a few words, a very small amendment to the Rome Statute could make this a reality. What's more, for the UN to adopt it requires a two-thirds majority, where each country has a single vote – this means that the Maldives has as much influence as the USA. If this were to happen, the CEOs of large corporations would be criminally liable if their activities resulted in an environmental catastrophe. So, if this had been in place before the Gulf oil spill last year, the BP executives would have had to weigh up whether the potential benefits of the extraction (maybe 2 years worth of oil) were worth the risk of damaging the local ecosystems if something went wrong. If they had got this evaluation wrong we would now be prosecuting Tony Hayward for Ecocide and a very powerful message would have been sent out to other large corporations who were planning similar operations. Transition Enabling Acts At a local level, Polly, Rob Hopkins of Transition Towns, and Michael Meacher MP are keen to formulate a national law to help towns and communities transition to a more sustainable future. These laws would help to overcome barriers that communities are facing when implementing their projects. They are inspired by the Canal Enabling Acts of the 19th century that allowed communities to resolve conflicts with landowners and authorities so that if they deemed a canal would improve the economy and well-being of the community, it would get precedence over competing interests. This transformed the British landscape and kick-started the industrial revolution by enabling businesses to transport fuel and goods to and from their communities and to the national and international markets. Have you come across legal barriers (e.g. planning, health and safety or insurance issues) that Transition Enabling Acts could cut through? For more information, have a look at these websites:
This is Ecocide
Cancun: Corporate and Complicit
Transition Enabling Act proposal
Gill Curwen was talking about 'upcycling' on BBC Radio Cumbria
Ian Timms show recently - you can listen to it here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00cxjkz/Ian_Timms_11_01_2011/
First Upcycling Meeting - 12th Jan, 7.30pm, Carlisle
(Some notes from Gill Curwen)
Just though I'd say a few words about the recent meeting/workshop on that took place on Wednesday night. Thank you very much to those who were able to come - it was a great evening and I hope that we have many more to come. To those who couldn't make it, sorry we didn't see you there but hope you can make it next time.
As well as making some great brooches, we had a bit of a discussion about where we want to go from here and here's a summary:
Work towards a regular upcycling meeting with different people demonstrating and teaching sustainable crafts and skills. An open air upcycling event in the city centre that people can attend and are encouraged to bring an item with them to upcycle - whatever it may be - fabric, plastic bottles, a piece of old furniture, something out of skip or scrap store - any old piece of tat basically. Local upcycling artists and crafts people could be there to pass on their skills.
With regards to progress towards setting up a sustainable upcycling partnership within the city - I am in discussions with a local social enterprise who are interested in working with SC and extending the upcycling project into the Brampton area and working with Sustainable Brampton. I have also approached (and am currently awaiting further contact with) a local housing association with regards to working with their service users. Anyone who has any ideas, proposals or wants to get involved with this side of things, please contact me.
We also have fundraiser on board who is helping us out for free and doing a bit of research into possible funding for this and other SC projects.
Think that's all for now - I'll be proposing some dates for a next upcycling meeting shortly. cheers Gill
Conversation Cafe - 8th Jan, 2pm to 4pm, Carlisle
The second 'conversation cafe' was very well attended. A large circle of people had a two hour conversation that encompassed resistance to government cuts to the various uses for tetra packs and plastic bags. People commented on the warm open atmosphere of the Shambala centre and everyone felt motivated and up-to date on the activities of the Sustainable Carlisle Network for the new year
Home Energy & Sustainability Fair, 18th Sep 2010 , Carlisle
A successful day of talks, advice, products as well as hints and tips.
Click here to go the the event pages including links to local suppliers.
Fun Bike Ride - Sun 11th Apr
Around 30 people from Sustainable Carlsle and 'on yer bike' Impact project cycled from Carlisle to Dalston on Sunday. The weather was amazing and everyone enjoyed this leisurely ride and picnic in Dalston. The route is completely traffic-free and enjoyed by walkers and cyclists throughout the year. Sustainable Carlisle and 'on yer bike' would like to organise more of these 'fun rides'
Film @ Foxes - End of Suburbia, Wed 17th Mar
A provocative film which is another must see on the subject of Peak oil and our crazy use of resources. American - centric but no less meaningful all the same.
Network Meeting , Sat 13th Mar
A useful meeting with the help of external facilitator Nikki. Good progress was made on the structure and organisation of Sustainable Carlisle Network as well as planning for imminent projects. For a copy of the minutes please email us at info1@sustainablecarlisle.org.
Film @ Foxes -Black Gold, Wed 3rd Mar
Shameful business of the coffee trade.
Lecture - Global Warming & Cosmic Rays, Tue 2nd Mar
by Professor Terry Sloan, Dept of Physics, Lancaster University
Originally billed as a pseudo-sceptic view on the effects of CO2 Prof Slaon actually confirmed and underlined the impact of CO2 on Global Warming. He showed simple, meaningful data that left the audience in no doubt about the link between human activity over the last 100 years or so, rising CO2 levels, and associated temerature effects.
Diggin the Trees, Tree Planting, Sun 21st Feb, Sat 13th Mar and Sat 20th Mar 2010
Forestry and conservation students from Newton Rigg joined volunteers from Sustainable Carlisle for a 'Diggin' the Trees' event. The tree planting day was coordinated by Emma Hughes with help from Pete Leason from the Woodland Trust. The group planted 500 Oak, Ash, Elder and Birch on a site near to Broughton Moor - five miles outside of Cockermouth. Woodlands are a very stable ecological system that can increase the resilience of our landscape and reduce the risk of flooding. They also increase biodiversity and absorb carbon from the atmosphere.A dusting of snow and sunny spells made for beautiful views across the cocker valley to the Lakes. The outstanding hospitality of hosts Mr and Mrs Park helped make Diggin' the Trees' inaugural event a huge success. Read Stephen Blease's article in the Cumberland News. Click here>
Film @ Foxes - Collapse , Wed 17th Feb 2010
A good turn out to watch a thought provoking interview with Michael Ruppert, which links ecological collapse and financial collapse using the concept of peak oil. Foxes café was very busy an everyone said how much they had enjoyed the film and the short discussion afterwards.
Thermal Imaging Workshop, Mon 15th Feb 2010
Diane Hubbard of CAfS, Penrith gave us an interesting and thorough introduction and demonstration of thermal imaging cameras and their uses for energy efficiency checking in homes and all types of buildings. We launched forth into the building and the surrounding street like an deleted scene from Ghostbusters - surveying nearby buildings and being given a wide berth by passers-by. These cameras are available to borrow or hire on the condition that suitable insurance cover is in place. We hope to launch a project in Carlisle using the cameras to help groups or individuals improve energy efficiency (e.g. by identifying areas for improvement in insulation). We can save people money! If you are interested then please click here to contact us by email. For more on CAfS <click here>.
Aims &.. Working Group Meeting, Thu 11th Feb 2010
7 members attended this meeting at The Source. We made progress and managed to clarify the wording of our vision. Next task is to work on aims and objectives.
Click here to contact us by email.
Planning Meeting, Thu 4th Feb 2010
About 10 members attended this meeting at The Source and we were pleased to be joined by John Hunston, Chair of Carlisle Environment Forum. In summary the group is gaining momentum, agreement was reached for regular meetings. Also several working groups (e.g. strategy, funding) are forming to move specific issues forward. Several more meetings are planned imminently. For the meeting schedule click here.
Click here to contact us by email.
Meeting with Carlisle Environment Forum, 28th Jan 2010
Several members of Sustainable Carlisle attended this meeting at Tullie House. Mark, Helen and Helen each presented aspects of their trip to Copenhagen in December for COP15. Dr Kate Rawles, Senior Lecturer at University of Cumbria gave a fascinating (and frightening) talk on Climate Change. Then we were able to break up into groups and, with the help of Carlisle Environment Forum members, do some useful idea-storming on where we go next. Thanks to Carlisle Environment Forum for the opportunity to attend and for hospitality.
Click here to contact us by email.
What Next after Copenhagen? 16th Jan 2010
About 20 people attended an open workshop designed to help Sustainable Carlisle better organise itself and plan activities and events. The day was very successful, informative and inclusive - a wide variety of individuals and organisation were represented. Futher open meetings are planned in the near future as well as our regular, fornightly film nights at Foxes Cafe Lounge. We welcome all inputs and ideas about how to make Carlisle, Cumbria and the world sustainable and fair. Click here to contact us by email.
Film A Crude Awakening, 13th Jan 2010
There was another very success film night last night... around 30 people attended foxes cafe to watch a 'crude awakening'. The film is an urgent warning that the age of abundant oil is over, and highlights a critical need for sustainable alternative energy sources.There followed a lively discussion about peak oil and the ramifications for our society. One fascinating contributor was able to tell us first hand , how a resource war for oil affected her and forced her to flee her country.
Green Skills Share, October 2009 - Video excerpt
Countdown Campaign
Public Meeting, November 2009
Christian Aid Torchlight Procession, December 2009
The Wave, Glasgow, December 2009
Copenhagen, December 2009
