West Somerset Green Forum’s Annual General Meeting 2023
Over 20 people gathered for West Somerset Green Forum’s 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM was held at Williton Pavillion on 10th November 2023.
Following a general update regarding the organisation’s activities, Chair of West Somerset Green Forum, Maureen Smith, made a request for volunteers to help with projects and the daily running of the organisation.
A resolution followed in which the organisation formally changed their name from Forum 21 to West Somerset Green Forum. All members present at the meeting voted in favour of the resolution.
Two new directors
While this AGM brought the sad loss of one director, Bill Butcher, who had stepped down ahead of a move to Scotland, it also brought the happy appointment of a new director for West Somerset Green Forum (WSGF) - Elaine Watson. The group thanked Bill for his many years of service and wished him well in the future.
Maureen Smith shared the news that sadly, Bob Rivett, who acted as WSGF’s Treasurer for many years, had recently passed away. A brief tribute was given and a minute's silence was observed out of respect for Bob.
Exciting Project Updates
West Somerset Wildways
WSGF board member, Elizabeth Atkinson, gave an update on newly formed project West Somerset Wildways, a project sponsored by Somerset Wildlife Trust. Elizabeth enthusiastically explained how it is important to remain optimistic and stay positive regarding the climate and environment, rather than give in to despair.
West Somerset Wildways was set up in April 2023, with the idea to encourage more people to get involved in citizen science using a free app called iNaturalist which feeds data into Somerset Environmental Records Centre (SERC) and the National Biodiversity Database. This data provides scientists with important information about what wildlife exists in key areas, allowing them to make informed conservation decisions based on accurate data.
In the first 6 months of the West Somerset Wildways project, 18 community family engagement events had been held, mainly geared towards getting children involved and excited by nature. These events have been held from Minehead and Bossington to Selworthy, Watchet, and Carhampton, in a total of 18 different locations. Over 900 people had engaged with the events in 6 months and 7 youth club sessions had been held.
Elizabeth explained to all that the only things you need in order to take part is a means to take digital photos and access to the internet.
West Somerset Wildways are now taking bookings for 2024 events.
Community Woodland
WSGF board member, Graham Boswell, then gave an update on the community woodland project. Graham explained how WSGF have an agreement with Exmoor National Park, and work closely with other organisations such as Plantlife, to take care of a community woodland.
Graham also made a request for volunteers to help. Currently the Community Woodland only has 7 or 8 volunteers and there is a need for more volunteers who are physically able.
Some statistics from Graham’s presentation show that:
1500 hours had been spent managing the community woodland in 2023
100 cubic metres of logs had been produced from the woodland
Community Transport Scheme
Next, WSGF board member, David Croxton, gave a brief update about the community transport scheme, advising that anyone who has family or neighbours who have difficulty getting around should give WSGF a call for help with transportation.
Home Energy Projects
Finally, Hester Watson, board member for WSGF provided an update for the home energy project. Hester expressed the importance of telling people what’s available in the area for those struggling with heating their homes. For example, grants and retrofitting.
Hester announced that WSGF are looking to employ a Project Worker to increase capacity in various projects and will be writing grant applications to fund this role in the near future.
Hester advised attendees about the West Somerset Together newsletter which promotes meetings, events, and activities in West Somerset. She encouraged all in attendance to share any events, activities and meetings with her to promote in the bi-monthly newsletter.
