As we think about our future in a changing climate, it’s crucial to understand what scenarios we need to prepare for, how communities are already preparing, and what possibilities and solutions we can start putting into action.
This summer, the Bioregional Learning Centre led a Learning Journey for Climate Adaptation, visiting farms, charities, local councils and more. With our findings in hand, we have now developed a discussion paper on Climate Adaptation in South Devon and a supporting short film. Learn more, and find out how to read the discussion paper and host a free climate adaptation workshop.
From the 3rd to the 7th June 2024, we went to lots of places across South Devon to look at how they are facing the unique challenges that climate change presents now and into the future.
We considered the possibilities for resilient agriculture with Porsham Farm, the Apricot Centre, Flete Estate and Riverford. We looked to community collaboration in South Brent and Kingsbridge, and heard about the work of Yealm Community Electric Transport.
We learned about impacts on nature and natural interventions with the Woodland Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust and the Flete Field Lab. We followed a watery path from Dartmoor National Park’s Headwaters Project down to Dartmouth and the Dart Harbour Authority.
Using the knowledge we gathered, as well as a wide background of climate adaptation research such as the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Climate Adaptation Strategy, we developed our Climate Adaptation Discussion Paper.
The discussion paper outlines the likely impacts of climate change for South Devon, details our Learning Journey, and explores pathways for action and next steps. We are looking forward to taking these steps alongside South Hams District Council, local organisations and citizens.
Accompanying the report is a short film, created by our talented filmmaker Emilio. The Bioregional Learning Centre is able to offer a very limited number of free workshops to accompany a film screening in local communities. We have also created free supplementary worksheets if groups would like to host their own sessions. Let us know if you would be interested in a workshop or the worksheets, and a high resolution file of the film.