WAYS in which everybody can help protect the environment were shown to residents and visitors at Minehead’s second climate fair at the Avenue Methodist Church Hall on the theme ‘What can I do to make a difference?’.

Information stalls ranged from plastic-free buying to ethical finance, from local exchange and trading schemes to village climate groups.

The event also featured mini-talks from experts and campaigners.

Organised by the West Somerset Green Forum, the fair provided information ranging from creating mini-habitats and corridors for wildlife gardens and communities to how supporting sustainable farming and food production helps nature to recover.

Visitors to the fair heard how to cut energy costs and reduce household waste, and were given information on local community transport schemes and advice about local flooding.

Zara Aitken, from the Minehead and Coast Development Trust, introduced Minehead’s new climate adaptation plan, while Bel Deering, of the Somerset Rivers Authority, offered advice and workshops on flood resilience.

Volunteers from the Horner-based Good Vibe Veg agriculture group demonstrated how ‘growing community through community growing’ results in nutritious veg boxes as well as community spirit.

Wildlife Trust volunteer Elizabeth Atkinson stressed how to provide vital stepping stones for wildlife in gardens and offered free pond kits to make garden habitats even more wildlife-friendly, and youngsters from Porlock-based Stacked Wonky gave an interview-style presentation outlining their plastic-free campaign and other initiatives.

Ben Ambrose, from Somerset Council, offered support on home energy retrofit to reduce costs and improve insulation, and conservationist Paul Rutter outlined his green blueprint for West Somerset, involving broadening and connecting hedgerows as wildlife corridors.

Somerset Council’s Steve Dury asked people to respond to the authority’s consultation on a local nature recoverystrategy.

Other opportunities outlined included helping with woodland management or log delivery for the community woodland in Woodcombe, becoming a much-needed volunteer driver for one of the local community car schemes, or offering skills to one of the local Repair Cafés.

A statement from the organisers said: “This is not about doom and gloom – it is about feeling good about the small things we can do to make life better for ourselves and the planet.”

For more information on any of the themes, or to become involved with West Somerset Green Forum or add an item to the West Somerset Together newsletter, email Hester Watson at [email protected] or call 01643 821768.

The first meeting of the Green Action Group for the Minehead Climate Adaptation Plan is at 6.30 pm on November 18 in the Channel Adventure Centre, Minehead, and places can be booked by emailing [email protected].

Zara Aitken will also present the plan at the West Somerset Green Forum’s annual post-annual meeting talk at 7.30 pm on November 26 in Minehead Community Hall.

The next local Repair Café dates are at Carhampton Village Hall on November 8, Sacred Heart Church Hall, Minehead, November 15, Watchet Community Centre, November 29, and Porlock Village Hall on December 6.