FW: Dissolution of the Wycombe Strategic Partnership Environment Sub - Group

[Mark Brown]

Folks,

 

I have spoke to some of you recently about the demise of the Wycombe Strategic Partnership’s Environment Sub-Group. Please find enclosed official notification of this. Transition Town High Wycombe joined the partnership in 2009. The Environment Sub-group was itself split into two effective working parties: a Natural Environment Group and Low-Carbon Community Taskforce. We were aligned with the latter although there was some overlap. Our work with them lead to the Energy Saving Kits for Libraries and the Thermal Imaging campaign.

 

However the money to fund the activities of these two groups has ended and WDC believe that this partnership should cease to exist. (This has been a unilateral decision on their behalf. Although I understand this it does overlook some of the consulative-nature of the Partnership’s remit.) To replace it WDC suggest that we get involved with the new “Natural Environment Partnership”. I enclose all the information I have been sent on the matter.

 

My personal feelings is that this sort of partnership, although better than nothing, is a poor substitute for the Wycombe Partnership – largely because the NEP is aligned with the Natural Environment Group rather than the Low-Carbon Communities Taskforce. It feels a bit top-down & has too broad a geographic scope. It really ticks very few of the boxes that would so engage a Transition Town grouping. But it is what it is….

 

If anyone wishes to have representation with the NEP please let me know. I will keep tabs on where this is going but will devote my efforts to the Low Carbon Chilterns Co-operative (and Local Food Group to a much lesser extent) as these seem more closely aligned with our work.

 

Please feel free to throw any ideas around that you have. Any thoughts?

Many thanks,

Mark Brown

Low Carbon Chilterns Cooperative  |  www.lowcarbonchilterns.org  |  Twitter: @LCChilternsC |  Facebook: LCChilternsC

The Low Carbon Chilterns Co-operative is a member owned & run, not-for-profit, community organisation helping the community to save energy & generate its own clean power.

 

Superhome 59  |  Krofire House  | 5 Richard Gardens  | High Wycombe  | Buckinghamshire  | HP13 7LT  |  Skype: krofire   |   www.superhomes.org.uk/59 to book a visit   |  07775 767109

 

Transition Town High Wycombe  |  mark-...@transition-wycombe.org.uk 

www.transition-wycombe.org.uk  | Twitter: @TTWycombe  |  Facebook: TTWycombe

 

 

From: Lesley Stoner
Sent: 10 May 2013 15:58
Subject: Dissolution of the Wycombe Strategic Partnership Environment Sub - Group

 

Dear Wycombe Environment Sub – Group member

 

The government’s white paper in 2011 – The Natural Environment, made the formation of Local Nature Partnerships a key commitment.

 

Last September, a proposal to set up a countywide partnership was accepted by Defra. A Shadow Board for a Natural Environment Partnership has subsequently been set up to deliver a strategic plan for the natural environment in the County. A leaflet describing the approach is attached.

 

This partnership will be made up of interest groups and agencies encompassing a wide range of environmental issues, including biodiversity, green infrastructure in urban areas, and reduction in energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions. It will bring together environmental groups, agencies and business to take action in a wide range of areas. It will have an annual forum at which they can come together to exchange information and if necessary or desired, to form task groups to take action in priority areas.

 

The Partnership will be assisted by a coordinator who will facilitate meetings and seek funding for projects.

 

You are aware that the Wycombe Strategic Partnership Environment Sub-Group has not met for a number of months. Since the disappearance of funding from the Wycombe Partnership for projects and with the formation of this new countywide partnership which provides greater opportunities to access funding and to build capacity for environmental action across the county, it has been decided to fold the Environment Sub-Group. It is hoped that you will wish to be involved in the new partnership and be kept updated on its development. It is anticipated that a forum of groups across the County will be held in the next six months.

 

Thank you very much for your commitment to the Environment Sub-Group and for helping to make the projects undertaken over the past few years a success.

 

All the very best,

 

Nigel Griffiths

 

Chairman