Reading Climate Action Network website
Whiskas is the leading partner in a new European pet food container recycling programme to collect the plastic packaging that is not recycled through door to door collection systems. The system works through teracycle https://www.whiskas.co.uk/terracycle , an organisation that recycles a whole load of post consumer packaging from Pringles containers to Colgate tooth products and walkers crisp packets. Probably more pet food manufacturers will join the scheme in the future.
This proposes to extend the single use carrier bag charge in England to all retailers, and also proposes to increase the minimum charge to 10p.
DEFRA wants to know if people agree with their assessment of the costs and benefits of these proposals and how the impacts of change will be measured.
this consultation is open until 22nd February on https://consult.defra.gov.uk/environmental-quality/extending-the-single-use-bags-charge/
DEFRA proposes four new measures designed to increase transparency and accountability in the process of felling street trees and to strengthen the Forestry Commission’s power to tackle illegal tree felling.
Two of the measures introduce new duties on local authorities: a duty to consult on the felling of street trees and a duty to report on tree felling and replanting.
A third policy suggests the production of best practice guidance to support local authorities in drawing up, consulting on and publishing a Tree and Woodland Strategy.
The fourth measure is intended to give the Forestry Commission more powers to tackle illegal tree felling and strengthen protection of wooded landscapes.
This consultation seeks views on these measures and their implementation and is open until 28th February
https://consult.defra.gov.uk/forestry/protecting-trees-and-woodlands/
If you don’t want to read the whole document, then perhaps make representations through the woodland trust website that has a suggested set of responses to some of the issues https://campaigns.woodlandtrust.org.uk/page/36795/action/1?utm_campaign=2282329_B04_12624_Jan19Campaigning_190115&utm_medium=email&utm_source=woodlandtrust&dm_i=2D76,1CX21,8ZNDLA,4G981,1
DEFRA is consulting on their proposals to make biodiversity net gain necessary for developments when granting planning permission. This approach aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than beforehand.
Give your views on their proposals by 10th February on https://consult.defra.gov.uk/land-use/net-gain/
Can you spare 20 minutes a week during this Winter? The new Tawny Owl garden survey starting in October is asking people to listen out for tawny owls calling in the evening. no need to go out in the cold: surveying from a warm armchair with a glass of hot toddy in the hand is just fine. More details on the BTO website.
The British Trust for Ornithology is commencing two tawny owl surveys this summer to assess distribution.
The first, the tawny owl point survey, starts in August and asks people to adopt one of many 2 km squares selected across the country, stand in the centre on two nice evenings roughly one month apart, and estimate owl territories. Reading is not on the survey, but there are many squares to survey around Wokingham (and nice pubs for afterwards)
The second one, the tawny owl calling survey, starts at the end of September and simply asks you to listen out in your own garden for tawny owls.
You really don’t need any previous knowledge to do either of these surveys as the instructions on the BTO website are very very clear. Please have a go.
The Duty of Care is the requirement for the producers of waste to take adequate care about disposal, such as not choosing a cheap contractor who will dump it in the countryside, or describing the waste wrongly.
This consultation is seeking views on the updated guidance for householders and new guidance for local authorities on meeting and enforcing the duty of care for waste
This consultation is seeking views on the closure of the scheme for small-scale low-carbon installations to new applicants from March 2019
Consultation Closes 30 September 2018
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/feed-in-tariffs-scheme
This seeks to identify the challenges and opportunities from small-scale low carbon electricity generation in contributing to government’s objectives for clean, affordable, secure and flexible power. It also seeks information on the role for government and the private sector in overcoming these challenges and realising these opportunities.
This call for evidence is aimed at individuals and groups with any interest in the small scale low carbon industry. In particular the government is seeking views from affected individuals, energy suppliers, and industry, including manufacturers suppliers and installers.
Consultation closes 30th August
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/the-future-for-small-scale-low-carbon-generation-a-call-for-evidence
The Government is seeking views on a new Clean Air Strategy, and on actions to improve air quality by reducing pollution from a wide range of sources.
Closes 14th August 2018-
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/air-quality-draft-clean-air-strategy-2018