A rapid review of evidence and best practice on citizens’ assemblies has been prepared by the University of Exeter, which has made recommendations on how the Devon citizens’ assembly should operate.
The recommendations were endorsed by the Response Group at its meeting on the 18th December 2019. The selection of a recruitment and facilitation provider for the assembly will commence in early 2020.
Exeter is blessed to be surrounded by green fields, many producing amazing organic produce. There is also a great network of footpaths, bridle paths and green lanes to be explored. Everyone knows that fresh organic produce, exercise, fresh air and fine company are good for you, so why not combine all four?
“At Mincing Lake Apples we love the idea of people walking out to the farm, including it in their daily activity, supporting local farmers and actually seeing where we cultivate our local produce.” – Gill Baker, Mincing Lake Apples
This illustration reflects the centrality of the river to this beautiful location. Inset vignettes reflect some of the hopes and aspirations of the local people Phil engaged with when drafting. They depict: an electric water taxi; tree planting; increased use of cycles; and a rewilding of road verges.
At the focal point of this Vision is Wembury Beach and the Mewstone: a marine conservation area and the home of a water sampling citizen science project where the stream flows onto the beach. This location is a focus for public engagement with the natural world, biodiversity and further citizen science via a variety of organisations such as the National Trust and Devon Wildlife Trust, as well as local community events such as those organised by Wembury Environment Group, the Primary School and the Sailing Club.
This Vision has as its centre the church and the Mewstone. The 8 images orbiting it embody the variety of carbon net zero initiatives happening locally with Wembury Environment Group but also individual householder actions:
“From making the most of our existing growing spaces, to our programmes to retrofit homes, develop cycling and walking routes and a new solar farm, we are working to tackle the climate emergency. By 2030 we need to have done much more. We need everyone to help to take action, large or small. For Torbay Council this map of suggested walking routes is a great way of showing how tackling climate change might help Torbay Thrive, visualising our ambition in an easy-to-understand format, and inviting people to get out and discover for themselves what is happening and what more might be done.” – Jacqui Warren, Climate Emergency Officer, Torbay Council
“The illustration shows green initiatives Brixton already has in place, as well as ways they can build on those. It features wildflower verges and trees for the Queen’s Canopy planted by the ‘Bee Wild’ environment group; the rewilding of the old Cofflete Mill site owned by the Parish, to increase biodiversity and conserve the surrounding natural habitats; Southwest Composting – a project that now not only processes all of South Hams Green waste, but also provides a community composting facility for all Parishioners. The map reflects the walking routes and development of active travel routes featuring Silverbridge Way, and work done to establish links to neighbouring areas.
The map also makes its way through Brixton’s aspirations: it includes the solar farm at Gentian Hill and raises the possibility of increaomg solar capacity with discreet installations in both residential and community settings; vehicle charging points; improving cycle routes to reduce car usage; edible borders. The map uses the idea of walking to educate people on how they can play their part in building a natural and sustainable environment for future generations to enjoy, whilst keeping the rural community feel that makes Brixton Parish the chosen place for so many to live in.” – Stuart Nix, Brixton Parish Council
This lively illustration includes a repair cafe, a clothes swap, an apple press and a bike repairer, electric charging points, an allotment with children harvesting vegetables, and fruit trees. Flowering plants enhance the biodiversity of the community areas and reflect the aspiration of the Bee-wild conservation group in the village to create more pollinator-friendly habitats.
