FUNDING of £1,000 will be offered by Minehead Coast and Development Trust for ideas to help Minehead adapt to climate change, it was announced at the launch of the town’s new Climate Adaption Plan at the Beach Hotel last Saturday (January 18).

Developed by the trust and by Somerset Wildlife Trust after consultation with the local community, the new plan follows the Wildlife Trust’s “Act to Adapt” project which helps prepare local communities to deal with increasing bad weather, flooding and heatwaves.

Attended by over 40 people including Minehead and Tiverton MP Rachel Gilmore, the launch included a talk by Somerset Climate Action Network’s Steve Mewes and a presentation about funding available from the Somerset Riverways Authorities.

There was also a screening of “Sea, Land, and City,” a film about positive adaptation projects in the south of England and a presentation from Minehead’s Rotary Club about their new Emergency Volunteer Action Group.

The Somerset Wildlife Trust's Natalie Barnett said: “It was truly inspiring seeing so many local people coming together to help Minehead adapt to climate change.

“Let's be honest - progress on cutting carbon emissions has been frustratingly slow, which makes it even more important that we're taking action right here in Somerset to protect our communities, wildlife and way of life from the climate changes we're already seeing.”

The Wildlife Trust’s “Act to Adapt” projects, launched last August, are designed to help communities prepare for climate changes. Suggestions include planting more trees, adapting to flooding, installing green walls and roofs and engaging with local planners.

A Rivers Authority spokesman said: “Across Somerset floods have been increasing in intensity and unpredictability because of climate changes.”

For further information and to read the plan, visit: www.somersetwildlife.org/act-adapt-minehead or Minehead and Coast Development Trust’s Facebook page.