A PLAN is being formulated to help safeguard Wells against future climate events and provide guidance on what to do in an emergency.
The Act to Adapt plan for Wells, which is in draft form at the moment, is being compiled in a collaboration between local residents, Wells Environment Network, Somerset Wildlife Trust and Wells City Council.
The first stage was a workshop at the Town Hall in October, and initial proposals were then showcased at the Christmas Artisan Market in the Palace and the One World Fair at Wells Town Hall in November.
The public are now being invited to complete an online survey on priorities for the plan so that it can be tailored to local needs and concerns.
“We’re trying to get as much resident input as possible,” said Finlay Clothier, Climate Adaptation Assistant at Somerset Wildlife Trust.
“It is extremely important to see that the community is coming together and taking local action to adapt to the climate risks,” he added.
The project is funded by Somerset Rivers Authority, and similar plans are being drawn up in a number of other localities around the county.
The draft Wells Act to Adapt plan identifies four key areas: Improving and increasing green spaces; Reducing flooding risks; Encouraging community-driven climate action; and Co-ordinating emergency plans.
The plan states: “The climate emergency poses many threats to Wells. Winters are becoming warmer and wetter, increasing flooding risks. Hotter and drier summers are increasing the risk of droughts, heatwaves and wildfires… Adapting to these changes is urgent and essential to reduce the impacts on our buildings, green spaces and the daily life of Wells’ residents.”
Finlay said that in the workshop, flooding was identified as one of the primary issues, with Wells “almost like a bowl”. This makes communication with neighbouring parishes important as they have the ability to change their flood management, he said. Protecting green spaces was also highlighted.
Suggestions for Wells so far have included increasing permeable paving, and more tree planting.
The aim is to launch the finalised plan in early 2025, with £1,000 being donated by Somerset Rivers Authority to kick-start action.
The plan will then be reviewed at regular intervals and updated as necessary. It can be viewed in its draft form on the Wells City Council website and Facebook page and the Somerset Wildlife Trust website, and the survey can be completed at surveymonkey.com/r/YJ829BG throughout December.
Councillor Denise Denis, Chair of the city council Climate Change Working Group, said: “Wells City Council is delighted to be invited to be a partner with Somerset Wildlife Trust / Somerset Rivers Authority in developing an Act to Adapt plan for Wells. The Outside Spaces committee passed a proposal to support the preparation of the draft plan and its outcomes and this will be voted on at Full Council on Thursday, November 28.”
To express an interest in becoming more involved, contact Natalie Barnett, Climate Change Adaptation Officer at Somerset Wildlife Trust: natalie.barnett@somersetwildlife.org