INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Sustainable Youlgrave began early in 2006 when a group of likeminded villagers in the Youlgrave area came together to discuss ways in which, by thinking globally but acting locally, we could do our bit to preserve this fragile planet and at the same time make our rural community fully sustainable. We are exploring a range of initiatives which cover specific renewable energy schemes, educational and energy-saving projects, plus related themes such as promoting local shops and services. We cover the parishes of Youlgrave & Harthill, Middleton & Smerrill and Gratton, including the settlements of Youlgrave, Alport and Middleton-by-Youlgrave.

A launch flyer was produced in Autumn 2006 to promote Sustainable Youlgrave, a copy of which can be downloaded here.

Sustainable Youlgrave is an independent and voluntary community group run by and for local people. Although we have a formal committee, we also have a growing base of supporters whose interest and expertise embraces farming and engineering through to planning and local government. If you would like to get involved in any way or simply know more about our plans please contact either John Youatt (Chair) on 01629 636241, email john@youatt.co.uk or Andrew McCloy (Secretary) on 01629 636125, email andrew.mccloy@btinternet.com. 

LATEST NEWS

New website: www.sustainableyoulgrave.org

Anaerobic digestion study launched

A consultancy has been appointed to carry out Sustainable Youlgrave’s feasibility study into anaerobic (methane) digestion in the local area. Three tenders were received and it was decided to go with Celtic Composting, who have considerable experience in this field, as well the back-up of sound German technology.

The first stage will involve auditing farms in the valley, in terms of infrastructure, accessibility, livestock types and numbers, etc. The consultants will then take a detailed look at the commercial viability of developing an anaerobic digestion unit – effectively capturing power (electricity) from methane – including technical, operational and economic analysis.

The feasibility study is being financed through a grant from the Sustainable Development Fund, via the Peak District National Park. For more information on the AD study contact Fred Baker on 01629 636768 or email a.baker@bsg-ecology.com.

Community-wide survey in preparation

Before addressing potential renewable energy projects, it is essential to improve domestic energy conservation – which Sustainable Youlgrave has already begun examining. We have set up a sub-group to prepare a questionnaire that will go to every dwelling in our area in order to gather the raw information that will serve as a baseline for further action. What sort of insulation and heating systems exist in most properties? How many households have taken energy-saving measures, like low-energy light bulbs? And are water-saving measures such as rain butts and re-using so-called grey water prevalent? If you can help with the survey please contact Sue Watmore on 01629 636338 or email s.watmore@waitrose.com.

Youlgrave Allotments

Social enterprise: which model for Sustainable Youlgrave? 

At our meeting on 1st February, there was a presentation by Jane Avery of the Co-operative and Social Enterprise Development Agency on possible business models for Sustainable Youlgrave. If feasible, we hope to develop one or more local renewable energy projects on a commercial footing, in order to generate income to plough back into energy-saving and educational projects in our own community. Jane outlined possible social enterprise models, the most likely of which is what’s known as a Community Interest Company. Limited by guarantee, it operates like a conventional company with shareholders, but has certain restrictions to ensure that there is no opportunity for excessive individual gain and that ethics as much as profits guide decision-making. Other possible models include an Industrial and Provident Society, as well as a straightforward co-operative. Group members will continue to examine the best options, and any further advice or experience on this matter is welcome – contact Jeni Edwards on 636550 or Peter Pimm on 636341, email peter.pimm@zeronet.co.uk. 

HeatStreets for Youlgrave? 

We are trying to persuade Powergen to implement their HeatStreets programme in our area. This initiative is aimed at energy efficiency and conservation in domestic properties, and since it also requires the active support of the local authority we have invited Derbyshire Dales District Council to get involved – their reply is awaited. For details contact John Youatt on 01629 636241.  

Peak District Sustainable Energy group  

Sustainable Youlgrave has joined the newly-formed Peak District Sustainable Energy Group, a loose-based coalition of various bodies that are looking to coordinate local efforts towards renewable energy and sustainability. Other group members include the Peak District National Park, Derbyshire Rural Community Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council and the local Council for Voluntary Services. 

The River Bradford, Youlgrave.

Funding options  

We are actively exploring a number of other funds to help Sustainable Youlgrave realise its plans. One of these is the Community Renewables Initiative, part of the East Midlands Regional Assembly, for funding to research what possibilities exist for capturing wind power locally. We are also approaching Rural Solutions for modest funding to cover the cost of processing the questionnaire.  

Solar and PV 

Sustainable Youlgrave would like to hear from anyone in our area that has considered installing solar, thermal or photo-voltaic (PV) panels but has either been deterred or actually turned down by the planning authority. Call Ali Plowright on 01629 636421 or email ali@makingchanges.co.uk. 

CONTACT US  

We hold monthly committee meetings and ad hoc public meetings – last month at the Village Hall in Middleton-by-Youlgrave, for instance. Although we are likely to be formalising our structure later in the Spring at our AGM, for now we have a free Supporters’ List via which we circulate latest news and local information (mostly by email). To be added to this list please contact Andrew McCloy, Sustainable Youlgrave Secretary, at sustainableyoulgrave@sustainableyoulgrave.org or write to Andrew at Englemere, Brookleton, Youlgrave, Derbyshire DE45 1UT. 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 

AL GORE IN YOULGRAVE (well, his film, at least…) 

We will be holding a public screening of Al Gore’s recent and hard-hitting film ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ at Youlgrave Village Hall on Saturday 28th April 2007 (7.30pm). The Oscar-winning documentary is a must-see, providing the hard evidence that shows exactly how human activity is causing global climate change. The screening is open to everyone – please come along! 

NEWSLETTERS