Bristol FoE contacted us about trees and Shaun put them in touch with STAG and the Green Party.
Beatrice contacted a journalism student wanting an interview about public transport but they did not respond
Shaun has been writing to supermarkets and shops about reducing packaging and plastic waste. He has also contacted the council about local changes to recycling and has asked about tetra paks which only have 2 recycling points in Sheffield.
Next Meeting: Mon 20 Aug at 7.30pm (Chair Richard; Note taker Liddy)
Showing posts with label Habitats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Habitats. Show all posts
Monday, 16 July 2018
Monday, 15 May 2017
Smithy Wood Campaign - May 2017
The planning decision has still not made. The Woodland Trust is likely to take to appeal if development is agreed and we will support.
Monday, 20 March 2017
Habitats Campaign Update - March 2017
Smithy Wood
There was a demonstration about the proposal to build a motorway service station at Smithy Wood. See the BBC article here. The Sheffield Star reported that there are plans to build a rival motorway service station near the M1/parkway junction. See article here.
Rotherham Waste Site
We were contacted by a resident living in Kimberworth, Rotherham where the Environment Agency have granted a variation to a permit that is allowing a local operator to deposit 205,000 tons of waste per year. The site is surrounded by an Ancient Woodland which will be subject to damage because of this action. There has been a large public outcry and Rotherham Borough Council are involved. The only issue that has not been discussed so far is the environmental impact of this action. David agreed to contact pass on this information to wildlife and woodland groups to see if they could help.
There was a demonstration about the proposal to build a motorway service station at Smithy Wood. See the BBC article here. The Sheffield Star reported that there are plans to build a rival motorway service station near the M1/parkway junction. See article here.
Rotherham Waste Site
We were contacted by a resident living in Kimberworth, Rotherham where the Environment Agency have granted a variation to a permit that is allowing a local operator to deposit 205,000 tons of waste per year. The site is surrounded by an Ancient Woodland which will be subject to damage because of this action. There has been a large public outcry and Rotherham Borough Council are involved. The only issue that has not been discussed so far is the environmental impact of this action. David agreed to contact pass on this information to wildlife and woodland groups to see if they could help.
Monday, 20 February 2017
Habitats Update - February 2017
Smithy Wood
David wasn't at this month's meeting so there is no update.
Sheffield Trees Action Group (STAG)
Richard used Beatrice’s presentation at the tree action group conference. The Woodland Trust attended and they are taking an interest in “urban.trees”. Their “Tree Charter” is worth signposting - see the link here. They could also raise profile of Smithy Wood campaign which is already on their website,
New street lighting will also potentially cause problems for trees as well as wildlife (research briefing shared at meeting by David G, Solar Active) but evidence consistently ignored. Future opportunities may include “Wilder Visions” programme and UKECONET. For more details about LED street lighting contact david@solar-active.com.
ACTIONS:
David wasn't at this month's meeting so there is no update.
Sheffield Trees Action Group (STAG)
Richard used Beatrice’s presentation at the tree action group conference. The Woodland Trust attended and they are taking an interest in “urban.trees”. Their “Tree Charter” is worth signposting - see the link here. They could also raise profile of Smithy Wood campaign which is already on their website,
New street lighting will also potentially cause problems for trees as well as wildlife (research briefing shared at meeting by David G, Solar Active) but evidence consistently ignored. Future opportunities may include “Wilder Visions” programme and UKECONET. For more details about LED street lighting contact david@solar-active.com.
ACTIONS:
- Aaron to report back at next meeting: on “Wilder Visions” international programme/UKECONET led by SHU researcher Prof Ian Rotherham.
Monday, 16 January 2017
Smithy Wood Update - January 2017
David has been told by the planning department that the new date for presentation of their decision to the Council will be 31st March.
Monday, 19 December 2016
Smithy Wood - December 2016
The smithy wood planning decisions have been delayed again, news awaited in the New Year.
Monday, 21 November 2016
Smithy Wood Update - November 2016
Deferred to next meeting. David has offered to send an update on developments.
Monday, 15 August 2016
Habitats Campaign Update - August 2016
Smithy Wood
David mentioned that the Woodland Trust will be organising a litter pick in Smithy Wood on either the 4 or 11 September, with the 11th being the most likely date. Wheel barrows and equipment will be provided so if you fancy getting involved then please contact the Woodland Trust. The Woodland Trust also liked our idea of a photography competition.
David hasn't had time to contact Steve Wilson (Sheffield City Council) about the ancient woodland as he has been busy looking at the legal issues regarding the company wanting to build the motorway service station on the ancient woodland. We can't say too much about this at the moment.
Our appeal for legal help hasn't had any responses. If you can help with legal knowledge then please get in touch.
The Ramblers are also against the development at Smithy Wood. See the article in The Star here.
Action Points:
Elm Trees
David had technical problems with his email so he didn't manage to communicate this message to our wider members about the planned destruction of these trees in Sheffield. However, the local campaigners managed to get their campaign mentioned in The Guardian. See here.
David mentioned that the Woodland Trust will be organising a litter pick in Smithy Wood on either the 4 or 11 September, with the 11th being the most likely date. Wheel barrows and equipment will be provided so if you fancy getting involved then please contact the Woodland Trust. The Woodland Trust also liked our idea of a photography competition.
David hasn't had time to contact Steve Wilson (Sheffield City Council) about the ancient woodland as he has been busy looking at the legal issues regarding the company wanting to build the motorway service station on the ancient woodland. We can't say too much about this at the moment.
Our appeal for legal help hasn't had any responses. If you can help with legal knowledge then please get in touch.
The Ramblers are also against the development at Smithy Wood. See the article in The Star here.
Action Points:
- David to look at the legal issues regarding the company and contact Private Eye and The Guardian.
Elm Trees
David had technical problems with his email so he didn't manage to communicate this message to our wider members about the planned destruction of these trees in Sheffield. However, the local campaigners managed to get their campaign mentioned in The Guardian. See here.
Monday, 18 July 2016
Smithy Wood Update - July 2016
We are still waiting for the S106 clause to be implemented regarding compensation. The Legal council is involved to help with this.
There is a lot of evidence to show links to Panama companies for tax avoidance. David will continue looking into this, but if you have any legal knowledge then please get in touch if you feel you can help us.
The planning application has to show need, which is critical to the development getting approval. The fact that it is ancient woodland is not sufficient if they can show that there is a need. Again, if anyone has planning or legal knowledge then please get in touch,
The Woodland Trust suggested a demo/litter pick on 13th August. Rather than this, we suggested a photo competition show casing all the wonderful aspects of the ancient woodland or a nature trail to promote reasons to support Smithy Wood. There is a myth about a Dragon which could be explored.
The HS2 development was planned to go via smithy wood which could have resulted in compensation for any developers. A question was asked about how the new HS2 route will affect the development.
There is a lot of evidence to show links to Panama companies for tax avoidance. David will continue looking into this, but if you have any legal knowledge then please get in touch if you feel you can help us.
The planning application has to show need, which is critical to the development getting approval. The fact that it is ancient woodland is not sufficient if they can show that there is a need. Again, if anyone has planning or legal knowledge then please get in touch,
The Woodland Trust suggested a demo/litter pick on 13th August. Rather than this, we suggested a photo competition show casing all the wonderful aspects of the ancient woodland or a nature trail to promote reasons to support Smithy Wood. There is a myth about a Dragon which could be explored.
The HS2 development was planned to go via smithy wood which could have resulted in compensation for any developers. A question was asked about how the new HS2 route will affect the development.
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| David taking part in a TV interview at Smithy Wood |
Monday, 20 June 2016
Smithy Wood Update - June 2016
Smithy Wood has been delayed yet again and we await further updates from David. We suggested writing letters to the local media and sending photos of Smithy Wood to The Star’s readers’ photos page.
Monday, 16 May 2016
Bees & Habitats Campaign Update - May 2015
Bees
Friends of the Earth's Great British Bee Count is taking place again this year. see the link for more details.
Part of the bee campaign last time was to promote bee meadows like the one we helped to create at Burngreave Cemetery. We still have a few packets of seeds left which we can give out on stalls. Francois suggested planting seeds on the stall with bags of compost and seeds to plant and take away. Perhaps a sunflower seed.
Smithy Wood
30th June is still the final definite last date for the hearing. David is to check with the others in the Save Smithy Wood group to see what we can do beforehand. Perhaps we could hold a demonstration. This would have to be organised via email.
Friends of the Earth's Great British Bee Count is taking place again this year. see the link for more details.
Part of the bee campaign last time was to promote bee meadows like the one we helped to create at Burngreave Cemetery. We still have a few packets of seeds left which we can give out on stalls. Francois suggested planting seeds on the stall with bags of compost and seeds to plant and take away. Perhaps a sunflower seed.
Smithy Wood
30th June is still the final definite last date for the hearing. David is to check with the others in the Save Smithy Wood group to see what we can do beforehand. Perhaps we could hold a demonstration. This would have to be organised via email.
Monday, 18 April 2016
Smithy Wood - April 2016
30th June is to be the final date for a decision to be made on Smithy Wood. This has been changed many times so we are waiting for the latest excuse.
The Freedom of Information request has thrown new light on things. The campaign is now focussing on the definition of need as it has not been put out for agreement and they have not gone through the due process.
We believe Evergreen Extra MSA is based in Jersey and maybe benefiting from the Tax Avoidance Scheme.
A Judicial Review could be set up with the Woodland Trust.
The Freedom of Information request has thrown new light on things. The campaign is now focussing on the definition of need as it has not been put out for agreement and they have not gone through the due process.
We believe Evergreen Extra MSA is based in Jersey and maybe benefiting from the Tax Avoidance Scheme.
A Judicial Review could be set up with the Woodland Trust.
Monday, 21 March 2016
Monday, 15 February 2016
Smith Wood Update - February 2016
David has been trying to uncover the ownership of the company wanting to demolish Smithy Wood, an ancient woodland, and turn it into a motorway service station. It appears a very complicated arrangement similar to that of companies who legally avoid tax. David is to take this forward and will update us of his progress.
It was suggested that this information should be given to Private Eye and other media organisations.
Actions:
It was suggested that this information should be given to Private Eye and other media organisations.
Actions:
- David to carry on with this work and keep the group updated.
Bee Cause Update - February 2016
Friends of the Earth’s Great British Bee Count will take place between 19 May - 30 June 2016. If you'd like to take part then please sign up for more information.
David sent his apologies as he couldn't attend the February meeting, but he let us know by email that Friends of the Earth are thinking about a national day of action to coincide with the Great British Bee Count. David also mentioned that we could get involved with sowing seeds at a bee meadow with Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust. The group decided that we can’t take on any more big campaigns but if they involved very little effort, such as a few hours work on a weekend, then it would be possible.
Actions:
David sent his apologies as he couldn't attend the February meeting, but he let us know by email that Friends of the Earth are thinking about a national day of action to coincide with the Great British Bee Count. David also mentioned that we could get involved with sowing seeds at a bee meadow with Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust. The group decided that we can’t take on any more big campaigns but if they involved very little effort, such as a few hours work on a weekend, then it would be possible.
Actions:
- David to follow this us with Friends of the Earth and the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust.
Monday, 16 November 2015
Smithy Wood Update - November 2015
The application to grant Smithy Wood a Village Green Status has failed so the fight goes on.
David has put in an objection which will be put forward to the council on the 17th January 2016. Some of the key point are:
David is to see his MP regarding this issue. It was suggested that if we all contact our own councillors with the presentation and information from David then they will go to the meeting with the information needed to make a good decision as at the moment only lobbying from the applicants has been put forward and their information.
There are lots of signatures on the petition put forward by SRWT, Woodland Trust, Campaign for Rural England and CRAG. David did a presentation at Ecclesfield which was well received. David is trying to coordinate all the opposition groups.
David has put in an objection which will be put forward to the council on the 17th January 2016. Some of the key point are:
- The National Policy Planning Framework stated that they have to show there is a need and just because they see a gap between service stations does not necessarily mean that there is a need.
- They say that they are creating lots of new jobs but this is contested. Jobs will be lost at other service stations and hotels.
- By having a new hotel and retail park will actually increase traffic so will cause more of a problem not lessen it.
- It will increase the value of Smithy Wood from nominal to millions overnight. This will be good news for the off shore company based in Jersey and linked to Chicago, but will they syphon off all the profits from the UK as Jersey is a tax haven?
David is to see his MP regarding this issue. It was suggested that if we all contact our own councillors with the presentation and information from David then they will go to the meeting with the information needed to make a good decision as at the moment only lobbying from the applicants has been put forward and their information.
There are lots of signatures on the petition put forward by SRWT, Woodland Trust, Campaign for Rural England and CRAG. David did a presentation at Ecclesfield which was well received. David is trying to coordinate all the opposition groups.
Monday, 19 October 2015
Smith Wood Campaign Update - October 2015
David has been busy working on the Smithy Wood campaign to stop a motorway service station being built on ancient woodland. He is focusing on the fact there is no real need for the service station. He has spoken at recent public meetings and is busy writing letters to the planning department and the University of Sheffield regarding this development.
Monday, 21 September 2015
Habitats & Wildlife Campaign Update - September 2015
Bees
David is trying to arrange a few sessions where we can support a bee meadow in Sheffield by joining forces with the Woodland Trust. It's unlikely that anything will happen until next year.
Smithy Wood
Eleanor Ridge, planning officer from Sheffield City Council, has refused to meet us to discuss Smithy Wood. David is in discussions with other groups on how best to progress this matter.
David is trying to arrange a few sessions where we can support a bee meadow in Sheffield by joining forces with the Woodland Trust. It's unlikely that anything will happen until next year.
Smithy Wood
Eleanor Ridge, planning officer from Sheffield City Council, has refused to meet us to discuss Smithy Wood. David is in discussions with other groups on how best to progress this matter.
Monday, 17 August 2015
Habitats Update - August 2015
Smithy Wood
20th October is the deadline for the planning application to build a motorway service station on the ancient Smithy Wood. David is to write to Department of Environment's Leeds office asking why the Environment Secretary gave no objection for the planning regulations. These are ancient woodlands and cannot just be dug up for a service station and we cannot be placated by the promise of more trees being planted elsewhere. Cowley has asked that it be given Village Green Status but this has not been accepted yet. There are links to a shell company in Jersey which has not been made public but needs to be highlighted to the press and politicians (in case there are any links or clash of interest). David is to contact Angela Smith MP and Penistone and Stocksbridge FoE to see if they have been in contact. Could we ask for a FOI to ask what meetings have taken place with the Environment Agency?
20th October is the deadline for the planning application to build a motorway service station on the ancient Smithy Wood. David is to write to Department of Environment's Leeds office asking why the Environment Secretary gave no objection for the planning regulations. These are ancient woodlands and cannot just be dug up for a service station and we cannot be placated by the promise of more trees being planted elsewhere. Cowley has asked that it be given Village Green Status but this has not been accepted yet. There are links to a shell company in Jersey which has not been made public but needs to be highlighted to the press and politicians (in case there are any links or clash of interest). David is to contact Angela Smith MP and Penistone and Stocksbridge FoE to see if they have been in contact. Could we ask for a FOI to ask what meetings have taken place with the Environment Agency?
Monday, 15 June 2015
Wildlife & Habitats Campaign Update - June 2015
Smithy Wood
David reported that they have submitted the application for Village Green status but there is no date for the hearing yet.
Trees on Rustlings Road
We only got this at the last minute as the locals did not know of it until late in the day. Beatrice sent round a petition to the council for all to sign and pass around. A letter has gone to the council from us as a group. Other reports suggest that there are other alternatives to cutting down these trees and re planting. We have to be reactive to these problems as sometimes there is very little time.
https://www.change.org/p/david-wain-sheffield-city-council-streetsahead-sheffield-gov-uk-save-the-12-trees-on-rustlings-road-sheffield
David reported that they have submitted the application for Village Green status but there is no date for the hearing yet.
Trees on Rustlings Road
We only got this at the last minute as the locals did not know of it until late in the day. Beatrice sent round a petition to the council for all to sign and pass around. A letter has gone to the council from us as a group. Other reports suggest that there are other alternatives to cutting down these trees and re planting. We have to be reactive to these problems as sometimes there is very little time.
https://www.change.org/p/david-wain-sheffield-city-council-streetsahead-sheffield-gov-uk-save-the-12-trees-on-rustlings-road-sheffield
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