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If you are interested in being part of Transition Town Swindon please contact transition@swindonclimate.org.uk
Swindon - Transition Town?
Here in Swindon (and almost everywhere else for that matter) we are critically dependent upon a reliable supply of fuel in order to maintain our lifestyles, yet there is increasing concern that the rising price of all forms of energy is just the start of what may become a very major change to the way we all live.
In the last few years, many towns and cities in the UK and beyond have started to address the issues and to develop ideas about creating more sustainable and locally-based economies that are much less dependent on cheap oil. These are the so-called 'Transition Towns' that are working towards making the transition from a high-carbon, energy intensive economy, to a lower carbon, sustainable, locally-centred economy. Cities such as Bristol and Bath have joined smaller and more rural communities such as Stroud and the Forest of Dean to become a part of the 'Transition Network' in response to the twin issues of diminishing oil supplies and the threat of climate change.
Swindon Climate Action Network was very fortunate to be able to host a talk by Ben Brangwyn, co-founder of the Transition Network entitled "Transition Towns - how Swindon can adapt to a low carbon future".
Transition Towns are community-led initiatives that are responding to the threat of climate change and diminishing oil supplies. This is being achieved by reducing dependence on oil by building a strong local economy, based around a dependable and abundant local food system, resiliant local healthcare and above all, learning the skills to manage an orderly reduction in fossil fuel use.
The idea behind the Transition Towns initiative is to address the threats of climate change and peak oil by building a more locally-based economy. This means that more food would be grown locally and more services would be available in Swindon rather than being transported in from outside. Some groups are already attempting to address some of the issues, such as local farmer's markets and the LETS local trading group. Energy demand is starting to be met by local production at the Westmill Windfarm and there are long-standing proposals for locally-grown wood energy at Roves Farm. The new library and the National Trust's Heelis building shows how new developments can improve Swindon's sustainability without costing jobs.
However, much more needs to be done and SCAN would like to bring together anyone interested in developing ideas to help Swindon become less dependent on increasingly-expensive energy.