Bradford on Avon and Environs

There are EV charging stations at Bradford on Avon railway station and the Town Council have wanted to increase the amount available. Unfortunately, parking spaces near a power source is limited. However, in 2020 a site was found and two double EV chargers were successfully installed at the Youth Centre.

As a benefice of four churches (Christ Church, Bradford on Avon; St. Peter’s, Monkton Farleigh, St. James, South Wraxall and St. Nicholas, Winsley) we are committed to creation care and are actively engaging with the A Rocha UK Eco-church project.

Bradford on Avon Town Council has a strong commitment to Fair Trade and Bradford on Avon has been a Fair Trade town for over 20 years. We have ties to a tea farm in Kenya. Global climate justice and the opportunity to consider the ethics and sustainability of the impact of foods we depend upon is important.

We manage a variety of green spaces from open parks to ancient woodland. Every space is managed to reduce its climate and ecological impact – whether that’s using non-peat compost or avoiding using pesticides where possible.

We have been working with Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) to carry out community testing of the river water.

Bradford on Avon Town Council commissioned a lighting strategy in 2022 to map out dark and green corridors for wildlife, particularly bats and other increasingly scarce nocturnal life, including hedgehogs and owls and also to help minimise light pollution. This document can help inform future planning and best practice for outdoor lights.

Our living green wall was installed in 2022 and was paid in part by donations and also by Bradford on Avon Town Council. It is very beautiful and has attracted birds, bees and butterflies to its seasonal changing flora. It significantly cooled the stone/rendered wall during the heat wave improving resilience, and plays a part in cleaning the air pollution caused by the constant traffic. 

Bradford on Avon Town Council have taken on decommissioned phone boxes to renovate and re purpose as community-led eco and information stations.

Bradford on Avon Town Council have plans to plant 3,500 trees around the town.

A farm cluster is a group of nearby farmers and landowners who collaborate, share knowledge and resources, and coordinate projects to improve farm efficiency and support nature recovery. This new group which formed earlier this year seeks new farmer and market gardener members from across the area indicated below (in light blue).

We are working in association with Nature Chain and Nature Chain Winsley to create links of biodiversity in our gardens in Bradford on Avon.

We are a growing group of local councils and nature groups, representing communities along the Bristol River Avon and its tributaries.

Nature Chain aims to increase wildlife corridors and biodiversity in Winsley and surrounding villages by sharing knowledge and practical advice. This Community venture encourages people to designate part (ideally 20 %) of their garden/ green patch/ flowerpots/ allotment to wildlife needs. These needs are a healthy environment with water, food, shelter/cover and a place to raise young. This could be via flowers attractive to pollinators; sheltering shrubs and hedges; bug and bee hotels; bird feeders and baths; mini-meadows; compost heaps or ponds – thus creating a mosaic of linked habitats. Such an approach not only benefits declining wildlife populations (hedgehog, insect pollinators, song thrush, greenfinch, house sparrow) but also links people by creating new friendships and mutual assistance, swapping plants and edible produce. All Events are free, without membership and open to all. Donations are invited to help cover costs. Indoor Winter Events take place in St. Nicholas Church. Outdoor Events are guided walks and tours of local wildlife gardens, led by local enthusiasts.

Earlier this year, Winsley Parish Council endorsed Winsley to become a partner with Wessex Water in their Watermark Community scheme. In doing so, we join a network of concerned and responsible communities across the region wanting to practice water conservation by reducing our demands for water as a way of mitigating the effects of global warming.