TEN HASLEMERE groups have come together to take action on the climate and biodiversity crisis.

The Haslemere Climate Collective is an informal network of local organisations taking action.

The organisations share ideas on best practice to reduce their carbon footprint.

Transition Haslemere, Love Haslemere Hate Waste, the Repair Cafe, COPSE, Active Travel in Haslemere, Haslemere Biodiversity Group, St Stephen’s Church in Shottermill, 3 Counties Vineyard, Haslemere Fringe Festival and the Rotary Club of Haslemere are all part of the informal network.

The network also works with local schools to highlight the urgency of the climate crisis.

Transition Haslemere chairman Clive Davidson said: “All the groups work together and share ideas.

“We all have clear and demonstrable plans and actions.

“For example, we’ve been working with the team at the Haslemere Fringe Festival to help them reduce their carbon footprint and become an eco-friendly festival and be carbon neutral by 2026.

“We have also helped draw up an environmental charter for the fringe festival.

“We are also working with local schools and supporting them.

“We have also approached other groups in the town, such as the Chamber of Trade and Commerce, to see if they are interested in working with us to tackle the climate crisis.”

Clive says everyone has a role to play to help reduce the effects of climate change – no matter how small that role may seem.

“Everybody can do something towards helping with the climate and biodiversity crisis we face,” said Clive.

“There are a wide number of options for how people can get involved with the Haslemere Climate Collective.

“Whether they be a churchgoer, a business person or have a keen interest in wildlife – there are options for people with a wide range of interests.

“Everyone can do something and can do their own bit.

“As individuals and a community we must take personal responsibility and contribute where we can.”

Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener was published by the Government in October.

The net zero strategy states that the Government wants half of all journeys in towns and cities to be cycled or walked by 2030.

Active Travel in Haslemere, which is supported by Transition Haslemere, is actively campaigning to increase cycling provision in the town.

“The Haslemere Active Travel Group was keen to do more and people we talked to said they would support positive action,” said Clive.

“We have handed fliers out and held an event to demonstrate support for safe cycling in Haslemere – and 70 people turned up.

“We rode from one side of town to the main part of the town and prepared a questionnaire to ask people what they would like to see so they could give us their suggestions.”