Welcome to the Annual Reports section of Sustainable Bourne Valley (SBV). Here, you can explore the milestones, achievements, and community-driven projects that have shaped our journey toward protecting the environment and promoting sustainable living in the Bourne Valley.
2023 Annual Report
Message from the Chair
Katie Dixon, Chair of SBV, reflects on a year of community engagement and environmental achievements. Here’s what we accomplished together:
- New Faces in the Group:
- Welcome to Trish Hamlen, the new representative of SMB School.
- Charlotte and Adam Rimmer brought their expertise in wildlife and composting, with Adam showcasing a working composter model at the Activity Day.
- Lesley Sarson joined to enhance our website and Facebook communications.
- Activity Highlights:
- Activity Day (17 September): 100 attendees explored energy audits, insulation, composting, fabric recycling, plant swaps, and sustainable packaging alternatives.
- Repair Café: With new signage to increase visibility, this popular event continued monthly, thanks to Andy, Leigh, and Nik’s efforts.
- Toad Patrol: 631 toads saved across 26 patrol days with 61 volunteer hours. A heartfelt thank-you to our volunteers.
- Hirst Meadow: Caroline Hoyes led efforts to weed, plant wildflowers, and attract more wildlife.
- Notable Projects:
- Updated A-Z Recycling Guide (thank you, Caroline).
- Promotion of the Thermal Camera for home energy audits.
Read the full Chair’s Report here.
2021 Annual Report
Chair’s Reflections
Katie Dixon highlights the resilience and innovation of the SBV team despite challenges like Covid-19.
- New Additions:
- Sam Baxter (SMB Primary School representative) and Rose Plincke joined the team, bringing fresh perspectives.
- Recognizing the need for a social media enthusiast to amplify SBV’s voice.
- Hirst Meadow:
- Lessons learned from timing issues and volunteer restrictions.
- Progress included blooming wildflowers and plans for an eco-friendly sign with QR codes to share project details.
- Key Projects:
- Toad Patrol: 647 toads, 24 frogs, and 7 newts saved during a challenging spring.
- Cosy Homes Project: A Thermal Imaging Camera is available for identifying cold spots in homes.
- Repair Café Returns:
- Resumed monthly gatherings at The George, combining repairs with community bonding.
Discover more about our 2021 journey here.
2019/2020 Annual Report
A Year of Beginnings and Growth
Charlotte Reid, founding Chair of SBV, recounts the group’s establishment and early achievements.
- Key Milestones:
- Creation of SBV’s identity, including a logo, website, and active Facebook page reaching 1,500 monthly viewers.
- Launch of the Hirst Meadow Project to transform unused land into a wildlife haven.
- Community Events:
- Art Exhibition on environmental themes, raising £168.
- Big Breakfast promoting local, sustainable food.
- Impactful Initiatives:
- Registered a Toad Crossing site, saving 93 toads and 12 frogs during Storm Dennis.
- Engaged SMB Primary School children in tree planting and learning about wildlife.
- Looking Ahead:
- Fundraising for tools, plants, and eco-friendly signage.
- Continued focus on environmental education and hands-on conservation.
Dive deeper into our first-year achievements here.