Our aim, to report positive environmental news and to inform Teesdale members about ways they can contribute to nature recovery, continues unabated. This month we began to gather information about local recycling facilities, to supplement the advice provided on the Durham CC website. If you have any tips to add, e.g. locations where unwanted electrical goods can be repaired or sustainably recycled, please write to <forumeditor@teesdaleu3a.org.uk>
Public consultation leaflets describing preliminary proposals for the Hope Moor wind farm project produced a variety of responses from the group. Hope Moor is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and the final decision on whether to grant consent will be made by the Energy Security and Net Zero Minister. The leaflet explains that "Hope Moor is currently in the pre-application stage, where we are carrying out early environmental and technical studies" ... before the submission stage (mid-2027). People who want to be involved will then be able to register with an independent Examining Authority that will assess and scrutinise the proposals.
Good News - Golden Eagles, hunted to extinction in the 19th century, will be reintroduced to northern England in 2027 as the result of a Species Recovery project supported by Defra and Forestry England.
The next series of UK banknotes will feature native wildlife features rather than historical figures - vote for your favourites before 3rd July - www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes
A new law in Scotland means that all new houses must incorporate hollow 'swift bricks' to encourage the birds to nest in their tiny cavities.
The European Earth Prize 2026 has been won by a young Irish student for her plant-based plastic that releases enzymes to break down microplastics in the environment. The prize will enable her to develop new forms of biodegradable plastic packaging.
A conference of 57 countries in Columbia in April, convened with The Netherlands, discussed practical ways to transition away from fossil fuels. Major polluters were not invited. They will report to COP31 in Turkey in November 2026.
One final note (Not Good News) for those of you who may be concerned that your bank is using your money to fund fossil fuel investments. Fossil fuel lending in 2025, up $64bn or nearly 8% on 2024, indicates that the world’s largest 65 banks are making decisions incompatible with international agreements to restrict carbon emissions. Barclays, at No.8, was the highest placed British bank on the list.
Report by Kate Bailey