Would you like to find out how you can help tackle the climate emergency at a local level?

Then why not pop along to meet Totnes’ new climate champions who are in the process of forming a Climate Change Response Centre in the town.

As part of the UK-wide Great Big Green Week, the group are setting up a stand outside The Mansion in Fore Street on Friday September 24 between 10am and 3pm to tell residents all about the project.

Locals are invited to get their thinking caps on too and help come up with a name for the new centre.

Volunteer climate champion, Gavin Milne, said: "We are having a stand on market Friday for people to come along to connect with us, hear more about the project, and say what they would like to see there. 

"It’s about community and relationships, and that part can start now.

"We want the centre can be inclusive and supportive to as many people as possible, so we ’d like to hear from you and what you think it should be like - we want it to speak to you."

Gavin added: "We’re also inviting suggestions for the centre’s name, so you never know - so long as it’s not ’Boaty McBoatface’ - your suggestion may be chosen!"

The town’s climate champions were borne from a Transition Town Totnes meeting which was held after Totnes Town Council declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency in 2018.

From that meeting several people signed up to become local climate champions, and launched a Crowdfunder to raise £16,000 towards setting up a dedicated climate change centre in the heart of town.

The Crowdfunder has now gone live and already raised more than £13,000.

Rewards for those who make a donation have come flooding in from local businesses, groups and individuals including a permaculture course, wild-swimming sauna experience on Dartmoor, Bowen therapy treatment, Thai massage, an overnight stay at Totnes Living Lightly Eco B&B, Riverford Organic and China Blue vouchers, plus a 12kg bag of Dartington Mill flour.

To make a donation visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/climate-change-response-centre