WHAT MIGHT YOU DO? Happy New Year to our friends and neighbours of the Chardstock Parish and beyond! As we say goodbye to 2025, we hope 2026 brings you renewed energy and optimism. If you're planning small lifestyle changes for the new year, we offer up a few eco-friendly swaps – even one or two can make a meaningful difference and set you on a more sustainable path.

Waste & Consumption

Say No to Single-Use Plastic

• Carrying reusable bags, bottles, and cups is an easy way to cut waste. Chardstock Eco

Group is a community ally of Plastic Free Axminster, with our plant-pot recycling scheme

at the Village Hall contributing to that effort.

Reduce Food Waste

• By planning meals, freezing leftovers, and composting food scraps – creating wonderful

peat-free compost – you can significantly cut down food waste.

Shop Smart

• Buy loose, buy less and choose local whenever possible, and support sustainably minded

businesses.

Embrace Second-hand

• Buying pre-loved clothing and goods saves money and resources, and donating items also

keeps them in circulation. We give special mention to No Toy Left Behind, this Axminster

based organisation rehomes unwanted toys and games—well worth looking up.

Swap Out Disposables

• Consider reusable makeup pads, cloth napkins, and refillable cleaning or toiletry products.

Rethink Soap & Loo Rolls

• Traditional bar soap is making a comeback and avoids plastic bottles entirely. When it

comes to toilet roll, some companies use recycled paper or bamboo—one even donates half

its profits to improving sanitation in developing countries. Get in touch with us if you’d like

to know more.

Energy

Save Energy at Home

• Small actions add up: turn off lights, unplug chargers, switch to LED bulbs,

and try lowering your thermostat by just 1°C.

Thinking About Switching Energy Provider?

• Many suppliers now offer competitive green tariffs. Switching to

renewable energy is simpler than ever.

Live in the Blackdown Hills?

• Your parish council can arrange a visit using the community thermal imaging

camera to check if your home is losing heat, and they can even advise on

easy and cost-effective changes.

Diet & Lifestyle

Consider Eating More Plants

• Reducing meat consumption—adopting “Meatless Mondays”—can benefit both

health and the environment. Local farmers at our Over the Farm Gate event

encouraged residents to buy directly from them. If you’re cutting back on meat,

consider using savings made to support local producers. Wild venison is available

from local farmers and offers a very healthy meat source.

Choose Sustainable Materials

• Opt for items with minimal packaging or those made from bamboo, glass, or metal.

Conserve Water

• Shorter showers and full washing-machine loads are quick wins. South West Water

provides water saving devices to help you, ‘hippo bags’ and leak detectors for

toilets, and water reducing shower heads are all offered free of charge!

Our next presentation

We look forward to welcoming you on Tuesday 13 January at 7pm for a presentation by the Axewoods

Co-operative. Axewoods helps woodland owners and gardeners by removing unwanted trees at no cost, then

seasoning and distributing the wood to people experiencing fuel poverty, via referrals from local agencies. All

presentations are free, with revenue from raffle tickets sales and donations covering our costs.

Get Involved

Learn Something New

• Chardstock Eco Group hosts free presentations on the second Tuesday of each

month, covering topics such as wildlife and the impacts of climate change. Talks are

free, as are the refreshments! Our 2026 programme has plenty of variety, so keep

an eye out for topics that interest you.

Join a Trip

• Later this year we’ll be visiting the Waste-to-Energy site in Exeter, where you can

see exactly what happens to the contents of your black bin.

Take Part in Citizen Science

• In partnership with the Devon Mammal Group, we’ll soon be hosting a barn owl pellet

dissection workshop. It’s a fascinating hands-on activity that helps identify harvest

mouse populations—a species currently in decline—and contributes to local

conservation efforts.

BLOOMING MARVELLOUS! We are thrilled to report that Chardstock Eco Group (CEG) managed to secure a £300 grant from Community Action Groups Devon. This went towards the purchase of spring bulbs for a planting scheme in our beautiful church grounds. CEG topped this up from their funds by a further £200 to enable the purchasing of 1500 native spring bulbs.

The money was allocated very ‘eleventh hour’ and came in after the deadline for the

November newsletter, but despite this, 23 people responded to our direct email request

for support. We wish to extend a huge thank you to everyone who joined us at St Andrew’s

Church on November 1st, arriving armed with both enthusiasm and hand tools all ready to

get stuck in. It was inspiring to see so many people come together to support the

biodiversity of our parish. We allowed for a four-hour planting window, but due to the

tremendous efforts of everyone present, we had 90% of the bulbs in the ground by the

time of our first coffee and cake break, just one hour after starting!

Thanks to their engagement, the bulbs planted won’t just brighten the

churchyard, they’ll also provide an early feast for bees and other

pollinators, giving our local wildlife a vital early boost. We now have

Bluebells, Crocuses, Fritillaries, Snowdrops and Tenby Daffodils all

tucked in. These 1500 bulbs are hiding away all ready to bring a glorious

palate of colour and food come the spring. As a result, St Andrew’s

churchyard is going to be an even more beautiful and welcoming

environment for both people and nature long into the future.

It was lovely to welcome members of our Parish Council, the Parochial

Church Council, the Church Grounds Team and supporters and steering team

members of Chardstock Eco Group. Seeing everyone working alongside each

other was simply wonderful. We are also grateful to those folk who came from

beyond our parish boundaries travelling from Axminster, Chard and Membury

and to Chardstock Gardening Club too, for extending our invitation to their

members.

We would like to offer an extra special thank you to Fi Conway, who worked tirelessly in the planning, coordination

and delivery of this event. Fi managed it with military precision, working alongside the church grounds team to

establish the best positioning of the bulbs, and in ensuring everything ran as smoothly as possible on the day.

We have planted additional bulbs at the other end of the village too, by

giving our Community Hall planters a seasonal update. These planters now

have a variety of bulbs hidden away under the hardier cyclamens, violas,

ivy and pulmonaria, all adorning the boxes! Also, a further 200+ bulbs have

been nestled in at our school too, where an 18 strong team of willing 9–11-

year-olds volunteered during their lunch hour to get them in the soil.

We think that it is all ‘blooming marvellous’, and that by working collaboratively

in this way, all ages in our community DID A GOOD THING! We look forward

to delivering similar ‘greening’ community events in the future, with the express

aim of improving the biodiversity of our parish. If you would like to join us at

our next community event, simply let us know at chardstockecogroup@gmail.com

and we will add you name to our list of willing volunteers.

Lichens: Hidden Wonders of Nature's Tapestry. As we explore the UK’s landscapes, it’s easy to overlook one of nature’s quietest marvels: LICHENS. Found pretty well in every environment on earth, and in every climate and on every surface, from rocks,

trees, leaves, even directly on the soil, lichens are more than just curious growths — lichens are vital

indicators of ecological health, especially in rare habitats like Dartmoor’s temperate rainforest.

How Do Lichens Grow?

Without roots or stems, lichens absorb moisture and nutrients directly from rain and air, making them

highly sensitive to pollution. The presence of some species are great indicators of clean air and a

healthy ecosystem. Lichens propagate by two main mechanisms: either by the breaking off fragments

– which are often in specialised structures and contain all the required partners – or alternatively by

the fungal partner producing fruiting bodies which eject spores into the air – with the recruitment of

a new partner – germinate to form a new individual. Lichens thrive in humid, damp conditions, such as

those found in the UK’s temperate rainforests.

Dartmoor’s Rainforest: A Lichen Paradise

In Dartmoor’s misty valleys, ancient oak woodlands provide the perfect setting for these unique

organisms. These rainforests — rich in mosses, liverworts, and especially lichens — are remnants of

post Ice Age forests that once covered much of western Britain.

The area’s clean air, mild temperatures, and constant humidity create ideal conditions for a stunning

diversity of lichens, many of which are nationally rare or threatened. Their sensitivity to environmental

change makes them natural indicators of woodland health.

One standout species is Lobaria pulmonaria (lungwort lichen), with its broad, leafy lobes and deep

green hue. It thrives on old oak trunks alongside other specialist species like Sticta, Nephroma,

and Usnea — all dependent on long-standing woodland continuity.

Lichens contribute significantly to the ecosystem by:

• Fixing nitrogen from the air

• Stabilising soil

• Providing habitat for insects

• Supporting wildlife — birds line nests with hair-like lichens, and mites, insects and beetles

feed on lichen fragments

What Are Lichens?

Lichens are not single organisms but rather a symbiotic partnership between at least one fungus and

one photosynthetic partner — usually a green alga or a cyanobacteria (or both!). The fungus provides

structure and protection, while the algae or cyanobacteria produce food through photosynthesis.

Together, they create a new lifeform capable of surviving in some of the planet’s harshest

environments.

Lichens grow very slowly — often just millimetres per year — and can live for decades or even

centuries. Their forms and colours vary widely, from the bright yellow Xanthoria to the silvery-

grey Usnea, appearing as crusty patches, leafy or bushy structures, or hair-like threads.

Why Lichens Matter

Lichens tell important ecological stories – about air quality, woodland age, and environmental change.

The continued presence of these rand and special species’, on Dartmoor, reflects the health of this

ancient habitat. But they are vulnerable. Air pollution, habitat loss, and climate change threaten their

survival. Many species have already disappeared from parts of the UK, particularly in urban and heavily

farmed areas. Protecting habitats like Dartmoor’s rainforest, reducing pollution, and encouraging

native woodland regeneration are crucial steps to safeguard lichens – slow-growing yet essential

contributors to our natural heritage.

So next time you’re in a woodland or near an old wall, look closer. Those seemingly unremarkable

patches may be lichens – small wonders with big stories!

‘A Lovely Look at Lichens’!

You don’t need to travel to Dartmoor to see amazing lichens — you can see some wonderful specimens

right on our doorstep! Chardstock Eco Group organised a morning trip to Dennings Down Farm – just

outside Smallridge – on Tuesday 28th October. This woodland wander and classroom session was led by

local lichen enthusiast Fred Gibson from Axminster, ably supported by fellow lichen enthusiast Sonia

Mistley. Fred and Sonia are part of the South West Lichen Group of the British Lichen Society, and Fred

recently helped provide lichen expertise to Devon Wildlife Trust’s ‘Saving Devon Treescapes’ citizen science

lichen project. Spaces were limited and proved to be in pretty high demand. Fred and Sonia generously

shared their vast knowledge and passion throughout the day. Their ability to bring the tiny, intricate world

of lichens to life was a highlight for us all. We are so grateful for the time and expertise they offered in

guiding us through this activity.

Dennings Down provided the perfect setting, its rolling landscape, thriving habitats, and the beautiful oak-

framed classroom offered a wonderful space to learn, connect, and reflect. Whilst the curiosity and

enthusiasm of the group made the day truly special. It was inspiring to see so many people come together

to explore the fascinating world of lichens and to contribute to a better understanding of the rich

biodiversity found there. It seemed everyone left with a deeper appreciation for lichens and for the

landscapes they inhabit.

Interested in joining us on similar events in the future? Keep an eye on your inbox for opportunities offered

by us, we are hopeful that our next event may be a barn owl pellet dissection workshop, so watch this

space!

Chardstock Eco Group – Caring for the place we live in. September 2025 Newsletter. Looking Ahead: What Environmental Themes Would You Like to See Over our Next Year? Our Wombling team continue to make a real difference on the ground. Their

regular litter picking has helped keep our lanes and hedges cleaner, with

volunteers braving the elements to remove everything from cigarette buts and

recycling lorry losses, to more unpleasant surprises like soiled nappies.

The Kit Brook volunteers continue to monitor the water quality of the Kit and

surrounding tributaries and undertake kick samples searching for the Riverfly that

help indicate the river’s health.

Thanks to the dedication of our green-fingered

watering team, our colourful planters outside the

Community Hall continue to provide a valuable stop

off point for pollinators as they cross the village,

whilst brightening up the hall entrance too.

And we continue to work with the school, where our

volunteers support environmental education via

weekly hands-on activities with the next generation.

Over the past 12 months we’ve built on our strong foundation of activities

connecting us with nature and with each other! Out and about, our trips have

found us – wandering a Beaver enclosure on Dartmoor, enjoying a tour of Seaton

Wetlands, and closer to home listening to the dawn chorus on Burridge Common.

Each trip has offered fascinating insights into the flora and fauna right here in

Devon.

Our third season of presentations kicked off on Tuesday 9th September when we found

out all about solar power and other renewable energy sources, this was well received

with much positive feedback afterwards.

We have covered a wide range of topics over the past two years, sparking some great

discussions. Our next presentation is entitled THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF MOTHS

so why not join us at 7pm on Tuesday 14th October Chardstock Community Hall EX13

7BJ to find out more. Look out for emails with more details about this in the coming

weeks. Whether it’s a first or return visit, we look forward to welcoming you.

So, as we plan for the year ahead, we’re keen to know what matters most to you. Would you like more hands-on

conservation activities? More educational talks? Should we explore themes like composting, a community garden,

biodiversity, or rewilding? Are there new locations you’d like to visit, or community projects you’d like to start?

Or maybe you’d like to help out by joining the steering team?!

We’d love to hear from you so do please send us your suggestions — no idea is too big or small. Together, we can

keep building a greener, more connected community where everyone has a role to play. Pop your ideas in an email

to us at chardstockecogroup@gmail.com or chat to one of the committee members at our next event.

Thank you for your continued support – together we can make next year even better!

As Chardstock Eco Group’s activities tie in with the commencement of the new school year, we are busy planning

another 12 months of engaging environmental activities and we’d love to hear from you. What themes might you like

us to explore next? Whether you're passionate about pollinators, fascinated by fungi, or eager to tackle climate action

on a local scale, your ideas can help shape a programme that’s engaging, educational, and impactful.