ACE Settle & Area was set up by local people in 2019. ACE is non-profit making and run entirely by volunteers. We work with local authorities, residents and organisations to find practical solutions to the climate crisis.
We focus on four areas:
Energy
Our Local Area Energy Plan, produced through consultation with local communities and energy suppliers, could provide low-cost renewable energy for households in North Craven. We are now making the Plan a reality by setting up an Energy Local Club. We campaign for well-insulated homes that are cooler in summer, warmer in winter – which means lower bills for local people.
Food
We campaign to reduce food waste, encouraging grow-your-own and buying local food. We support making locally produced food more affordable, using taxes and subsidies to rebalance prices in ways which are fairer to both farmers and consumers. We helped Settle to become an accredited Fairtrade Community in June 2023, and are supporting a local Plastic Free Community initiative.
Biodiversity
The more biodiverse an area is, the more healthy it is for people, animals and plants. Restoring habitats and letting nature thrive again will help protect us against some of the worst effects of climate change. We are planting trees and helping to restore habitats at Kelcow Woods, and with the River Ribble Trust, the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and the RSPB.
Transport
We want to see properly networked, sustainable transport in North Craven, which would benefit everyone – local residents, visitors, and the environment. 741 local households took part in our 2021 Transport Survey, which was presented to Settle Town Council. The cycle stands and signage in Ashfield car park are one result. We have recently met with officers of North Yorkshire Council responsible for the draft Local Transport Plan and await the final version – we were encouraged by the wide ranging ideas being considered.
We work with local community groups & organisations
Including Settle Community & Business Hub, Settle Primary School, Yorkshire Festival of Story, Settle Methodist Church, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, Clapham Sustainability Group, River Ribble Trust, and Yorkshire Peat Partnership.
We work with local government
ACE is a member of Settle Town Council’s Climate and Biodiversity subgroup, and provides feedback on local planning applications. ACE meets with North Yorkshire Council to discuss and influence policy as part of North Yorkshire Climate Coalition. The Coalition is currently meeting candidates standing for a mayor to lead the new combined authority of York and North Yorkshire – to influence their climate action plans. Elections for the mayor take place on Thursday 2nd May. We will carry out a similar exercise for the general election later this year.
We organise events, displays and talks
ACE organises monthly Green Cafes and gives talks to local groups including Settle Rotary Club, Horton Mothers Union, and Cononley Cleaner Greener Group.