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, can provide low-cost renewable energy for households in North Craven. We have made the Plan a reality by setting up Settle 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. We are currently working in partnership with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and the RSPB to increase the number of suitable long-lasting nests and enhancing feeding sites, for swifts, house martins, starlings and house sparrows under the Homes for Dales Birds project.
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 met with officers of North Yorkshire Council to contribute to the Local Transport Plan – we were encouraged by the wide ranging ideas contained. We have also contributed to the forthcoming York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s integrated transport plan.
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 and with the combined authority of York and North Yorkshire to discuss and influence policy as part of North Yorkshire Climate Coalition.
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.