SMALL ACTIONS, BIG IMPACT

The climate crisis can feel huge — but you don’t need superpowers to make a difference. Here in Banwell, hundreds of residents taking small, simple steps are already creating a greener, healthier, more resilient community.

I’m Amy, your Nature and Biodiversity Officer, and I’ve picked my favourite easy, hopeful, and realistic actions you can start today at home, in the garden or out and about. Pick one and begin — that’s all it takes to start making a difference.

 

 

Switch Off Outdoor Lights When You Don’t Need Them
Helps wildlife. Saves energy. Saves you pennies too!
Banwell’s protected bats rely on our dark corridors — this one change makes a huge difference. I do this every evening and love watching the bats swoop around the trees near my garden.

Choose LED Bulbs
Swap old bulbs for LEDs when replacing them. They save energy, cut bills, and last much longer.

Turn Off Appliances
Don’t leave devices on standby — it really adds up! I’ve noticed a difference in my energy bills just by remembering this small step and for the hard to reach plugs I have brought timers or Bluetooth plugs.

Wash Clothes at 30°C
A simple change that reduces energy use without affecting washing results. I do this for all my normal loads, and all my washing comes just as it did before.

Keep Curtains Closed at Dusk
Helps retain heat in your home during colder months. I brought some thermal curtains too and the difference, especially on chilly evenings.

Use Your Recycling and Food Waste Bins Fully
It’s amazing how many things can be recycled with just a quick check before they go in the bin. If you’re ever unsure, the North Somerset App is brilliant — just type the item in and it tells you what to do. I use it all the time and it’s a real lifesaver.

Plant One Wildlife-Friendly Plant
Just one: lavender, hawthorn, dog rose, ox-eye daisy, or a rosemary bush.
Even a pot on a windowsill helps pollinators. I have loads of ox-eye daisies in my garden — if anyone would like some, just ask!

Get untidy
Leave a tiny area “wild” — longer grass, a log pile, or wildflowers.
It becomes a refuge for bees, beetles, frogs, hedgehogs and birds. And it’s amazing how quickly nature can recover when we give it even the smallest space. I love stepping outside and spotting little wildlife moments in my garden — it’s such a simple joy.

Plant native
 If you choose native plants, you can be confident they’ll support a huge range of local wildlife — and as a bonus, they cope better with dry spells, heavy rain, cold snaps, and our local soil. That’s ideal for me, as my garden often must fend for itself!

Add a hedgehog highway
A small 13cm x 13cm hole in the fence is all it takes to create a hedgehog highway. Have a quick word with your neighbours and make sure hedgehogs can get in and out of both gardens — they rely on connected spaces to survive.

Avoid Cutting hedges or removing Ivy March–August
This protects nesting birds and insects.

Collect rainwater
A water butt is such an easy win — free water for your plants and a real help during dry spells. With no outside tap at home, mine have become absolute game changers.

Walk or Cycle Short Trips Whenever You Can
Short journeys, if you can walk or cycle in less than 30 mins ask yourself why not?! These are perfect chances to leave the car at home. It cuts emissions, reduces traffic, and boosts wellbeing. And you never know who you’ll meet — a smile or a cheerful “good morning” is a small everyday joy, and Banwell is lucky to still have that sense of neighbourliness.

Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Keep some carrier bags in your car or handbag. The impact really adds up over time. Plus, you’ll save pennies as you won’t find yourself having to buy yet another bag at the till! I keep a few extras in the boot just in case I forget — they’ve saved me more than once.

Support Local Businesses  
Buying close to home reduces transport emissions and keeps Banwell thriving. Also, I try and do my food shopping on my way back from other things to avoid additional journeys #BuyInBanwell

Sharing
Borrow tools, swap books and puzzles, share seedlings or cuttings. Sharing keeps waste down and strengthens community ties. If you haven’t already, try the Crop Swap at St Andrews church in the growing season, or visit the Youth & Community Centre’s book and puzzle swap on a Tuesday or Thursday — they’re lovely ways to connect and pass things on. I always come away inspired by what others are sharing.

 

Start Small, Make a Difference

I challenge you to pick one action today. Every effort adds up, and together we make Banwell a greener, wilder, and happier place to live.