Increasing Minehead’s Resilience
In June 2024, we partnered with Somerset Wildlife Trust to create a community-driven Climate Adaptation Plan, which looks at ways we can improve Minehead’s resilience in the face of a changing climate! Four key areas were highlighted by the community.
Improving and increasing
green spaces
Adapting to
flooding
Encouraging community-driven climate action
Promoting sustainable
development
How the Climate Adaptation Plan Was Created
Community involvement was critical in developing the Climate Adaptation Plan. Partnering with Somerset Wildlife Trust, we hosted workshops, drop-in sessions, and an online survey, ensuring everyone had the opportunity to share their views.
Initial Workshop
On 20 June 2024, we held a free workshop at Minehead Community Centre, asking residents, “How can we help Minehead adapt to climate change?”
Online Survey
We used feedback from the initial workshop to create a draft plan. We then launched an online survey, inviting community members to give feedback, which would refine and shape the final version.
In-Person Events
To maximise involvement, we attended events like the Minehead Climate Fayre hosted by West Somerset Green Forum. Somerset Wildlife Trust also discussed the draft plan with residents at the Minehead Bay Festival.
Launch of the Plan
After six months of consultation, Minehead’s Climate Adaptation Plan launched on 18 January 2025, attended by over 40 people, including MP Rachel Gilmour. This is just the beginning—stay tuned for updates!
Why Does Minehead Need a Climate Adaptation Plan?
The impacts of the climate emergency are already unfolding. Sea levels are rising and flooding, extreme heat, droughts, and wildfires are all likely to happen more often in Somerset. Thankfully, there are lots of ways that communities can act together to be better prepared for the changes and build a positive future where people and nature can thrive. Climate change is already impacting Minehead, and there is an urgent need to adapt.
What’s Next? How Can You Get Involved?
This plan shares the community’s priority actions for helping Minehead thrive through our changing climate. Some actions can happen quickly, like planting trees, to give an instant adaptation boost. Other actions, such as shaping planning policies, are longer-term projects that will significantly enhance Minehead’s adaptation and preparedness in the future.
We are actively looking for ways to take forward the actions outlined in the plan, but we can’t do it alone! If you or your community group would like to be involved in the Climate Adaptation Plan, we are happy to support you! Get in touch with our team today to discuss.
A Year on From the Launch of the Climate Adaptation Plan
We’ve been very busy since the launch of the Minehead Climate Adaptation Plan in January 2025. You can find some of the key achievements below:
Launched a Green Action Group
In November 2025, the very first meeting of the newly-formed Green Action Group was held in Minehead. The action group includes passionate individuals, local authority representatives and community groups who want to make a difference and contribute to positive change in West Somerset. The group meets every 2 months. Contact us if you’d like to know more!
Part-funded a New Community Garden
We received £1000 of seed funding from Somerset Wildlife Trust to fund community-led nature projects in Minehead. The funding was awarded to the Little Fishes Toddler Group who are creating a brand-new community garden at the Methodist Church. The funding was used to purchase two benches and a variety of plants for the garden.
Minehead Bay Festival Nature Area
The Minehead Bay Festival is a much-loved community event bringing art, culture and music to Minehead’s seafront. In 2025, we added a brand-new area to the festival, which aimed to engage the public with local wildlife and included activities such as seashore safaris and Pine Marten picnics, run by the Somerset Wildlife Trust, Field Studies Council, and Field of Dreams.
Commissioned a Seed Library
Launched on Saturday, 20th June 2026 in the Friendship Garden at Minehead Methodist Church, our brand new community seed library is open for business, and it needs YOU to help it grow! Whether you’re a seasoned grower or a total first-timer with freshly green fingers, come along, browse the library, and get involved. Bring your spare seeds and seedlings for a swap. Your surplus could be someone else’s garden transformation!
Just the Beginning
This is just the beginning! If you’d like to learn more about our climate adaptation and nature-based work, please get in touch!