Transition Town Initiative Interests North Pembrokeshire

The display at Newport's Spring Bay Festival provided useful information on Transition Towns & Peak Oil.

The Mayor of Newport was very interested in finding out more.

by Vicky Moller

May 17, 2007

After the inspiring introduction of the transition town idea for West Wales, which took place in Lampeter this April with 450 people attending, the idea is beginning to grow legs in North Pembrokeshire.

Transition towns are a response to the twin threats of peak oil (the end of cheap energy) and climate change. The goal is to make the transition out of fossil fuels within distinct areas, using the creative genius of the inhabitants.

Transition towns Totnes in Devon and Kinsale in Ireland have demonstrated the popularity of this idea. There are many towns and areas considering or embarking on their transition already in the UK.

A display explaining the problem, Peak Oil, the Transition towns already paving the way, and the '12 steps' to help guide the process was put together by a Newport group and shown at the town's Spring Bay Festival.

Those interested in the potential and value of the idea included the mayor of Newport who felt it was the right thing to do, and heads of Pembrokeshire County Council who felt that it coincided with their goals of self interest for Pembrokeshire.

People in Fishguard, Moylegrove, Dinas, St. Dogmaels and St. Davids have all expressed interest in a transition initiative in their areas.

Pictured is Vicky Moller discussing some of the issues to one of the many visitors to their stand.

Following the 12 step principles NAEG (Newport Area Environment Group) will be writing to a wide range of local organisations to explore and develop interest in becoming a transition area.

The indications so far is that interest is not confined to Newport. People in Fishguard, Moylegrove, Dinas, St. Dogmaels and St. Davids have all expressed interest in a transition initiative in their areas.

So the shape and name of the transition which may emerge in North Pembrokeshire is not known yet.

We are only the midwives!

You can read more about Transition towns here.

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