RDP Sir Gâr’s Zero Carbon Future project has been busy helping Rural Carmarthenshire groups to reduce their communities’ carbon footprints by looking at greener ways of living.

Some of the groups to have benefitted include Llandysul and Pontwelly Ymlaen, Gwyl Fwyd Castell Newydd Emlyn, Carmarthenshire Energy, Coedpanteg and a number of community halls.

Zero Carbon Future, part of the RDP Sir Gâr Innovative Hubs project, is funded through the Rural Development Plan (RDP) for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Focussing on the environment, ZCF aims to deliver innovative solutions and projects which tackle climate change by reducing our carbon footprint.

The project has a small grant fund available for communities to deliver Green Campaigns, take exemplar trips to see green projects, develop biodiversity schemes and to carry out studies.

ZCF Officer Paul Thomas said: “We’ve funded a really good variety of projects; tree planting, Woodland Management & Charcoal Making, Exemplar Trips to see growing and hydro projects, LED lighting, insulation, energy surveys, local produce markets, looked into Hydro Power schemes and helped to host a low carbon cook off. It just goes to show how many ways people can make a difference in their community and become more environmentally friendly.”

For further information on ZCF contact Paul Thomas on 01269 871600 or email: Paul@mentercwmgwendraeth.org.uk.