Welcome to the March/April 2025 edition of the SENS newsletter!
As the days grow longer and the first signs of spring emerge, there’s a renewed sense of energy in the air. March and April bring the promise of fresh beginnings—buds on the trees, longer evenings, and a shift toward brighter days. It’s a time to embrace momentum, channel creativity, and push forward with our projects and initiatives.
In this issue, we bring you more from our projects and local news:
Contents
1. Upcoming Activities & Events
2. Latest News from SENS
3. CRKC Highlights & Updates
Citizen Science
Local Engagement
Campaigning
4. Staveley Ebikes
If you have something interesting to share or would like to get more involved with our work, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us at senstaveley@gmail.com
Warm regards,
The SENS Team
Support SENS
We’re a volunteer-led organisation that relies on grants and contributions. Here’s how to support our work.
Please consider making a donation to our SENS Good Hub donation page – Sustainable Staveley (SENS)
Know someone who’d like to receive the SENS newsletter? Contact us at senstaveley@gmail.com
Thanks for reading!
1. Upcoming events
Visit our ‘Events’ page
We now have the addition of an ‘Events’ page to our website.
Come along to an event to learn, take positive action, meet new people and make Staveley a better place!
To view & get involved Click here
YPOS (Young People of Staveley)
Staveley Youth Project is happening every Friday for school years 6-11!
Join us for fun activities, meet new friends, and unwind at the end of the week.
For more information on YPOS (Young people of Staveley)- Click here. For updates view Staveley & Ings Hub Facebook page.
Staveley Village Litter Pick.
Saturday (April 5th), from 10 AM – 12 PM. Meeting point Staveley Chippy. We’re coming together for another Staveley Village Litter Pick as part of The Great Cumbrian Litter Pick.
Keeping our village clean and green is so important—not just for us, but for wildlife and future generations. A little effort goes a long way in making Staveley a more beautiful place to live and visit. Plus, last time was a fantastic community effort, full of laughs, fresh air, and a great sense of achievement.
Grab a pair of gloves and come along!
Facebook page / Email – senstaveley@gmail.com
Upcoming Cumbria Wildlife Trust Conservation Day Staveley Woodlands.
Join Cumbria Wildlife Trust (CWT) for one of their conservation days in Staveley Woodlands Nature Reserve. Craggy Wood, Staveley LA8 9QT. For more information – Click here
Damson Evening Work Party.
We’ll be tackling a variety of seasonal tasks—clearing, pruning, and general maintenance—so there’s plenty to get involved with. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or a first-timer, everyone’s welcome.
What to bring: gloves and any tools you might have (loppers, saws, secateurs, etc.).
For details on where to meet or if you have any questions, feel free to get in touch: senstaveley@gmail.com
Thank you—and see you there!
Facebook page / Email – senstaveley@gmail.com
Join Us for the CRKC Steering Group Meeting.
Join us for the next CRKC Steering Group Meeting on April 23rd, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at The Staveley Institute. This is a great opportunity to get involved, share your ideas, and help shape the direction of CRKC.
Everyone is welcome—whether you’re a regular participant or new to the group, Come along, connect with the community, and be part of the conversation. We look forward to seeing you there.
Email – cleanriverkentcampaign@gmail.com
Staveley Pop-up Repair & Skills Cafe.
Staveley Pop-up Skills & Repair cafe returns on Wednesday 14th May, from 17:00pm PM to 19:00 PM at the Staveley Institute.
Do you have something that’s seen better days? Don’t toss it – fix it! The Staveley Pop-Up Repair Café is here to help you give your items a second chance.
If you’ve got a knack for fixing or would love to share your repair skills, we’d be thrilled to have you as part of the team.
Facebook page / Email – senstaveley@gmail.com
2. Latest News from SENS
Swift Conservation Talk Inspires Locals
On the 19th March , Swifts in the Community (SITC), in coordination with SENS, hosted a free talk titled “Swifts: The Magic, The Mystery & The Tragedy.” The event explored the fascinating ecology and conservation of one of our most iconic summer visitors. Thanks to Peter for his insights into swift behavior, migration, and the challenges they face.
With swift populations in decline, community action is more important than ever. If you’re interested in forming a Staveley Swift Group to help protect these incredible birds, get in touch email SENS – senstaveley@gmail.com
Green Spaces Consultation
It will soon be time for the Lake District Park Planning Authority to review the Local Plan and Staveley with Ings Parish want to be prepared to contribute. The plan will shape what our villages will look like in the future. It is important that the community expresses their view. If we do this together our combined voices will be stronger.
We were lucky as we received a grant from Westmorland and Furness to explore what green and open spaces the community value. This allowed us to launch a survey and to hold a consultation event on 18 March 2025 where local residents gathered for a Community Drop-in event hosted by SENS, AND Staveley with Ings Parish Council and Community Plan group. It provided attendees with an opportunity to learn more about the Local Plan and discuss and express their views about which green spaces might be protected through an amenity or recreational designation and which land might be allocated for employment or housing.
There will be other opportunities to have your views heard. For example, by attending the monthly Parish Council meeting.
SENS Engages in Penrith to Kendal Landscape Consultation
SENS recently participated in a workshop, consulting on the proposed P2K trail which will primarily connect to Kendal via Longsleddale, with a side-route through Kentmere. Key objectives include improving trail accessibility, ensuring safe and sustainable design, and promoting inclusivity for all abilities. By engaging in these discussions, SENS continues to advocate for accessible and sustainable outdoor spaces.
To read more about this project click on these links below –
Seeking New SENS Committee Members for 2025
We’re looking for new committee members to bring fresh ideas and initiatives that protect our local environment for both people, encouraging adaption and resilience.
To find out more about our projects and why we need new members to support our ongoing efforts, Click Here
Interested in joining or have an idea? Get in touch: senstaveley@gmail.com
Staveley Primary School Launch Community Composting Peel Appeal
Staveley School has launched an exciting new Peel Appeal, encouraging families to reduce waste and create rich, amazing compost. The initiative collects fresh fruit and vegetable peelings, which, when mixed 50/50 with waste paper or card, break down into nutrient-rich compost, helping to keep valuable organic waste out of landfill.
Stay tuned for updates on the schools composting journey.
SENS Facebook Page Staveley Primary School Facebook Page
Staveley Pop-up Repair & Skills Café
What do a milk machine, carpet cleaner, a waffle maker, and a rag doll have in common? They all got a chance at repair thanks to our dedicated fixers at our recent Staveley Pop-up Repair & Skills Café! From patching up childhood treasures to exploring the engineering of paper aeroplanes, our volunteers shared skills and knowledge to prevent items going to landfill.
Of course, no Repair Café is complete without good food! Our homemade Dhal proved popular once again, with the pot empty before the night was through. If you’ve got something in need of fixing, why not bring it along to our next session on the second Wednesday of each month? For updates, check out our Facebook page: Sens Staveley.
If you’d like to share your skills, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at senstaveley@gmail.com
2. CRKC Highlights & Updates
– Citizen Science –
Fresh Water Watch 2023-2024 Results
This report presents the findings of a 12-month CRKC citizen science project carried out to assess the health of the River Kent. The study was conducted within the FreshWater Watch (FWW) framework (www.freshwaterwatch.org).
Following a pilot study, 246 water samples were collected by 46 volunteers, between 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2024 from 19 locations on the river Kent and it’s tributaries.
Click here to read the full findings, which contribute to a better understanding of water quality in the area.
Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this report.
– Local Engagement –
Calling Phosphate- Free Shoppers
CRKC want to find out what phosphate-free products you use, where you buy them, and how much they cost. By gathering this information, we can build a picture of local and online availability, making it easier for more people to make sustainable choices. Please email cleanriverkentcampaign@gmail.com to tell us more.
Staveley Clean River Clean Streets
(United Utilities) UU held a Community drop-in on Wednesday 12th March in Staveley village hall.
UU plan to issue another newsletter. This update will include a look back at the drop-in session (including links to the material for those who couldn’t make it) and a reminder that they will be planning another drop-in session for the summer, ahead of the planning application for the scheme which will be submitted later this year. Work is then expected to start on site in spring 2026, with a completion date of summer 2027.
– Campaigning –
CRKC Sets Strategic Direction with 2025 Action Plan
CRKC has been actively shaping its future through a series of planning workshops, where key discussions helped define the organisation’s strategic direction. As a result, CRKC has developed its 2025 Action Plan, outlining priorities and initiatives for the year ahead.
To learn more about CRKC’s focus areas and strategic goals for 2025, Click here.
Honouring Phil Clayton
It is with deep sadness that we honour the memory of Phil Clayton, a dedicated and passionate advocate for social and environmental justice. Phil was an active member of the CRKC, he inspired many, and his absence will be deeply felt.
For those who wish to honour Phil’s memory, donations can be made to Langdale & Ambleside Mountain Rescue and the Westmorland and Lonsdale Green Party, via Hayes & Parkinson Funeral Directors, Kendal.
4. Staveley Ebikes
Spring is in the air, and Staveley E-Bikes are ready to roll!
A warm welcome to all the new users who have signed up for the Staveley Ebike Share Scheme this year. With winter behind us, it’s time to pedal forward into the warmer, longer, and lighter days ahead.
Families with children can also take advantage of scenic, fun rides in our trailer, which is perfect for 1 or 2 children. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the local area together in an eco-friendly and enjoyable way!
To join Staveley Community Ebikes visit the website – Click here
Know someone who’d like to receive the SENS newsletter? Contact us at senstaveley@gmail.com
If you want to look at back editions of the newsletter: Click Here
If you would like to get more involved in CRKC activities do get in touch – there’s always plenty to do! cleanriverkentcampaign@gmail.com
Thanks for reading!