December 25/January 2026 SENS newsletter - SENS - Sustainability and Energy Network in Staveley

Welcome to the December 2025 / January 2026 edition of the SENS newsletter

As we wrap up another remarkable year, we’re filled with gratitude for the volunteers, partners, and supporters who make our work possible. This season encourages reflection, and looking back, we’re proud of how much we’ve accomplished together from community events and on-the-ground projects to meaningful collaborations that have strengthened our mission and expanded our impact.

Collective dedication has turned ideas into action, and action into real, measurable change. Whether it has been contributed time, expertise, resources, or encouragement, everything has helped drive forward initiatives that will continue to benefit our environment well into 2026.

In this issue, we bring you more from our projects and local news:

1. Upcoming Activities & Events
2. Latest News from SENS

3. CRKC Highlights & Updates

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

For updates on upcoming events visit our websites SENS Events / CRKC Events

Come along to an event to learn, take positive action, meet new people and make our community a better place!

CRKC Wider Group Meeting

The next CRKC open meeting – Tuesday 27th January at 5pm, Staveley Institute. Come along and be part of our conversation and mission. There will be a presentation about the role of phosphorus in river water. Everyone welcome.

SENS AGM

The SENS AGM will be on the Wednesday 4th February at Staveley Institute, 18.00pm to 19.00pm. All welcome!

YPOS (Young People of Staveley)

For more information about YPOS Click here

Friday drop-ins, 4pm -6pm at the Pavilion – in term time.

For updates view Staveley & Ings Hub Facebook page

CWT Conservation Day

Friday 16 January 2026 – 10:00am – 3:30pm.

Meet at the gate entrance to Craggy Woods (GR: SD 47711 98486, What3Words: ///vessel.occur.november). There is no parking at the entrance so please park in Staveley and make your way here on foot.

Film Screening 12th February 2026 – Rave on for the Avon

Thursday 12th February in Staveley Roundhouse there will be a screening of the film – Rave on for the Avon @ 18.45pm-19.00pm. Tea and biscuits provided. After the screening, there will be a panel discussion about the issues raised led by CRKC (Clean River Kent Campaign) and a raffle.

Local swimmers, scientists and a mermaid join forces in a community’s battle to fight to protect the River Avon, the Bristol way. Do humans have the right to nature? In this tender film, Director Charlotte Sawyer tells a story of a community of wild swimmers in Bristol (UK) affected by raw sewage pollution of the river Avon.

To book your tickets – Click here

2. Latest News from SENS

Warming thoughts at the Heat Pumps information evening

As households across the UK look for ways to cut energy bills and reduce carbon emissions, heat pumps are rapidly emerging as one of the country’s most talked-about home heating solutions.

Local heat pump assessor Alasdair, hosted an Q&A, information evening in Staveley Institute. He has produced a free guide with a clear, up-to-date overview of how heat pumps work, what they cost, the benefits they offer, and the key considerations for anyone thinking of installing one. Link to information leaflet – Click here

Whether you’re motivated by sustainability, running cost stability, or the latest boiler upgrade scheme grants, this leaflet highlights everything you need to know before taking the next step.

Update on the Community Damson Orchard

Our November damson orchard work party made wonderful progress clearing brambles and prickly sucker trees to prepare the space for sheep grazing. With one more push in the new year, we should have the orchard in great shape for grazing and much easier to maintain.

To read full article – Click here

The next Clearance day at the Community Orchard is Sat 11th January, 10.00am – 12.00pm. If you would like to come along email: senstaveley@gmail.com.

Documenting Our Progress: New SENS and CRKC Timelines

We’re delighted to share two timelines showing SENS and CRKC activities since inception. These infographs highlight just how much our community-led initiatives have achieved so far, and the momentum to continue into 2026 and beyond.

To view SENS timeline – Click here

To view CRKC timeline – Click here

SENS Festive Mingle and Jingle

SENS held a Christmas get-together on Tuesday 17 December, bringing together partners, committee members and volunteers for a festive, social evening.

The event featured delicious food, mulled wine, and a fun Christmas quiz. The gathering provided a wonderful opportunity for everyone to relax, reflect and celebrate the hard work and dedication shown throughout the year.

2. CRKC Highlights & Updates

– Local Engagement –

I Am the River, The River Is Me Screening Sparks Debate on Rights for the River Kent

On 24th November, thanks to the Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal, CRKC were able to host the powerful and thought-provoking film – I Am the River, the River is Me – that invites audiences to rethink our relationship with the world around us. It explores what it means to move beyond ideas of ownership, use, and extraction, and instead embrace inter-generational care and guardianship in relation to the natural environment.

Following the screening, a Q&A brought together by CRKC representatives Ginny Branney and Dave Plumb, alongside Giles Archibald, Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity and Environmental Services at Westmorland & Furness Council.

To read the full article Click here

Our River, Our Responsibility: Great turnout out for the Septic Tank Information Evening

Many thanks to Paul from Hutchinson Environmental Solutions for giving an informative talk last month about septic tank/off-mains sewage management to a group of people from Crook, Kentmere and other nearby communities.

More information about caring for septic tanks and thinking about what household products go down the drain into them available on CRKC website:

Septic Tank and Off Mains Sewage users- Get the basics on how to care for your system and avoid pollution risks without costly upgrades. View /download here
For useful links Click here

Together, these changes can make a big impact in helping the river Kent stay clean, healthy, and safe for wildlife and people alike.

CRKC GOES TO MARKET!

Bury Trades Council is running a campaign to take water back into public ownership and invited CRKC to speak at a public meeting in Radcliffe about what we do and our campaigning methods.

The meeting took place on a wet and chilly Saturday afternoon in late November at the Radcliffe Market Hall.

To read the full article – Click here

Keep It Clean! Take Our Fun Quizzes to See How River-Friendly Your Household Is.

The river Kent is counting on us to keep it clean and healthy. How much do you really know about protecting our river and its wildlife? Put your knowledge to the test with our 3 fun quizzes and see how much of a river Kent champion you are! Challenge yourself, learn something new, and join the effort to make a real difference.

To view the quiz section Click Here

CRKC Greeting Cards – Celebrating Nature, Supporting the River Kent

Available now – CRKC greeting cards, showcasing stunning photographs of natural ice formations captured by local photographer Nicola Fearnley ARPS.

Each card features one of six unique designs, beautifully presented and left blank inside so you can add your own personal message.

These cards are available from Wilf’s Cafe at Staveley, Mill Yard priced at £3 each. Profits goes directly to CRKC projects, helping us protect, restore, and advocate for a healthier river Kent.

– Campaigning –

CRKC position statement on Bathing Water Status

In 2022 CRKC applied for bathing status on a section of the river Kent in Staveley. Our aim was to ensure regular water quality monitoring by the Environment Agency through the bathing season, and as a driver to reduce pollution discharges into the river. The application was rejected due to not meeting the requirements for minimum bather numbers. We continue to consider the options for further bathing status application(s).

To read our position statement – Click here

CRKC is a volunteer run group and we depend on donations and grants to continue our work on local environmental issues.

Please consider becoming a Regular Supporter, making a monthly, or annual contribution of however much you feel comfortable to contribute. Anything from £2-£10/month, or the equivalent £25 – 120/year would make a huge difference. Click here

If you would like to get more involved in CRKC activities do get in touch, There’s always plenty to do. To read about how to get involved: Click here. Email us at cleanriverkentcampaign@gmail.com

4. Staveley Ebikes

Winter Loan scheme

From January through to the end of February, the e-bikes will be available to local residents and businesses through a weekly loan scheme. The aim of the scheme is to give you the opportunity to explore how Staveley E-bikes could fit into your daily life, whether it be work, leisure, commuting, shopping, or other uses you may discover.

If you are interested in borrowing an e-bike for a week, we are offering a flat weekly rate of £25.

To discuss your requirements or to find out more, please email hello@communityebikes.org

To join Staveley Community Ebikes visit the website: Click here

Keep up to date and follow our Staveley Ebikes: Facebook page