SENS was formed in November 2007 to promote action on sustainability in Staveley, by looking at ways to reduce home energy use, explore the potential for community renewables, promote cycling and walking, and raise awareness of the climate and biodiversity crises we face. The 2015 floods brought (climate) chaos to the village and since then we have seen episodes of extreme weather every year.

The objectives of the group are to reduce human impact on ecology, to increase the use of alternative fuel and power sources in the area and to raise greater awareness of ecological, Fair Trade and sustainability issues via their newsletter and website, social media and by providing practical opportunities to learn and take action.

Recent campaigns and projects:

• In 2022, the group launched a community e-bike hire scheme, which provides two e-bikes in Staveley Mill Yard for community use. IN 2023 this scheme had been celebrated in print and TV media including coverage on regional BBC and Border News, BBC Countryfile and in the Westmoreland Gazette Find out more >
• Staveley Futures, is a series of short films to get people talking about Staveley’s future as a rural community, and how it can become more resilient.
• The Clean River Kent Campaign, which aims to raise awareness and take action on the poor water quality of the River Kent. Find out more
• An Active Travel survey of 2020, identified key issues around movement in the local area. This has helped inform community conversation around travel options for the recent Community Plan refresh.
• Securing a small grant from Together for our Planet fund from the National Lottery Community Fund the group completed an impressive and wide-ranging campaign of community engagement and awareness raising activities in 2022-23. See the summary here.