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What does GEAG stand for?
Simply put, "GEAG" stands for "Gamlingay Environmental Action Group"! We work for a better environment and a stronger community in Gamlingay, and to explain what that means, this page gives a handy overview of our core beliefs, arranged by topic.
The Gamlingay Eco-hub
GEAG thinks the eco-hub is an important and exciting development. By replacing the currently derelict community centre, it will help build a stronger community as well as bringing down Gamlingay’s carbon footprint. We will put pressure on the management committee to ensure that it lives up to its eco name, but if it does we applaud the eco-hub as a fine example of sustainable development.
The Community Wind Turbine
GEAG very strongly supports the proposed community wind turbine. We believe it will help to cut the carbon footprint of the village, will help the village to contribute to globally important cuts in CO2 emissions, and by providing an income stream for community projects will help to build a stronger local community. We will put pressure on the developers to ensure that impacts on local wildlife are minimised, but we do think that the benefits to the environment in terms of carbon reduction greatly outweigh the visual impact of the proposed turbine. In short, the turbine is a green project that the village can be proud of.
The Green End Development
GEAG recognises that the current Green End site has passed its sell-by date and needs to be redeveloped. We hope to work with the developers to encourage them to provide a new development that meets the highest environmental standards.
The Lupin Field
GEAG strongly opposes any plans to build on the Green End 'Lupin Field'. We believe this piece of agricultural land should remain open and undeveloped. Ideally, it should be acquired by the community for use as a recreational space.
The Hatley Road Solar Array
GEAG supports the proposal to install an array of photovoltaic cells at the egg farm on Hatley Road. This proposal will cut the village's carbon footprint, make us more resiliant for the future, and support a local business at the same time.
The Station Road Development
GEAG is not convinced of the need for new developments on ‘green field’ sites. If
the Station Road development must go ahead, however, we will urge the developers
to meet the very highest environmental standards.
The Village College
GEAG was strongly opposed to plans to close the Village College, and we campaigned to keep it open. We see no environmental benefit in having to bus our young people to a school many miles away. We wish the College well as it moves forwards to a stronger future.
Local Buses
GEAG thinks the bus service is completely inadequate for the village’s needs. We
have conducted a transport survey to find out what villagers want, so we can put
pressure on bus companies to provide better services. See the survey results
Walking and Cycling
GEAG would like to see more of us walking and cycling. We are pushing for safer
roads and working with transport charity Sustrans on a proposed off-road cycle
path to Potton, the RSPB Lodge, and Sandy station.
Waste and Recycling
GEAG believes we should REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE! We encourage villagers to
recycle everything that can’t be reused, to compost their green waste, and to be
proud of an empty black bin!
Saving Energy
GEAG believes that we can all save money by saving energy. We are providing
information on energy saving, and offering FREE loans of energy monitors that help
you to see how much you are saving. Borrow a monitor!
Climate Change
GEAG accepts the verdict of the overwhelming majority of scientists who say that
global warming is happening now, is caused by human activity, and may have
catastrophic consequences for humanity.
Farming
GEAG recognises the crucial role farmers play in feeding the nation while
protecting the countryside. We believe that sustainable farming methods are the
key to the long-term health and profitability of the nation’s farms.
Local Business
GEAG believes that a strong local economy is a vital part of a thriving community
and prevents needless long-distance commuting. As energy prices rise, we believe
that green businesses will also be profitable businesses.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
GEAG is concerned at the loss of habitat for wildlife both locally and globally.
We support local nature reserves run by charities like the Wildlife Trust and the
RSPB and encourage wildlife-friendly farms and gardens.
* This page last updated on 20 April 2011 * © GEAG 2009-2011
* This page is: http://www.geag.org.uk/mission.htm, first created in September 2010 *
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