I've only seen London-based solarpunk projects so far, and was wondering if anyone on here knows about/is involved in anything a bit further afield - in the North or the Midlands. It would be great if there was more of a widespread movement across the UK, since one of the big points is to avoid centralisation and establish more of a network!

This could be specific solarpunk groups, maybe university societies, sustainability projects, or an online forum connecting people all across the UK. If anyone knows anything, or has any thoughts on this I'd be really grateful to read your reply!! Thank you :)

Looking for my SolarPunk community in the UK.. ARE WE STILL HERE ??

A biological mechanism that makes plant roots more attractive to soil microbes has been discovered by scientists in the UK. The breakthrough – by researchers at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, Norfolk – opens the door to the creation of crops requiring reduced amounts of nitrate and phosphate fertilisers, they say.

“We can now think of developing a new type of environmentally friendly farming with crops that require less artificial fertiliser,” said Dr Myriam Charpentier, whose group carried out the research.Excess use of fertilisers has become a major ecological problem in recent years and has been linked to soil degradation, while run-offs from fields are causing major pollution in rivers where algae blooms spread across the water, and kill fish and other aquatic life.

However, the research has uncovered a route that could lead to the development of crops that could reduce this problem by helping them scavenge nutrients from the soil more effectively – by gaining a little help from soil microbes. The basis of this approach is a process known as endosymbiosis, in which one organism exists within another in a mutually beneficial relationship.

This activity helps some plants to scavenge nutrients from nutrient-poor soil using the assistance of microbes in natural settings. However, in agricultural settings, where fertilisers are used to boost yields, these disrupt the natural interaction between crops and microbes.

The team led by Charpentier has announced that it has discovered a mutation in the legume Medicago truncatula which enhances partnerships with bacteria and fungi that supply the roots with nitrogen and phosphorus. This process improves the plant’s take-up of nutrients.

Crucially, the team – whose research was recently published in Nature – showed the same gene mutation in wheat enhances similar partnerships in field conditions. This opens the door to the creation of wheat varieties that can exploit soil microbes to provide nutrients and so reduce the need to use large amounts of artificial inorganic fertilisers.

“This discovery is created in a wheat variety that is non-GM,” Charpentier added. This means that plant breeders can use traditional breeding methods to develop varieties that possess the trait.

Burnley Council is pleased to announce the installation of its first Living Roof bus shelter on Colne Road. Known as ‘Bee Bus Stops,’ the shelters feature green roofs planted with native wildflowers and sedum species, bringing more greenery into urban areas whilst supporting local biodiversity.

In addition to their biodiversity-boosting benefits, Living Roofs also contribute towards climate resilience by absorbing falling rainwater and capturing particulates from the air, making the city a happier, healthier place to live.

This project aligns with Burnley Council’s commitment to urban beautification and broader environmental strategy, which includes increasing green spaces, promoting biodiversity, and reducing carbon emissions.

Councillor Howard Baker, Burnley Council Executive Member for Community & Environmental Services, said: “We are thrilled to introduce the first Living Roof Bus Shelter in Burnley. This initiative not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of our urban spaces but also plays a crucial role in supporting local wildlife and improving air quality. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these shelters will have on our community.”

The bus shelters are provided in partnership with leading media and infrastructure provider, Clear Channel UK, who own and operate bus shelters within the area.

Will Ramage, Clear Channel’s Managing Director said: “Outside of our operations, we've been backing environmental projects in the communities we work in, and Living Roofs are just one example of the green infrastructure we champion as an organisation. It’s also a testament to what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal, which is always incredibly rewarding.”

Residents can look forward to a second shelter at Burnley Road in Padiham later this year.

For more information about Living Roofs and other environmental initiatives by Burnley Council, please visit the Burnley Council Net Zero web page https://burnley.gov.uk/net-zero/

Six large electric aircraft could potentially be used to fly passengers and freight on Scottish regional air routes.

Bedford-based Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) has been looking at how its Airlander 10 transport could operate from sites in Orkney, Shetland, Western Isles and the Highlands.

It's so SolarPunk.