Ecodyfi

Andy RowlandManager, ecodyfi

4 October 2008

Treading more lightly in the Dyfi valley

What’s been going on?• small family farms

under pressure• over-dependence on

agriculture & tourism• little manufacturing• young people leaving• we’re getting older• Welsh language

under pressure

• great environment (landscape & habitats)

• language & culture• ‘tradition plus’: new

ideas & innovation• sustainable technology

cluster & world-wide reputation

What is ecodyfi?

A membership organisation, bringing people together to foster sustainable community

regeneration in the Dyfi Valley

ecology &economy

Our vision

“for the Dyfi Valley to be a thriving bilingual community…

…with a reputation for sustainability”

Some Dyfi Valley initiatives

• Community-based sustainable energy• Dyfi Footprint & Waste Watchers projects• Promotion of public transport, cycling &

walking, including Dyfi Travel Guide• Get Growing organic vegetable training• Fresh and Local produce market stall• The Happy Bin & other work in schools


• Community-based sustainable energy

Community-based sustainable energy

Using less energyGive away cflsHome Energy ChecksTalks to groupsDoor to doorCommunity buildings


Maesglas hydroSells to GridFarm diversification

100 kW capacity


Community wind turbines

Bro Dyfi Community Renewables

Seconduser

75 kW &500 kW


Machynlleth Golf Club

Loft space insulatedSolar water heating3 kWp solar electricity


Projects in the pipeline

•Wood-chip fuelled district heating for Dinas Mawddwy?

•Hydro serving 6 off-grid properties in forestry above Aberangell?

•Energy Trail for Machynlleth


• Community-based sustainable energy• Dyfi Footprint

Dyfi Footprint project (jointly with CAT)

• Use the concept of the ecological footprint to (a) show the need for change and (b) monitor change

• Engage people in looking at the ecological impact of their spending/consumption

• Work together and individually to reduce the footprint of the valley

Dyfi Footprint activities

• Pilot the WWF calculator• Engage with groups and

individuals on “green” lifestyle choices by using the calculator (paper & laptops)

• Work with schools looking at how environmental footprint raises issues across the curriculum

• Devise activities for use in schools

Dyfi Footprint ambitions• Use the ‘REAP Petite’ calculator for

more detailed analysis of footprints• Develop ways for young people to

communicate footprint issues to their peers and wider community

• Identify local barriers to sustainable living and devise collective solutions

• Assess and reduce overall valley footprint over time


• Community-based sustainable energy• Dyfi Footprint & Waste Watchers

projects• Cycling & walking

Mentro Allan

• “Venture out”• Action research: what motivates

people to get out in the open air and what are the barriers?

• Health objectives• We lay on activities and monitor

what happens



projects• Promotion of public transport, cycling

& walking, including Dyfi Travel Guide• Get Growing organic vegetable

training



projects• Promotion of public transport, cycling

& walking, including Dyfi Travel Guide• Get Growing organic vegetable

training• Fresh and Local produce market stall



projects• Promotion of public transport, cycling &

walking, including Dyfi Travel Guide• Get Growing organic vegetable training• Fresh and Local produce market stall• The Happy Bin

ecodyfi.org.uk

dyfibiosphere.org.uk

footprint.wwf.org.uk cyfrifiannell.wwf.org.uk

Technology

Ecodyfi