SERA’s South West group brings together members across Devon, Somerset, Bristol and the wider region, uniting local voices to make sure the fight against the climate and nature crisis is central to Labour’s agenda. The group meets monthly on Zoom and is open to all SERA members in the South West who want to help shape practical, local environmental action.
What we’ve been working on:
🌊 Clean Rivers and Water
Our members have led the way on tackling river pollution — preparing briefings on the state of the water industry, its impacts on bills and biodiversity, and what campaigners can do to drive change. We’ve held well-attended online events with the Environment Agency and Stormwater Shepherds, continuing to press for cleaner, healthier rivers.
🌾 Food, Farming and Justice
We’ve hosted a series of thought-provoking discussions about food systems, including an event with Professor Tim Lang from City University’s Centre for Food Policy and a session with organic farming adviser Andy Johnson on building local, cooperative food networks. SERA South West also co-sponsored a Food Justice event in Exeter with the Labour Party and the Co-operative Party, introduced by Jim McMahon MP.
🚆 Transport and Planning
Members have been vocal in calling for better, fairer transport across the region — highlighting that reducing car dependency is vital not only for cutting carbon but for improving health, opportunity and community wellbeing. We’ve also submitted responses to Labour’s National Policy Forum to ensure housing development is sustainable and supported by modern public transport and community facilities.
⚡ Energy and Innovation
The group is exploring bold new ideas for shared community microgrids, using rooftop solar panels and battery storage to bring down household bills and build local resilience. This work aligns with national ambitions to make the UK a renewable energy superpower — and shows how local co-ops and smart energy systems can make that vision real.
♻️ Recycling and Reuse
We’ve showcased local businesses leading the way on cutting plastic waste and promoting refillable, sustainable alternatives — from eco-cleaning products and bamboo plant pots to recycled-plastic homeware and accessories that support community projects in Malawi.
SERA South West meets online on the fourth Monday of every month at 7pm.
If you’re based in the region and want to help shape Labour’s green future, we’d love you to join us.
📧 Contact: Jenny Budden, Group Secretary – jedbud83@gmail.com