As we wrap up another year here at Sustainable PZ HQ, we thought we’d take a look back and celebrate all the great things that have happened in Penzance.

So, to help you end the year on a high (and feel that spark of excitement of what’s to come), we’ve pulled some of the best good news highlights together.

The Sustainable PZ Business Hub launched

Since we set up Sustainable Penzance, we knew we wanted to create a space where businesses could build on their Plastic Free journey, and look at other areas of impact. Businesses are the lifeblood of the town, and can also lead some of the biggest changes for people who live here, the town itself and its environment.

So, to see our Business Hub launch this year was a big moment! It means businesses can now join us to help create a sustainable and resilient future for Penzance. Members get access to a whole host of advice, resources and bespoke consultancy that supports their business, the community and the planet. Huge thanks to the businesses that have joined so far – find out more here.

Penzance Greenways was born

Another good news project to launch in 2024, was Penzance Greenways. Working with illustrator Harriet Harrow, we brought this beautifully illustrated walking map to life. It’s more than a map though. We’ve trained up four volunteers, run guided walks, held map making workshops for people’s personal journeys around town, and also held bespoke sessions for community groups. The aim? To encourage active travel, connect us all to the nature around us, instil our sense of place and make it easier to walk, bike or bus in and around town. AND make sure these footpaths and greenspaces are protected for the future.  Check it out  here.

Even more excitingly, we’ve landed extra funding to launch Newlyn Greenways in 2025! Keep your eyes peeled.

Town Deal Sustainable Travel Projects

As a 20 mile an hour limit was rolled out to improve safety and cut emissions 🙌, we also saw proposals for transport projects being consulted on, as part of Town Fund. In all, £21 million is being invested in the town through the fund. A portion of it is allocated to creating safer walking and cycling routes, encouraging public transport and creating a welcoming and accessible place for all.

New road crossing points are already being put in linking to Newlyn Green, and we’re looking forward to seeing the results of conversations about the top of Causewayhead, Greenmarket and Market Jew Street being finalised in 2025.

Don’t forget, you can always keep up with the latest Town Deal news here. And please do always get involved in the consultations. For them to work, we all need to respond. Whether we agree, are neutral or disagree with whatever is being proposed.

St Antony Gardens protected from over development

Controversial plans to regenerate St Anthony Gardens were amended back in March, when our wonderful community banded together to protect this historic site from over development. The revised plans, revealed later in the year, showed more sympathetic designs that maintain the integrity of the garden walls, while allowing the area to be revitalised and put to real community use.

Proving that people power works, and we are listened to when we get involved in local consultations. Most importantly though, this was a win for nature and greenspaces in town. Now the work starts to make sure the gardens are planted and maintained in a way that will last another 100 years, and for generations to come.

Captain Banplastic landed in schools

We were beyond excited to announce our new partnership with the elusive, heroic and dedicated ocean protector that is Captain Banplastic!

Working with artist Ben Cook, this surfer-turned-superhero has been heading into our local schools, as part of our FREE Plastic Free Penzance workshops, which are ongoing into 2025. Check out his Instagram here and if you’d like Captain Banplastic to visit your school, just email plasticfreepz@gmail.com.

Cornwall helped beat nature restoration target early

The Cornish Meadows Project helped the National Trust hit its 2025 nature restoration target early; successfully rewilding 25,000 hectares of peatlands, meadows, wetlands, woodlands and saltmarsh across the UK.

The Cornwall project will continue for another two years, covering 250 hectares of land in wildflower meadows in this region alone.

Millions of pounds were invested in local environment projects

The Good Growth Fund invested £9.5million in a number of nature recovery and environmental growth projects across Cornwall this year.

It’s comes as one of the fund’s three key objectives; to promote sustainable growth by supporting projects that deliver environmental, economic and social benefits for local communities.

We saw more Cornish choughs than ever!

Cornish choughs broke a new record this summer, growing by more than a 100 birds for a second year running! One of our favourite good news stories of the year.

Despite the wet weather, the breeding season was hailed a true success by conservationists around Cornwall, since the recolonisation of the birds started in 2001.

Spread the good news

Have some good news to share about what’s happening here in Penzance and beyond for people, planet and place? Drop an email to comms@sustainablepz.co.uk for a chance to feature in our monthly good news social media round-up!

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