Major boost for community-led climate and nature action in the West of England
Communities across the West of England are set to receive a major boost to locally-led climate and nature action, as six new organisations join the Community Climate & Nature Action Project.
Over the next two years, local people in Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire will be supported to shape and deliver practical projects that protect the environment and nature and improve health and wellbeing in their communities.
Each organisation will receive £30,000 funding, alongside workshops, peer mentoring and resources to co-develop a climate and nature action plan with their communities and start putting local priorities into action.
The six organisations joining the Community Climate & Nature Action Project’s capacity building programme are: Bath MIND, Clevedon YMCA, Hambrook Sports Club, Pill Community Foundation, South Gloucestershire Race Equality Network and Twerton & Whiteway Community Network.
They join 17 community organisations in Bristol who have taken part in the project over the last five years. They have demonstrated the power for communities to deliver tangible change for the environment and nature which brings real benefit to local people.
So far the programme has led to the creation of local jobs, new and enhanced green spaces, an increase in wildlife, skills training for young people, reduced waste, as well as a reduction in carbon equivalent to planting 3,294 trees or heating 156 homes for a year.
The Community Climate & Nature Action Project uses a collaborative approach to build on existing community organisations and spaces, resulting in communities that are stronger and more resilient. It recognises that expertise and experience exist in all communities and puts people at the heart of local action towards a healthier, fairer region.
Amy Harrison, Head of Community Partnerships at Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership, said: “The high level of interest we received shows the appetite for communities to take the lead on climate and nature action. When priorities and solutions are shaped by local people, they help reduce inequality, strengthen communities and deliver real environmental impact. We’re thrilled to be expanding this work across the West of England, continuing to demonstrate that climate and nature action can improve everyday lives.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “Communities across the West are already stepping up to improve the place we call home, and it’s fantastic to welcome this new group of community partners to the Community Climate & Nature Action Project. These six organisations bring a brilliant mix of local knowledge, trusted community networks, and real ambition for change. Working together, they’ll be able to share ideas, build stronger connections, and shape practical solutions that reflect what matters most to local people.
“By supporting our residents to help lead the way in supporting nature and cutting pollution, we can strengthen community pride while tackling flooding, investing in our neighbourhoods, and breathing cleaner air. I’m excited to see their ideas put into practice as we continue building a greener West of England.”
The Community Climate & Nature project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund and coordinated by Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership. It is delivered in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Energy, Bristol City Council, Bath & North East Somerset Council, North Somerset Council, South Gloucestershire Council, the University of the West of England, and the West of England Combined Authority. A network of climate, nature and community engagement experts will provide additional support to the new cohort.
The six new community partners reflect the diversity of communities across the region, from mental health and youth services to sports clubs, equalities networks and neighbourhood community groups. Each organisation will work with local artists to engage more people in the development of their climate and nature action plans. The group will also be involved in the wider project, using community leadership and knowledge to influence regional climate projects and national policy.
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Find out more about the Community Climate & Nature Action Project
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