CSN Stories
Inspiring case studies of community action on climate change, from all over the county!
Sustainable Duddon
Who:
Nick Lancaster, member of Sustainable Duddon
Where:
Duddon Valley
What:
A community organisation taking local action for climate and nature.
Key Features and Activities
Inclusivity, flexibility and network building; litter picks, orchard growing, river conservation, beach cleans
The philosophy
Sustainable Duddon’s guiding philosophy is stepping up to the challenge and getting things done locally by encouraging the community to take ownership of the issues of climate and nature.
The group takes an “action not words approach” – which helps avoid too many long meetings!
Nick is convinced by Greta Thunberg’s caution not to let perfection get in the way of good.
The backstory
In June 2021, the year of COP26 and a heightened awareness of the dangers of climate change, Duddon Parish Council embarked on the Greening Programme The Greening Campaign : Climate change community support. Seed funding was obtained from ZCCP to organise a Great Big Green Week event in November 2021. The event was a catalyst for change, raising the profile of the issues and providing an opportunity to get new people on board and move things forward.
There was a significant take-up from people interested in community, climate and wildlife, and so Sustainable Duddon was formed as an unincorporated association, giving it more flexibility to respond to opportunities. It now has charitable status as a CIC.
Building partnerships
Sustainable Duddon built links with sister organisations, including the Woodland Trust, and a community orchard was established. The ZCC Community Climate Grants were again able to support with funds for an apple-grafting workshop.
Building on work with the South Cumbria Rivers Trust, Sustainable Duddon now cooperates with the Duddon Catchment Partnership. This partnership has allowed constituent groups to grow and mature, and creates a diversity of opportunities for volunteers who want to get involved in water sampling, getting rid of invasive plant species and improving aquatic habitats.
Learnings and tips
- A focus on place is what motivates more than
fifty volunteers to get involved. However, the place is not too tightly defined, which means there can be flexibility with funders and other partners. - Simple actions like a litter pick or beach clean can be a spur to further involvement in climate action.
- The social aspect of volunteering has brought communities together, broken down social isolation and built strong connections.
- Networks act to bring people together – be as inclusive and welcoming as possible, and build on shared interests
