Information and Advice for Cumbria's Sustainability Communities
Welcome to Cumbria’s Sustainability Network where you can meet like-minded groups from other parts of our historic county and play your part in building a movement to reduce carbon emissions and ensure that Cumbria gets to ‘net zero’ by 2037.
As the network coordinator, I’m here to help you get started, and as well as linking into the network, I can help you access funding, give advice on how to set up as a group, provide ideas on publicity and promotion and top tips from others’ successes. Our members are involved in developing practical projects to cut carbon and also work to raise awareness of the climate crisis, and encourage their friends and neighbours on ‘doing their bit.’ By working together, we aim to give community groups a stronger voice in influencing policy, both within the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership and beyond.
Join the Sustainability Network ‘Workplace’, come along to our meetings and find out more.
Volunteer Support
The Media Trust have great ideas and suggestions for communicating and creating marketing resources. They also run courses and webinars, some of which are free for charities and community groups.
This is a really useful resource: 15 digital resources for community groups.
The Cumbria Volunteer Service can support your organisation with advice, workshops and advertising. If you are looking to recruit, support or keep your volunteers then the CVS can help you
Taking Action
Hope for the Future is a UK based charity that aims to link community groups with politicians and representatives. The site offers letter templates, advice on policy and action that can link with local and national elections.
Climate Outreach can support you with communication and reaching your community. They offer a toolkit to support different ways of getting your message across and regularly hold workshops and webinar that support this action.
The Northern Network – Groundwork connects Green Community Hubs across the North of England. Shared green spaces such as community farms, parks, fields, and allotments can all help to create thriving and resilient communities. They have the potential to bring people together, enhance prospects, improve health and wellbeing, and even take action on the environment.
Looking for inspiration? Read a blog from Brampton 2 Zero’s community engagement worker Josh and his experiences with the community in Brampton.
Sustainability Network Latest News
Useful Links
Grants and Funding Information
Communities at the heart of new fund to boost local growth and energy security – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Community Climate Grants from ZCC
The Northern Network – Green Skills Fund
The Northern Network are offering grants to support learning, training and skills development for Green Community Hubs across the North of England.
Funding for community orchards in Westmorland and Furness
Biodiversity Grants – Kendal
Events
Be Inspired
SLO Suppers – meet Sharon Watson
Sharon Watson has been advocating for seasonal, locally and organic food. Supporting people with recipes and cooking, reducing food waste, and working with local farmers and producers.
Art Gene: Bee Wild Low Carbon Eco-Venture
Read about Art Gene and their immersive summer school designed to help families in Barrow-in-Furness, aiming to raise awareness about the climate and biodiversity crisis.
Brough Community Primary School eco-committee
Read how one school in Cumbria have made long-lasting and impactful changes that will make a difference to the school’s carbon footprint and support the learning of the pupils.
Shed One Distillery
Read about Shed One Distillery in Ulverston – their business practices and the innovations they have made to embed sustainability in their ethos.
Encouraging biodiversity at Heron Hill School
Read about Heron Hill school and how they have worked to develop biodiversity in their grounds.
Climate Champions – making a difference in their community
What does it mean to be a Climate Champion – and what have our current Climate Champions got up to?
