Over 2000 people took part in a wide range of community-led events across Cumbria during this year’s Great Big Green Week – the UK’s biggest celebration of grassroots action for climate and nature. Full details about the week’s events can be found in the newly-released Round Up Report. Running from 7 to 15 June, this year’s Great Big Green Week theme was “swap together for good”, inspiring people to share, repair and reduce waste.
Cumbria’s community groups and volunteers rose to the occasion, hosting at least 78 events over the course of the week – from a community composting talk in Arnside to a home energy event in Maryport. None of the events would have been possible without the dedication of local volunteers – including 117 “new recruits”. These committed individuals and groups are the driving force behind Cumbria’s push for net zero by 2037. If you want to join the movement, there’s no need to wait until Great Big Green Week 2026 – local community groups across Cumbria are active year-round, and new volunteers are always welcome. Find a group near you here.
As well as showcasing ongoing climate initiatives, many of this year’s Great Big Green Week events offered practical advice and opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and save money, whether through energy-saving tips or clothing and plant swaps. The week also coincided with Open Farm Sunday and the Big Lunch, creating still more opportunities for people to come together for low-carbon shared meals or farm visits. Events were attended by a wide cross-section of the community, including refugees, young families living in poverty and people living with mental health issues.
As well as the work of Cumbria’s amazing community groups and volunteers, the week of action was made possible thanks to funding from Westmorland and Furness Council, Cumberland Council, the National Lottery Community Fund, and Innovate UK’s Place to Plate project.
Discover more by reading the full Round Up Report or by looking up your local community group.
