Let's act together: Climate Action Community Fund

The Creative Living Centre used their funding to launch the Creative Climate Project. The project aimed to engage service users in conversations about climate change and encourage them to participate in their own action. The staff at the Centre collaborated with volunteers to revitalise the garden and allotment on site. Following this, volunteers were trained to cook plant-based meals in the Centre Cafe, using surplus food from FairShare and produce from the allotment.

The overall goals of the project were to promote climate knowledge and awareness with the Centre’s service users and volunteers, hopefully inspiring them to take their own action. This would in turn lead to an increase in volunteering, connection of service users with nature, reduction in food waste and an increased awareness of the value of a plant-based diet.

As a result of the project, the café has reopened, and new staff have been hired. Training has taken place for staff to produce plant-based meals in the kitchen. The kitchen in the café is completely meat-free, and staff have recently begun teaching a cooking class to members, based around the provision of healthy, meat-free meals that are low-cost and simple to make. The café has been receiving donations from local shops to supply their café, which is helping to reduce food waste within the community.

In relation to climate action, what would you like to see change in Bury?

• Bursaries and support for businesses and charities looking to diversify their energy supply (e.g., solar panels)
• Lower cost trams/buses to encourage more people onto public transport.
• Community initiatives around food, travel, and waste- working with businesses to help them source more local produce, and donate any leftovers to charities, food banks, or people in need.

The Enterprise Centre’s project “Naturally Enterprising,” revolved around installing renewable energy generation on their site. At the start of the project, the team assessed which type of renewable energy was appropriate and concluded that a solar photovoltaic array was their best option. The Centre appointed a local company in Bury to install the solar panels.

The overall aim of the project was to reduce the Centre’s carbon footprint and set an example of good practice to the charity sector and residents. Furthermore, by becoming more sustainable the Centre were working towards the longevity of the charity and the education of others on the importance of action.

Once installed, the Centre promoted the panels to patrons in workshops and events to encourage action on climate change. The Centre staff committed to zero single use plastics on site, as well as promoting reducing meat consumption, and the benefits of growing your own herbs.

They installed a 4.7kw array of solar panels in their car park and have managed to reduce their energy consumption from the grid by 50%. It is estimated that this will increases to 75% by April 2024. The supplier of the solar panels reported an increase in enquiries of 75% following their work on the site.

Furthermore, the Centre has reused and recycled 200 plastic milk containers, turning them into planters, and where possible they are shopping local to reduce their carbon footprint. The Centre knows that there is still work to be done and strive every day to continue to reduce their carbon footprint.

In relation to climate action, what would you like to see change in Bury?

• Re-using, recycling, re-purposing, foraging, grow your own, no chemical on plants.

ADAB used their funding to set up a Climate Change Awareness course. The course was divided into 4 different sessions. The first session was an interactive online course on climate change awareness, which covered reducing waste, increasing recycling, having a positive impact on the environment, and the financial impact and ethics of environmental awareness.

The second session was an environmental awareness workshop, which allowed patrons to explore practical steps to reducing their negative impact on the environment, such as, energy saving, renewable energy options and home heating alternatives.

The third session was delivered in partnership with Bury Wildlife Trust to educate the community on water protection and ecosystems.

The final session was an opportunity to share facts about the causes and impacts of the climate crisis. This gave the opportunity for participants to share their thoughts and feelings about climate change and to discuss what action they could take.

ADAB provided direct delivery through face-to-face interactive workshops between March 2022 and April 2023. This included 10 weekly sessions with the women’s sewing clubs, reaching 80 women, and 12 weekly sessions with ADAB’s ESOL classes, reaching 156 people in total. Information was also shared and disseminated with the South Asian Music and Arts (SAMA) Council music and singing club, which was attended by 150 people. Details of participants were also taken to be used in further case studies of the area.

Early results of the project include participants being more aware of climate related issues. In the long-term ADAB predict that Bury East will see an increase in recycling and a reduction in non-recyclable waste, as well as a reduction in the use of gas and electricity, which will benefit participants financially.

Bury Climate Action (in partnership with Small Creative Things Projects) set out to get local people more involved in climate action. They aimed to do this by getting people involved in co-designing a physical climate hub; a place where people can access information on what they can do locally to combat climate change. The group aimed to build capacity to reach and connect with a wider range of people and communities. They aimed to demonstrate how the physical hub can help people live a more climate positive life.

The plan was to run a series of community climate pop-up workshops in each of the 6 townships. This would be an informal space for people to share their fears and hopes about the impact of climate change on their lives and communities. The project aimed to see a sustained increase and participation in online traffic to the Climate Hub website, which in turn would sustain participation and increase engagement with climate action. The group also hoped to grow the member bases of all climate-related organisations across Bury and discover new ways to engage and build relationships across all Bury’s communities.

Following the end of the funding period, the Climate Action Group managed to engage with people and groups from all 6 townships through a variety of activities. This included1-2-1 and group discussions and prototyping exercises to help imagine what a physical hub could be. This broadened the groups’ network and has established a clear need for a permanent space dedicated to climate action. Bury Climate Action Group have run monthly socials throughout the year, as well as hosting public events to increase climate awareness. This has helped to engage local people directly, as the group are one of the few organisations offering a space to have open and honest discussions about the realities of climate change. The group’s webpage has been developed to a very high standard and includes regular updates and blogs with useful tips. Feedback from the public has shown that the communities feel more educated and informed and feel like they now have a voice in the way a public hub space would work for them. The group believe these results demonstrate the need for a permanent physical climate hub in Bury.

The Bury Climate Action Group are continuing to develop a climate hub and are hoping to gain a physical space soon.

Clarence Park is a well-loved green space in Bury, which is supported by the community group the Friends of Clarence Park. They planned to use their funding to kickstart a wide range of green activities using the space to its fullest. By including a wide range of activities, the group intended to engage the widest possible range of people from the community to encourage them to use the green space in positive ways as well as providing the community with a hub for future climate action in the area. There were several ideas proposed to achieve this goal, such as generating a community organic food growing project, that would allow residents the opportunity to gain experience and new skills. This would help to show that organic food is accessible to everyone and spread the ‘grow your own’ message. Furthermore, cookery classes were planned to educate residents on shopping locally, in a plastic-free way, and how to use their own home grown produce. This part of the project would be carried out in collaboration with Cracking Good Food and would consist of six 2-hour classes. The group also planned to introduce a bike library to support people in making more climate friendly travel choices that boosts peoples physical and mental well-being and is low cost. The group aimed to collaborate with other community groups throughout the borough, to get local people involved in creating nature walks to improve fitness levels. Lastly, they aimed to conclude the project with celebratory Green Day event, connecting the community with environmental groups and local businesses.

The whole project has been well received by the local community especially the Green Day event. The whole project helped to promote to the local community that the sustainable action can be an affordable, locally resourced choice as demonstrated by the accessible facilities in the park.

As a result of the project, walking maps have been produced to encourage more people to use their feet to explore their local area. The ranger’s hut has been aptly renamed the ‘Friend’s Hut,’ and the group actively promote fairtrade and green products from here. The bike library is up and running and allows people to borrow a bike if required. Cycling lessons from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) are being run from the bike library 3 times a week. The park’s Gardening Group is open to all and is now able to offer food grown in the park to the local community.

Difficulty with fluctuating costs and supply chains as an ongoing result of the COVID-19 pandemic means the group has not been able to achieve all they set out to do, but they have secured further funding to carry on this exiting work.

In relation to climate action, what would you like to see change in Bury?

• More street recycling facilities, more regular and RELIABLE evening bus services and encourage traders at Bury Market to not use plastic bags!

The Sunnywood Project set out to develop a project to engage the local community in learning about the impact of climate change on the local area and wildlife, and what they can do to reduce this.

The ‘Take Root,’ series of guided hikes/runs was proposed, to involve the community in outdoor conservation work. Three series were planned, one aimed at young people (11-16), one aimed at families (all ages, but specific focus on 4-11), and one for 18+. Each series was to last 8 weeks and would include 32 workshops. These projects were to be combined with social action, such as tree planting, as well as education on impacts of climate change.

The Sunnywood Project aimed to partner with ‘City of Trees’ to complete the project. Overall, it was thought the Take Root series will encourage people to participate in nature by, tree planting, removing invasive species, improving wellbeing, increasing appreciation of green spaces, and promoting ‘grow your own’ social prescribing.

As part of the project a partnership with the National Trust was established. The project also partnered with local artists to engage local people with green spaces in new and innovative ways. The users of Holcombe Moor have seen great benefit to the area in the form of footpath repair, fenced-off grazing areas and much more.

Other events have been conducted also, including litter picking projects, balsam bashing and building boxes for birds and bats. The Take Root programme has engaged with over 100 people, fulfilling the following aims. Firstly, encouraging the community to conserve trails, localities, and natural world. Secondly, allowing people to appreciate one another and our green spaces, through physical activities and combining art with nature. Finally, the project helped the community to connect to the landscape, connect with the community, and to connect with each other.

The project aims to run again next year, and hopefully continue to feed into the community in a positive manner. It will also involve more climate social action in partnership with the National Trust

In relation to climate action, what would you like to see change in Bury?

• More opportunities and initiatives for active travel.

Friends of Chesham Woods wanted to use their funding for the enhancement of the ecosystem services of the brooks of Chesham Woods. The project planned to revolve around 2 tributaries of Barn Brook, that flow through the woods. One tributary through Lower Lee Woods and one through Chesham Green Wood.

Lower Lee Woods

The group wanted to enhance the biodiversity value through the introduction of locally native wildflowers such as marsh marigolds. The group also wanted to introduce natural flood management (NFM) measures to reduce the risk of flooding downstream when culverts block during heavy rain. The aim of the NFM measures was to “slow the flow” by adding woody debris to create natural dams that hold back and pool the water.

Chesham Green Wood

For the Brook in Chesham Green Wood, the group wanted to introduce more “slow the flow” measures such as desilting of the on-stream pond. This would also ensure it can be used for pond dipping.

As a result of the project Friends of Chesham Woods have planted over 200 wildflowers along both brooks, including such species as great woodrush, lesser celandine, ramsons, meadowsweet, marsh marigold, yellow flag-iris, and red campion. At least 10 leaky dams have been installed, 5 or more on each brook are currently successful at holding back water. The pond has been dredged and restored, making it possible for the pond to now be dipped. There were many co-benefits to the project as well. A corporate group participated in one of the wildflower planting sessions, and there have been offers from Bury College and Chesham Primary School to provide continued assistance. Bury college have started helping on Monday mornings, on both climate action related activities and general maintenance. The long-term impacts should see a large increase in biodiversity, as well as reducing pressure on the culverts downstream.

Prestwich Environmental Forum used their funding to link up with Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) to enter Prestwich into the Plastic Free Communities project. The main aim of the project was to work towards an accredited Plastic Free Prestwich (PFP) status, focusing on tackling avoidable single-use plastics (SUP) to reduce its impact on local and shared spaces in the community. The group also aimed to build awareness of Prestwich Environmental Forum as an active and positive voice for engaging with climate and environmental action in the community.

Their focus was on small independent businesses, building public support and offering support and guidance for changing practices. PEF promoted the businesses’ accreditation and promoted the businesses’ work on environmental protection. Furthermore, PEF worked with local groups and organisations to commit to reducing single-use plastics in their activities, communicate their pledge and promote PEF’s work.

At this moment, the project is at 90% completion. 11 out of 12 needed businesses have signed up as Plastic free champions, and 17 out of 30 community allies have signed up, which will be the focus of the group for 2023. Seven plastic-free community events have already taken place to raise awareness.

PEF have also connected with a number of community groups and individuals, who now support each other’s work in wider environmental issues- such as Clean Team Prestwich and Prestwich Community Cinema. They believe they have been successful in making the community cleaner and have helped to take plastics out of the waste-chain.

In relation to climate action, what would you like to see change in Bury?

• Development of an eco-centre(s).

Greenmount Primary Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) were conscious of the amount of waste that could be associated with school uniforms and how large the impact of the textile industry on climate change is. Therefore, they proposed a project to introduce a shop to make it as easy as possible to accept and pass on used school uniform. A large percentage of uniform is embroidered with a logo, and this prohibits it being gifted to charity shops or being recycled. The PTA planned to provide a permanent location at the school, where used items of school clothing, both plain and badged, could be donated and then provided as pre-loved uniform available to purchase. The shop was to be run by the PTA and volunteers from the school community. Uniform was to be priced at a low cost and there would be options to gift uniform to families in financial need.

At the same time the PTA aimed to engage children and families about all aspects of textile waste and encourage them to take positive steps to reduce their own waste. Any proceeds from the shop would be used for the PTA charity. The project aimed to be a flagship to other schools and would spread the message using the slogan- ‘School uniform shouldn’t cost the Earth.’ The PTA planned to engage with other groups, such as Greenmount Beavers, Scouts, Rainbows, and Guide groups in the hope to help them recycle their pre-loved uniforms and help them raise money.

The project involved transforming a previously dilapidated storeroom into a modern shop, staffed by volunteers from the PTA. High quality uniform has been provided and resold at a highly reduced price. The shop opens three days a week to families. They actively encourage new volunteers to help in the shop and have been pleased to see new people getting involved.

A total of £1,600 has been raised so far. 1,041 items have been sold as of the March 2023 with customers coming in every day to browse,

Press Release for opening of the shop- Greenmount Primary School goes green with uniform shop | Bury Council (mynewsdesk.com)

In relation to climate action, what would you like to see change in Bury?

• More school uniform recycling!

The Barn was one of the original buildings which formed the Philips Park Estates in Prestwich and was renovated in the 1980s so it could be used for voluntary groups. In 2016 Bury Council signed a lease with Philips Park Management CIC to manage the property.

When the original renovation in the 1980s took place, little attention was paid to energy conservation in the design and implementation. Single glazed windows were installed and there was no insulation in the roof or walls. The primary source of heating installed was a large oil fire burner.

The management team have ambitious targets for the renovation of the Barn, to reduce its energy consumption as much as possible and move away from a fossil fuel heating system. The group wanted to use the Community Climate Action Fund to make this happen.

Firstly, they had an audit completed on the property to look at the feasibility of different options. Then they were able to pick and choose the options that they could afford and would have the biggest impact in the shortest amount of time.

10 solar photovoltaic panels have been installed on the roof of the Barn, along with a meter to allow the volunteers to see how much solar energy is being produced. LED lights have also been installed throughout the building, reducing the energy consumption from lighting. Carrying out other renovations, such as at the toilet facilities have allowed for loft insulation to be put in, playing a role in increasing efficiency of the building. Some windows have been replaced with new double-glazed panes to increase the thermal efficiency of the building.

The group do not want to stop here. Further renovation plans are being discussed while the volunteers search for further funding, there is still much to be done. The management team will continue to invest in more double glazing and consider wall insulation. It is their intention to monitor their energy consumption and display this information in the building for visitors to see.

Whitefield Environmental Forum’s (WEF) wanted to increase tree coverage across Whitefield as an effective means of carbon capture that people can contribute towards. They wanted to encourage residents and organisations to plant significant number of trees with them. WEF recognises the long-term degradation of the natural environment across the township, and its members wanted to plant species-rich meadows in areas that currently are over-mown, non-diverse grassland. This would aim to counteract the disastrous loss of pollinators. They also wanted to create ‘hedgehog highways’ to provide access for small mammals to reach otherwise inaccessible green spaces.

This required seeking out appropriate land, publicising the project throughout the township and meeting, encouraging, and supporting landowners in their planting and environmental activities. At least one summer promotional/ educational event was planned in conjunction with a local allotment or horticultural society to encourage residents to join in and to reduce their personal carbon footprint. The group aimed to see a visible increase in tree coverage and improved grassland across Whitefield by the end of 2022. Furthermore, WEF wanted to create a township of people who are more aware of the climate emergency and increase their capability to do something to mitigate it. They aimed to increase the membership of the Environmental Forum with enthusiastic members and improve links to other organisations across Whitefield.

WEF worked with City of Tress to get advice on the tree planting programme and to look at opportunities for joint projects. They signed four schools up to the Wilding Whitefield programme, which has resulted in the planting of 1,570 saplings and 44 fruit and standard trees. By borrowing tools, they have been able to significantly increase the proportion of the grant spent on trees and wildflower plugs. They also had a stall at Apple Day 2022 to show how hard to recycle plastics can be re-used in the garden.

WEF intend to build on the relationship they have made with City of Trees, Elms Bank 6th Form Hub and the Ribble Warriors at Ribble Drive School. Many of their members are also members of Incredible Edible and Love Springwater Park.

In relation to climate action, what would you like to see change in Bury?

• A greater awareness that Bury’s Climate Action Plan for carbon neutrality in 2038 encompasses all residents and not just council operations.

Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) wanted to grow community action through a weekly practical volunteering session. The project was centred on nature recovery and connecting people with nature in their local area, through practical conservation. Additionally, the project aimed to protect the valuable habitats already present at Philip’s Park as well as to promote biodiversity and improve access.

The site requires active management to control invasive species aiding biodiversity and protecting the carbon sequestering woodland and grassland. LWT aim to educate and inspire people about nature, as well as inspire action for climate and nature at a small scale in people’s everyday lives, homes, and gardens. LWT want to increase the number of volunteers and refer new volunteers to other community groups operating on site. As part of the project, they aimed to complete ecological surveys on site to generate a clear picture of the condition of nature at the park.

Their overarching goal was to attract local people who can benefit from having an accessible, local greenspace for recreation and education, improving health and wellbeing.

Volunteering groups now attend the park every Tuesday to conduct maintenance and essential work such as controlling invasive species such as Japanese knotweed and Himalayan Balsam around the park. The volunteers are clearing scrub, duckweed, and litter from around the Mid Wood Pond. They have begun coppicing for hedge laying and even started laying some hedges too. Tree planting events have been held to enable the wider public to feel as though they are making a positive contribution to their woodland, alongside educating them on the management needed to keep the woodland as a space enjoyable for all. The tree planting was run as tree dedications; with participants leaving notes on the trees planted as a dedication for a loved one. This will increase local ownership of the community greenspace and encourage participants to keep coming back to check the health and growth of their own trees.

The project has generated an increased public awareness of non-native species, and the challenges they present. This in turn has created better public support and understanding, as well as boosting volunteer numbers. Better links have been forged with the stakeholders of Philips Park, and there has also been an increase in partnerships with other environmental groups, such as Forestry England and City of Trees. The funding has allowed for a greener Philips Park to emerge, increasing the potential for biodiversity to grow, and has increased volunteering.

In relation to climate action, what would you like to see change in Bury?

• More resilience for biodiversity including habitats and species.

This fund is to support local people and communities to take positive steps towards tackling climate change and to help us reach our goal for Bury to be carbon neutral by 2038.

We are looking to fund projects that will benefit the environment in some way, have a positive impact on the climate or raise awareness of environmental issues. Grants of up to £15,000 could be applied for.

Applications were welcome from any of the following people and communities within the borough of Bury.

• Community groups.
• Charities.
• Social enterprises.
• Voluntary groups.
• Clubs and societies.

To be eligible for funding, projects must be delivered within the borough of Bury, plus contribute to one or more of the following.

• Renewable energy generation or promotion
• Reduced fuel poverty or climate associated risks
• Making residents' homes more sustainable
• Minimising the everyday impacts our communities have on the environment
• Active travel and, or low-carbon travel
• A reduction in waste, including single-use plastic and food waste
• Sustainable buying habits to conserve natural resources
• Adoption of a low-carbon, plant-based diet
• Connecting people with nature and protection of the natural environment
• Increasing local volunteering and community-led conservation work

When shaping ideas for your projects please refer to the Bury Climate Action Plan.

• Organisations and projects based outside the borough of Bury
• Individuals (applicants must be part of a local community group or voluntary organisations)
• Organisations trading for profit or intending to redistribute grant awards
• Requests that will replace or enhance statutory provision
• Academic or medical research and equipment
• Overseas travel
• If the primary purpose of the request is to promote religious or political beliefs
• Retrospective grants, for example, projects or activities that have already taken place or have already been paid for
• Sponsorship or fundraising events
• Contributions to larger or major appeals
• Local branches of national charities unless locally managed and financially autonomous
• More than one application at any one time for the same project

Those that:

• incorporate equality and diversity
• reach out to people not already involved with climate action
• can develop and continue into the future
• bring together multiple community groups
• also promote other benefits, such as healthy living

Please note: Applications for the highest level of funding must have clearly demonstrated a wide level of engagement and impact. Where possible, applications should have also been made for projects or activities that require a lower level of funding.

Projects or activities must start within 3 months after funding is approved and received and must be spent by December 2022.