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Advice for community groups

Communities within our district have been at the forefront of climate change for many years.

Some of these community action groups – which are often led by volunteers – work alongside businesses, environmental organisations, and the Council to address the climate emergency.

They do this via a variety of different projects, all of which aim to change behaviours and tackle global warming.

You and your community group could inspire and empower residents to:

  • set up a transition movement in your town or parish
  • run litter picks
  • seek low-waste, zero-waste, or product refill shopping options in the area - and encourage local vendors to offer these options
  • gather excess fruit from village trees to distribute or process
  • start community farms, gardens or orchards
  • organise regular swap-and-mend events, or a swishing event to swap unwanted clothes
  • plant up community open spaces for wildflowers - and encourage pollinators
  • ask the Council to manage a roadside verge or public open space in your community, in a way that encourages wildlife

If your group has just been set up – or you are looking to expand your existing group – the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership have put together guidance for community environmental groups. The guidance covers how to get people interested, the types of governance structures you might consider, and examples of activities you could organise.

More information on Community Energy

Community Energy Groups in Babergh and Mid Suffolk

Suffolk Climate Change Partnership (SCCP) are currently working with Community Energy South to deliver the Community Energy Pathways programme. This programme offers local Community Energy Groups mentoring, businesses planning, project development support, fundraising, governance advice, networking and links to other projects.

The Community Energy Pathway Programme supports Suffolk to achieve Net Zero by inspiring and motivating local climate action. The scheme seeks to establish a thriving community energy network in the county. 

There are currently 4 Community Energy Groups on the Pathways Programme in Babergh and Mid Suffolk: