The ideas bank is a space for those in the community looking for a project, who potentially don't know where to start, to gain ideas and support in getting going. This is also a space for those curious about positive actions happening in communities across the country to tackle the climate challenge. This page is for the purpose of sharing ideas and not to put the onus of tackling the climate crisis on the public.
Inspiring community projects
Community orchard in Buxton
Buxton Community Orchard was established in 2011. A community orchard is where the fruit is available for free for anyone in the community. In 2022, Buxton community orchard have over 100 trees in the town spread across 11 sites.
You can find out more at: Transition Buxton Community Orchard.
Community solar in Bath and West
Bath & West Community Energy group is a not-for-profit, formed in 2010 by volunteer members of Transition Bath & Transition Corsham. The Transition groups are community groups established to push their towns towards achieving net-zero through community action. The purpose of Communtiy Solar Bath & West, is to work with partners to put solar on roofs. This is to reduce emissions and create profit to be shared back into the community for other projects. Since 2010 the group have reduced CO2 by 3,000 tonnes per year and raised £21.2 million for their community.
You can find out more at: Bath & West Community Energy
Community energy in Chipping
Set up by a small volunteer working group, Chipping Community Energy is a community organisation focused on developing renewable energy projects for the benefit of future generations. The current focus of the group is on utilising heat energy to reduce overall energy bills for the community.
You can find out more at: Chipping Community Energy.
Thermal imaging in Ambleside
This neighbourhood group offers its local residents a free home heat loss survey using a thermal imaging camera and energy efficiency support. This support includes an initial twenty minute phone call; a home visit and report. The Group works with partners to receive specialist training in using thermal imaging kits and advice before offering services to other members of the community.
You can find out more at: Cumbria Action for Sustainability.
Homebaked in Anfield
Homebaked is a community land trust project with the aim of creating a portfolio of affordable, environmental friendly hosuing for local people. Homebaked was set up by a group of Anfield residents in 2012.
You can find out more at Homebaked Anfield
Further information
Community orchards
You can learn more about community orchards at; UK.Gov; The Orchard Project; Peoples Trust for Endangered Species; NBN.
Community energy
You can learn more about community energy and energy efficiency projects at; The Energy Saving Trust; Community Energy England; UK.GOV & People Powered Retrofit
Community land trusts
You can learn more about community land trusts at: Community Land Trust Network; House of commons library; Community land news; Community Led Homes & Community Land Scotland
If you are inspired by any of these projects or have inspiring projects you would like to share with us, please get in touch with our climate team and we can put you in touch with one of our climate officers for consultation.
Contact the climate team at: climate@blackpool.gov.uk