National Careers Week takes place between 3 – 8 March 2025 and provides an opportunity to explore the growing career paths within the green sector. With a national commitment by the Government to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the demand for skilled professionals in sustainable industries is rapidly increasing. In west Cheshire, local initiatives and educational organisations are at the forefront of this green revolution, offering a range of opportunities for those eager to get involved in this exciting sector and play their part to help the area achieve its net zero goals and support the reindustrialisation of the North.

Playing your part to help deliver the borough’s Climate Emergency Response Plan

In 2019, Cheshire West and Chester Council unanimously declared a climate emergency and worked with a range of partners, climate experts, community groups and businesses to understand the challenges and opportunities this could bring to the area. The Climate Emergency Response Plan for the borough outlines a comprehensive strategy to become a net-zero borough by 2045. This ambitious plan emphasises the necessity for a local workforce skilled in green technologies and sustainable practices.

ORIGIN, located in the Ellesmere Port area of the borough, is one of the most important industrial and employment clusters in the UK, supporting 1,300 businesses and creating employment for 24,100 people. ORIGIN is at the forefront of advanced plans to respond to the Climate Emergency through several transformational projects with many job opportunities for local people. of nearly £500 million building a new production plant in Ellesmere Port.

More details about the plan can be found on our website: www.westcheshireclimateplan.co.uk/

Regional Skills Pilot in Cheshire West and Chester

In January 2025, Cheshire West and Chester has been selected as one of four regions to launch the Government's Regional Skills Pilot. This initiative aims to support workers transitioning from carbon-intensive industries to the growing clean energy sector. The pilot includes the development of an Energy Skills Passport portal, enabling workers to identify necessary qualifications for specific roles, thereby facilitating a smoother transition into renewable energy careers. Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington is delivering the pilot project locally, working in partnership with the North West Net Zero Hub, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Net Zero North West.

Find out more information about the project

Educational pathways in green industries

Several local organisations offer a range of courses designed to provide students with the skills required in the green sector.

Cheshire College – South & West: At the Ellesmere Port campus, the college has invested £680,000 in an on-site sustainable house. This facility provides students with hands-on experience in sustainable construction and renewable energy technologies, addressing the skills gap in eco-friendly building practices.
Watch a video about the on-site sustainable home and the training offered there.

Reaseheath College: Known for its land-based courses, Reaseheath offers programs in Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental Conservation, and Horticulture, among others. These courses blend theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for careers in a range of areas including, environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management.

TTE Technical Training Group: Specialising in technical training, TTE provides industry-focused programmes and apprenticeships in engineering and manufacturing. Their courses are tailored to meet the evolving demands of the green sector, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for roles in sustainable industries.

The University of Chester: Many of the courses on offer at our local university include a focus on sustainability. Students and staff at the university have been involved in industrial decarbonisation research (Chester Business School), conservation of endangered species (School of Natural Sciences), and advanced and sustainable engineering covering renewable energy (School of Computer and Engineering Sciences).

Read about the University's recent research day which focused on sustainability.

Career opportunities with HyNet

HyNet North West is a pioneering project aimed at transforming the region's energy landscape by producing, transporting, and storing low-carbon hydrogen, as well as capturing carbon dioxide emissions. By 2035, HyNet is projected to generate around 75,000 jobs across the UK, spanning construction, engineering, project management, and more. This provides a great opportunity for local people to be part of a world-leading project using cutting-edge technology to combat climate change

Keep up-to-date with job opportunities at Hynet.

Embracing a green career

As industries are adapting their businesses to meet evolving environmental and social standards, professionals with expertise in sustainability are increasingly in demand. This is an exciting time to get involved in these sustainable and green roles. By doing so you could play your part in helping the borough to reach its net zero goal.

Share your story into a green career

If you are involved in an organisation that offers training, apprenticeships or roles in the sustainable or green sector and would like to share any success stories, you can add your story to the ‘your story’ section of the Climate Emergency Inspire Hub.

Other resources

WWF - Sustainable Futures: A free careers programme for secondary schools and colleges

National Careers Service - Explore Green Careers

STEM Learning - Green Careers

Cheshire West and Chester Council is promoting Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean campaign and the Your Streets team has organised litter picking events across the borough.

The Great British Spring Clean and Great Big School Clean 2025 will take place from 21 March to 6 April, and you can pledge to pick up a bag of litter – or more – right now.

Members of the Council's Your Streets Team

Community litter pick events will be held in the following locations between 12 noon and 2pm. Everyone is welcome and equipment will be provided:

• Tuesday, 25 March - Sycamore Park, Lache
• Thursday, 27 March - Festival Park, Ellesmere Port
• Friday 28 March – Brook Street Car Park, Neston
• Tuesday, 1 April - Winsford Marina Car Park
• Thursday, 3rd April - Castle Park Car Park, Frodsham

The Council’s Your Streets team also has a toolkit available for individuals and groups of up to 30 volunteers to arrange clean-up events in their own communities.

The toolkit, which is available throughout the year not just during the Keep Britain Tidy campaign, includes litter-picking grabbers, bags and full instructions for the collection of filled bags.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Pride, Councillor Stuart Bingham said: “It’s wonderful that so many groups and individuals have already organised litter-picking events and clean-ups in their communities to join this campaign.

“I’m pleased we are able to promote the use of the toolkit through our Your Streets initiative to help individuals and groups make a difference in their area. I’m looking forward to hearing about the results achieved across the borough at our community events.

“Litter-picking is a simple activity that can really make a huge difference where you live. Our teams work hard every day and are doing all they can to keep the borough clean and looking beautiful, but we really value the contribution of volunteers during the Great British Spring Clean as well as through the rest of the year. Thank you to everyone who plays their part across the borough. We can all be #LitterHeroes!”

You can pledge your support for the Keep Britain Tidy campaign on their website.

If you would like to tell us about a litter pick in your local community or speak to our team to see how they can support, please email: YourStreets@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.

Keep Britain Tidy’s website states that litter-picking is a simple action that anyone can do to make an immediate and visible difference to the environment where we live, work and play. In fact 97% of people surveyed after 2024's campaign agreed they felt they had made a difference to their local area, and 86% said they felt part of a national movement that is taking action to tackle litter.

Last year, an army of amazing #LitterHeroes pledged to pick more than 425,000 bags of litter!

ENDS

Full link to pledge site:

https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/great-british-spring-clean

Link to Your Streets information:

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/your-streets/campaigns-and-news/love-your-streets-campaign.aspx

World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on 2 February and provides an opportunity to highlight the crucial importance of these unique ecosystems. Wetlands encompass a diverse range of environments from marshes and swamps to bogs and meres and mosses. They are vitally important to communities around the world and provide a wealth of benefits to both people and the planet.

Why wetlands matter

• Biodiversity hotspots: Wetlands are incredibly rich in biodiversity, supporting a vast array of plant and animal life. They serve as vital habitats for numerous species, many of which are endangered.
• Water purification: Wetlands act as natural filters, purifying water by removing pollutants and improving water quality.
• Flood control: Wetlands play a crucial role in mitigating floods by absorbing excess water and reducing the impact of extreme weather events.
• Climate change mitigation: Wetlands are significant carbon sinks, absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to combat climate change.
• Food security: For many communities around the world wetlands provide essential resources for food production, including fish, shellfish, and rice.
• Recreation and tourism: They also offer opportunities for recreation and tourism, such as birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking, contributing to local economies.

Local action

The Council works with landowners across west Cheshire as the habitat delivery body for Natural England's great crested newt strategic licensing scheme, known as District Level Licensing (DLL).

Under DLL, developers pay a conservation payment, which is then used to create or restore new ponds in strategic areas within the borough. The ponds are secured, monitored, and managed for 25 years – all funded by the developers.

Since the scheme started in 2018, the Council has created over 170 ponds, including 15 in the last year. The Council’s Total Environment Team continue to monitor these, ensuring they remain healthy and thriving habitats.

Increasing the number of functional ponds within the borough helps to provide a more coherent ‘steppingstone’ mosaic of wetland habitat. The aim of the scheme is to improve great crested newt population numbers to prevent further decline. The ponds are also of benefit to a whole host of local wildlife and can help with flood management.

Cheshire and Warrington’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy has a goal to address the crises we face in the natural world, with an aim of the partnership to create a more resilient natural environment for the benefit of wildlife and people by maintaining, conserving, restoring and reconnecting wildlife-rich space. This includes wetlands in the area and you can read more about some of the projects taking place locally including at Delamere’s meres and mosses and plans for the Chester Wetland project. Read more on the Cheshire Local Nature Partnership website: Nature Based Solutions - Cheshire Local Nature Partnership

Supporting World Wetlands Day

• Learn more: Increase your knowledge about wetlands and their importance.
• Visit a wetland: Explore local wetlands, such as the RSPB Burton Mere Wetland to see some fantastic wildlife on your doorstep.
• Create a mini wetland in your garden: Even small actions can make a difference. Introducing a pond to your garden, however small, can create a valuable habitat for wildlife. You can find helpful tips and guidance on creating a pond in your garden on the Wildlife Trust’s website.

A special oak tree has been planted at The Countess of Chester Country Park as part of The Mersey Forest's Oaks at 80 project, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The Oaks at 80 project aims to honour the service men, women and civilians who played their part in defending our country and way of life during the war.

Taking place throughout 2025, 80 years since the end of the Second World War, the project encourages communities across the region to plant oak trees, creating a lasting commemoration that will benefit the environment for generations to come.

Oak trees, symbolise strength, resilience, and longevity, and have traditionally marked 80-year milestones, making them a fitting tribute to the sacrifices made during this period.

The oak tree at The Countess of Chester Country Park, was planted near to the Fallen for the Fallen Bench, a carved bench set within the country park which is at the end of a three-kilometre trail commemorating the soldiers who lived in the area and lost their lives during the First World War. The tree was kindly donated and planted by the Life for a Life Memorial Forest charity, which has a site within the park.

The Friends of the Countess of Chester Country Park, who organised the event, welcomed representatives from Life for a Life Memorial Forest, The Mersey Forest, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), The Land Trust, SSAFA, RECORD, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, the NHS, local councillors, the Swettenham Foundation and members of the 22 Multi-role Medical Regiment based at the nearby Dale Barracks and the local community for the planting on Friday, 24 January 2025.


Paul Nolan, Director of The Mersey Forest, said: “Planting an oak tree in this popular park in Chester will serve as a fitting reminder of those who gave their lives for our freedom during the Second World War. We’d like to thank Lieutenant Colonel John Greener from the 22 Multi-role Medical Regiment and the Friends of The Countess of Chester Park group for setting up the event and helping us to plant the tree. We can’t wait to see more added to communities across the area over the course of the year.”

Andy Scargill, the Chair of the Friends group said that, “Attending the launch of Oaks at 80 at Calderstones Park in November last year inspired us to want to plant an Oak in our own park and siting it near to the Fallen for the Fallen memorial bench seemed an obvious choice of location. We would like to especially thank Life for a Life Memorial Forest for, not only donating a tree, but also planting it for us.”

Lieutenant Colonel John Greener from the 22 Multi-Role Medical Regiment, said: “It was an enormous honour being invited to plant the commemorative oak tree and unveil the plaque for the Oaks at 80 project. 22 Multi-Role Medical Regiment’s antecedent units were heavily involved throughout the war; in the Middle East; Italy; and North West Europe. Being able to participate in events like this, continues to deepen our ties with the local community and we’re grateful to be invited to take part.”

Individuals, schools, and community groups in Cheshire and Merseyside are invited to participate in the Oaks at 80 project by planting oaks in their own communities. They can do so by growing oaks from seed or by getting in touch with The Mersey Forest to source a tree on their behalf. Email: mail@merseyforest.org.uk for more information.

To learn more about the Oaks at 80 project, please visit The Mersey Forest website.

There are just a few weeks left for residents and businesses to have their say on the borough's draft Climate Emergency Response Plan for 2025-2030. The consultation, which began at the end of November will close at midnight on Wednesday, 12 February, 2025.

This crucial plan will guide the borough's efforts to achieve net zero by 2045 and outlines key actions for the Council, partners, and communities across six key themes: Business and Industry, Transport, Housing, Energy, Land Use and Adaptation, and Waste and the Circular Economy.

The draft plan builds upon previous engagement with communities to understand the challenges and opportunities facing the borough as it strives for a greener, healthier, and more resilient future. It follows the Council’s declaration of a Climate Emergency in 2019 and represents the second such plan for the area.

Councillor Louise Gittins is urging residents to participate: “This is your chance to have your say on the proposed plan and help us reach our climate goals over the next five years. The draft plan includes clear actions that we can all work on together to help us reach net zero and create a sustainable borough with greener communities. You can have your say on one or two topics that are important to you in the plan or provide feedback on all of it.”

Residents, businesses, and partners are encouraged to complete the consultation online via the Council’s engagement platform, Participate Now: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/climateplanconsultation. The consultation includes a series of questions on different elements of the Climate Plan.

Paper copies of the consultation are also available upon request by emailing climatechange@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.

The consultation closes at midnight on Wednesday, 12 February 2025.

The Mersey Forest is inviting everyone to have their say on its new long-term strategy, More With Trees, which sets out an ambitious vision to transform Cheshire and Merseyside by increasing tree cover, improving woodlands and encouraging people to enjoy and get involved in nature based programmes, activities and projects. The consultation is live until 2 March 2025.

The plan is a multi-generational endeavour towards a long-term ambition of 30% tree cover, with the aim to reach 15% by 2050.

Through this consultation, people in the region are encouraged to share views by completing a short survey, adding locations to an interactive map to highlight areas for tree planting, or attending a drop-in session. Feedback gathered will play a key role in finalising the plan, which will guide the work of The Mersey Forest team and its partners for decades to come.

Paul Nolan, Director of The Mersey Forest, said: “We’re excited to launch this consultation and hear from local communities, landowners, businesses and environmental and community groups about how we can work together to create a greener, healthier, and more climate-resilient future for Cheshire and Merseyside. This plan is not just about planting trees, it’s about enriching lives, supporting nature, and helping the area to adapt to our changing climate. Your input will be crucial in shaping the future of our woodlands and green spaces to benefit our communities for years to come.”

The More With Trees plan is driven by three fundamental goals - enriching the lives of local people, helping nature to flourish, and strengthening the region’s resilience to climate change. The benefits of trees and woodlands in relation to these are undeniable.

Community planting event

For people, trees improve mental, physical, and social wellbeing. Access to nature has been shown to reduce stress, trees improve air quality, and green spaces are places for physical activity and community engagement. Trees and woods can also support livelihoods, from agricultural benefits like improving soil quality, to providing timber for local industries, and enhancing our working environments.

Natural Health Service Mindfulness session at Frodsham

For nature, trees, woods and hedges provide habitat, food, and connectivity for species. New woodlands can incorporate a mix of habitats into their design and improved management of existing woods allows species to thrive.

For climate, trees and woods sequester and store carbon, and they have a vital role to play in managing the impacts of an already changing climate, reducing flooding, and helping to cool urban areas during heatwaves.

The More With Trees plan consultation is your chance to help shape the future of trees and woodlands in Cheshire and Merseyside. Your feedback will play a vital role in creating a greener, healthier, and more sustainable region for all.

• Consultation period: Until Sunday, 2 March 2025
• Take part: Complete the survey at: http://www.merseyforest.org.uk/our-plan
• Interactive map: Add locations where you would like to see more trees, via our Tree Atlas http://www.merseyforest.org.uk/tree-atlas/
• Face-to-face sessions: Dates and locations to be announced on the website
• Printed plans and surveys: Available upon request: mail@merseyforest.org.uk or call: 0300 123 8 123 and ask for a copy.

Cheshire has been selected by the government as a “key growth region” for clean energy which will unlock green skills training and boost a collective ambition for it to be the healthiest, most sustainable, inclusive and growing economy in the UK.

Workers will be supported with government-backed training programmes so they can benefit from thousands of new job opportunities in the clean energy sector, as part of the government’s Plan for Change and clean energy superpower mission.

Cheshire West and Chester will receive £1m in the first round of funding after it was confirmed on Wednesday it was one of four regions selected by the government to launch the scheme. This will include an Energy Skills Passport portal - a tool which will enable workers to easily identify which qualifications, such as technical and safety standards, are needed for specific roles - to help workers in the oil and gas industry transition into the renewable energy sector in the region.

The government confirmed west Cheshire had been chosen as one of the UK’s “key growth regions for clean energy, with flourishing offshore wind, nuclear, and solar industries”.

Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington (formerly Cheshire and Warrington LEP) is going to be delivering the pilot locally, working with a partnership including North West Net Zero Hub, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Net Zero North West.

Funding could go towards new training centres, courses or career advisers - supporting local people into opportunities in industries such as welding, electrical engineering, and construction.

Today regional leaders hailed the investment as an important step towards a collective bid by all three of Cheshire’s local authorities for the region to be the healthiest, most sustainable, inclusive and growing economy in the UK.

The announcement comes amid a North West Net Zero Industrial Cluster plan, which centres around a £30bn pipeline of clean energy projects to unlock investment and remove over 40 million tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere every year, as well as creating and safeguarding thousands of jobs.

Cllr Louise Gittins

Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of Cheshire and Warrington sub regional Leaders Board and Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “We are thrilled that Cheshire West and Chester has been selected as a target area for the Regional Skills Pilot.

“This initiative, as part of the Clean Power Action Plan, will play a crucial role in transitioning our workforce from carbon-intensive industries to clean energy sectors. As one of the centres of the net zero re-industrialisation of the North, we are committed to encouraging green economic growth and the benefits that will bring to our area.”

Cllr Gittins added: “By addressing skill gaps and challenges through targeted interventions, we are not only supporting our residents to upskill, and our local economy to fill crucial skill requirements, but also contributing to the UK’s broader goal of achieving clean power by 2030. We look forward to working closely with the department and the Office for Clean Energy Jobs to ensure the success of this pilot.”

Employers will also get a handbook which highlights where businesses can access support to grow and upskill their workforce. This will include, for example, sector-based work academy programmes which help jobseekers into the sector, ensuring they have the necessary skills to deliver clean power by 2030.

Funding could go towards new training centres, courses or career advisers - supporting local people into opportunities in industries such as welding, electrical engineering, and construction.

Announcing the scheme, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “We are working with communities, businesses, and trade unions to train workers here in Britain, so we can seize the opportunities that clean power brings.”

As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how our daily habits can make a difference not only for the planet but also for our health and wallets. Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Climate Emergency Response Plan highlights the need for collective and individual efforts to cut carbon emissions, protect the environment, and create a sustainable future for the borough.

The Climate Emergency can feel like a big task for us to tackle individually but by focusing on small, achievable and regular habits we can play our part to benefit both the environment and our own lives.

Sustainable living can help improve your health and boost savings

Sustainable living often feels like a grand goal, but it’s also deeply personal. By making greener choices, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but can also improve our physical and mental well-being, often while saving money. Here are some ideas on how to do this.

• Active transport: Walking or cycling short journeys instead of driving cuts emissions, improves your health, and saves on fuel costs.
• Energy efficiency: Reducing energy use at home lowers carbon emissions and helps to cut energy bills.
• Food choices: Introducing more plant-based food to your diet and reducing food waste saves money, supports a healthier diet, and can help reduce the methane emissions linked to livestock and landfill waste.

All of these goals will help with the borough's target to become carbon-neutral by 2045, providing us with greener communities and more sustainable area to live.

Tips for Creating Sustainable Eco-Habits

• Start small but stay consistent
  Habits don’t change overnight. Begin with one or two manageable goals—like cutting out single-use plastics or opting for meat-free meals twice a week. Small actions, when repeated regularly, create lasting change.
  
  
• Go green with transport
  Try walking, cycling or wheeling for short journeys. If you are going further afield try car sharing, or using buses and trains. You’ll reduce emissions, save on petrol, and stay active. If you are heading to Chester during January the Park and Ride service is offering free tickets to all passengers. Find out more on the Council’s website.
  
  
• Reduce energy use at home
  Simple energy-saving habits, such as turning off lights when leaving a room, unplugging electronics, and washing clothes at lower temperatures, can lead to significant savings. Consider switching to renewable energy providers or investing in home improvements like insulation or smart thermostats. Details of energy savings grants that are currently available are listed on the Council's home energy for residents webpage.
  
  
• Rethink your waste
  Recycling is essential, but reducing and reusing are even better. Repair rather than replace, buy second-hand, and compost food waste to reduce the amount of waste that is going to landfill. The Council's website has information about what you are able to recycle in your bins at home and what can go to your local waste and recycling centre. Some of the borough’s waste and recycling centres also have reuse shops where you can buy second hand items, such as small electrical items and some furniture.
  
  
• Eat sustainably
  Support local farmers’ markets, businesses and community initiatives that reduce food miles and provide fresh, seasonal produce. Cutting back on processed foods and adding more plant-based meals to your diet not only helps the planet but also lowers your risk of chronic diseases. Visit the Veganuary website for some recipe ideas.
  
  
• Leave space for nature in your garden
  Whatever the size or shape of your garden you can make small changes to make it a home to wildlife and encourage nature to thrive. You could boost biodiversity by scattering some native seeds to make a wildflower meadow, try growing your own food, consider adding a micro pond or plant more flowering plants to support pollinators. It's also really important to ensure that any adaptations you make to your garden allow for water to permeate through the ground to help avoid flooding. For tips on gardening for nature visit WWFs website or view a webinar that Cheshire Wildlife Trust hosted about climate proofing your garden.

• Get involved locally
  Our Climate Emergency Response Plan highlights the importance of community collaboration. Join local green groups, participate in tree planting/habitat creation, or volunteer for clean-up events to connect with others in your community and amplify your impact. Visit the Climate Emergency Inspire Hub for details of local community groups.

The ripple effect of your choices

When you adopt sustainable habits, the benefits ripple outward. Your actions inspire others—friends, family, and neighbours—to follow suit. Together, small changes create a culture of sustainability that supports the borough's climate goals.

By incorporating some of these habits into your everyday life, you’ll enjoy a healthier lifestyle, financial savings, and help to create greener communities. The Council’s Climate Emergency Response Plan and Climate Emergency Hub offers guidance, tips and resources to help you on your journey to make west Cheshire carbon neutral by 2045.

In early 2025 the Council ran an engagement exercise to hear the views of local people about a proposal to create a community woodland and wildlife area on an open area of amenity grassland, adjacent to Shelley Road, Milton Road and Donne Place, in Blacon, Chester.

More details about the engagement and the findings from this work can be found on this project page.

Lots of us will be making plans to enjoy the Christmas break with friends and family this year, enjoying food and drink together and sharing presents. Many of us try to be sustainable throughout the year but the festive season can be more challenging.


We’ve put together some tips to help you have a more sustainable Christmas.

Reduce Food Waste

• Plan your meals: Make a list of what you need and stick to it. Avoid impulse buys at the supermarket.
  
  
• Use leftovers: Get creative with your leftovers. Turn leftover turkey into sandwiches or pies and use leftover vegetables in soups or stews. Visit http://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com for inspiration.
  
  
• Compost food waste: Remember to recycle all your Christmas food waste, including turkey carcasses in your brown bin.

Recycle responsibly

• Get recycling: You can recycle lots of different items in your recycling bins at home or take excess waste along to one of the borough’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). Details about schedule changes to our bin collection service over Christmas and the New Year period, along with HWRC opening times, can be found on our website. If you live outside of the area visit your local Council’s website for details.
  
  
• Bins too full? Excess recycling that doesn’t fit in your bin can be put securely next to your bin/box to be collected on the same day as your bin collection.
  
  
• Christmas trees: Real Christmas trees can be taken to a number of sites across the borough to be recycled or to any Household Waste Recycling Centre. Further details about all these locations can be found on our website. There are also a number of charity collections in the area.

Consider your travel options

• Park & Ride: If you’re heading to Chester this season, consider taking the Park & Ride. Up to five people traveling together can get a ticket for just £5 and there are late night services up to Christmas. In January you can travel for free on the service. Find out more on our website.
  
  
• Jingle into January on the Park & Ride: The Council is offering free travel on the city’s Park & Ride service throughout January 2025, thanks to funding from the Department of Transport under its Bus Service Improvement Plan grant. The offer applies to single day tickets purchased on bus from any one of the operational sites at Boughton Heath, Upton or Wrexham Road.
  
  
• Get around for £2: Bus services in the borough have the £2 fare cap running until the 31 December 2024. From the 1 January 2025 there will be a new £3 fare cap introduced, in many cases the fares are less than £3 but the fare cap prevents you paying more than £3 for a single journey on buses in the borough. Read more about the fare cap on the Government’s website. For public transport options in the borough visit our website.
  
  
• Walk, wheel or cycle: If possible, consider walking, wheeling or cycling if you are making short trips this Christmas.
  
  
• Consider car sharing: If you do need to drive, consider car sharing with friends or family.
  
  

Switch your gift giving

• Make your gifts meaningful: Ask recipients what they’d really value, or consider purchasing experiences instead.
  
  
• Support local independent businesses: Shopping at local businesses helps to reduce your carbon footprint and supports your community.
  
  
• Buy handmade or second-hand gifts: Consider giving handmade or second-hand gifts this Christmas. This is a great way to reduce waste and support local artisans. Sites such as Olio or Vinted are great places to check for second hand or home made goods.

Be energy efficient

• Keep pan lids on: When cooking, keep pan lids on to reduce cooking time and save energy.
  
  
• Turn off lights and electronics: Turn off lights and electronics when you're not using them, including Christmas lights.
  
  
• Adjust the temperature: If you are able to, and don’t have a health condition, try lowering the thermostat a few degrees to help save energy and lower your bills. You could also reduce the temperature of those rooms you aren’t using even more. Read are article on the Energy for Everyone site for more energy saving tips for the home

Choose eco-friendly decorations and wrapping

• Re-use or repurpose decorations: Decorations can last for years or if you’re after something new for your home take a look at local Facebook groups or sites such as Olio to see if anyone is giving something away.
  
  
• Take inspiration from nature: Consider using pine cones or cuttings of evergreen plants and trees to decorate your home.
• Wrap gifts sustainably: Use reusable wrapping paper or brown paper and decorate with natural materials like pine cones and berries.

If you have any tips of your own about having a more sustainable Christmas you can add them to the ‘your story’ section of the Climate Emergency Inspire hub.

The Council is currently developing a new Climate Emergency Response Plan for the borough for 2025 – 2030. You can review the actions we’ve proposed to help us become a carbon neutral borough by 2045 and have your say by completing our consultation before 12 February 2025. Visit the consultation webpage for more information.