Climate Emergency

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The Climate Emergency facing our world is a very real issue, but there is plenty we can do to take action to help protect our planet.

Cheshire West and Chester Council declared a Climate Emergency in the borough in 2019 and put forward its Climate Emergency Response plan, which aims to help the borough become carbon neutral by 2045.

This is a space to share ideas, stories and tips about what you are doing locally to reduce your carbon emissions and impact on the environment. Now's the time to react and play your part to make our borough carbon neutral.


The Climate Emergency facing our world is a very real issue, but there is plenty we can do to take action to help protect our planet.

Cheshire West and Chester Council declared a Climate Emergency in the borough in 2019 and put forward its Climate Emergency Response plan, which aims to help the borough become carbon neutral by 2045.

This is a space to share ideas, stories and tips about what you are doing locally to reduce your carbon emissions and impact on the environment. Now's the time to react and play your part to make our borough carbon neutral.


What are you doing to tackle the Climate Emergency?

Residents, community groups, schools and businesses across the borough are busy playing their part to protect our local environment and reduce their impact on the planet by reducing their carbon emissions.

Lots of people taking action together can make a big impact and we want to hear all about the things you are doing. It could be a short tip, a blog or vlog on a certain topic, a pledge to say what you hope to achieve or about an event you’ve organised.

By sharing your story, you could inspire others across the borough to take action today and help us achieve our ambition of being a carbon neutral borough.

Please add your story here

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We may occasionally contact people who have uploaded an inspiring story to ask if we could share it wider, such as on the Council's social media channels or our Climate Emergency enewsletter. We will always ask permission before we do this and we will only share stories with your approval.

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  • Share Westminster Park (the green space, not the housing estate!) on Facebook Share Westminster Park (the green space, not the housing estate!) on X (formerly Twitter) Share Westminster Park (the green space, not the housing estate!) on Linkedin Email Westminster Park (the green space, not the housing estate!) link

    Westminster Park (the green space, not the housing estate!)

    over 3 years ago

    From the Spring of 2021, as Covid 19 lockdown conditions allowed, a growing group of volunteers began to meet at the park for a couple of hours on a Wednesday morning. These working parties are a sub-group of the Friends of Westminster Park. Many parks and green spaces now have a Friends Group taking an interest in their patch and supporting the CWAC park staff.

    We began with clearing and planting some of the more formal beds near the café. Then pruning and clearing overgrown hedges and copses. The brambles and woodland on the site of the former council nurseries... Continue reading

    From the Spring of 2021, as Covid 19 lockdown conditions allowed, a growing group of volunteers began to meet at the park for a couple of hours on a Wednesday morning. These working parties are a sub-group of the Friends of Westminster Park. Many parks and green spaces now have a Friends Group taking an interest in their patch and supporting the CWAC park staff.

    We began with clearing and planting some of the more formal beds near the café. Then pruning and clearing overgrown hedges and copses. The brambles and woodland on the site of the former council nurseries and greenhouses on the city side of the park presented both an opportunity and a challenge. We began to manage the hedges and clear the undergrowth, to let in more light and create space. Using the chippings from the material cleared, we made paths through the woodland, making it more accessible and inviting to people big and small.

    Two of us took up the invitation from Chester Zoo for 4 days training to become Wildlife Champions. We learned about nurturing local plants, invertebrates, birds, bats, amphibians, and small mammals, and how to create habitats to protect and sustain them. We also learned about engaging and sustaining the interest and sense of ownership of local adults and children in their green space. The Zoo has an ambitious programme of Nature Recovery, growing and linking green spaces around Ellesmere Port and Chester.

    We have tried to extend and seal the small shallow pond or scrape near the woods, hoping to keep some water in it throughout the year. Our clay puddling efforts are not up to those of the canal navvies! But we are still working on it, and have plans to plant a willow fence around it, and create a sand and pebble beach.

    We have set up bird boxes and bat boxes, palette habitats for invertebrates, and miner bee high rises. And a Story Den for just sitting among the trees. We have planted bulbs, and scattered wildflower seed, making a gloriously colourful river of flowers this summer.

    In 2022, two more of our volunteers completed the Wildlife Champion training. The Zoo then offered a hedge laying course, taken up by one of us, to join the already experienced hedge layers in the group. Hedgerows are such important habitats for local wildlife. There are 506,000 miles of hedgerow in the UK, making it the biggest nature reserve in the country! A diverse and well-managed hedge provides food and shelter for so many species. Winter is the ideal time for cutting and laying hedges, and we have plans to transform some of ours in the park.

    Each green space in our community, no matter how big or small, formal or untamed, contributes to the health and wellbeing of ourselves and our planet. They are green lungs, sucking up pollution and carbon dioxide. They are important sanctuaries for the otherwise dwindling populations of birds, insects, and other creatures. They are good for our souls!

    New volunteers are always very welcome. We meet near the park café area at 10 am every Wednesday. You don’t have to come every week, or to stay for the full 2 hours…but you might just find that you want to!

  • Share Free event celebrates the value of remaking, repurposing and repairing clothing on Facebook Share Free event celebrates the value of remaking, repurposing and repairing clothing on X (formerly Twitter) Share Free event celebrates the value of remaking, repurposing and repairing clothing on Linkedin Email Free event celebrates the value of remaking, repurposing and repairing clothing link

    Free event celebrates the value of remaking, repurposing and repairing clothing

    by Felicity Roberts, over 3 years ago

    Giving clothes a new lease of life will be the focus of a free event this autumn hosted by the University of Chester and partners as part of the national Being Human festival.

    Dr Rebecca Collins, Deputy Head of Department and Senior Lecturer in Human Geography, Deborah Wynne, Professor of 19th-Century Literature, both from the University, and Holly Kirby from the National Trust, will host the event on Saturday November 19 exploring ways of breaking through our unsustainable relationships with garments in the 21st century.

    An Archive of Stitches – The Living Histories, Geographies, and Biographies will be... Continue reading

    Giving clothes a new lease of life will be the focus of a free event this autumn hosted by the University of Chester and partners as part of the national Being Human festival.

    Dr Rebecca Collins, Deputy Head of Department and Senior Lecturer in Human Geography, Deborah Wynne, Professor of 19th-Century Literature, both from the University, and Holly Kirby from the National Trust, will host the event on Saturday November 19 exploring ways of breaking through our unsustainable relationships with garments in the 21st century.

    An Archive of Stitches – The Living Histories, Geographies, and Biographies will be held from 11am to 3pm at The Contemporary Art Space Chester (CASC) Gallery, in the Forum Shopping Centre, Northgate Street, Chester.

    Dr Collins, also of the Pop-Up Patch Challenge Team, said: “We invite people to come along and celebrate the value of remaking, repurposing, and repairing clothing. We will consider the value of garment making and mending skills and participants will be encouraged to join discussions about the lives, histories and geographies of their clothes.”

    The event will involve a hands-on garment repair workshop led by Dr Collins, providing the opportunity to learn how to do simple clothing repairs. Holly Kirby, Assistant Curator, will also talk about caring for a major historic costume collection at the National Trust’s Attingham Park in Shropshire.

    To register, please go to: https://www.beinghumanfestival.org/events/archive-stitches.

    The Being Human festival takes place from November 10 to 19, 2022, from Dundee to Devon, led by the School of Advanced Study, University of London, with generous support from Research England, in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy. For further information please see: https://www.beinghumanfestival.org/.

    For more details on all the events hosted by the University as part of the festival, please visit: https://www1.chester.ac.uk/being-human-festival.


  • Share Join the Big Debate on Faith and the Climate Crisis on Facebook Share Join the Big Debate on Faith and the Climate Crisis on X (formerly Twitter) Share Join the Big Debate on Faith and the Climate Crisis on Linkedin Email Join the Big Debate on Faith and the Climate Crisis link

    Join the Big Debate on Faith and the Climate Crisis

    by Felicity Roberts, over 3 years ago

    What do religions say about the value of the planet and how we should treat it? How might religions provide a motivation for climate action, and what might faith-informed climate action look like? Can faiths work together to protect the environment?

    These are just some of the pressing questions that will be debated by a panel of regional faith leaders, practitioners, University of Chester staff and students at University Centre Warrington, Time Square, on Tuesday November 15.

    Organised by the University’s Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and supported by Warrington Council of Faiths and the environmental charity... Continue reading

    What do religions say about the value of the planet and how we should treat it? How might religions provide a motivation for climate action, and what might faith-informed climate action look like? Can faiths work together to protect the environment?

    These are just some of the pressing questions that will be debated by a panel of regional faith leaders, practitioners, University of Chester staff and students at University Centre Warrington, Time Square, on Tuesday November 15.

    Organised by the University’s Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and supported by Warrington Council of Faiths and the environmental charity Faiths4Change, the debate is a free public event, commemorating Inter Faith Week.

    Those attending will also be given the chance to find out more about the Warrington Climate Emergency Commission and the new Warrington Climate Emergency Strategy which provides a foundation to help encourage and co-ordinate action across the borough.

    Refreshments will be available from 5pm, with the event beginning at 5.30pm.

    Professor Hannah Bacon, from the University of Chester said: “This event will draw on the faith lives of individuals and communities and so will give attendees a first-hand appreciation of how religions and faith inform, and can help shape, attitudes towards the environment.

    “We hope those attending will also be inspired to reflect further on what sorts of climate action might be appropriate for each of them and their communities.”

    For further information on the Big Debate: Faith and the Climate Crisis, and to register for a free place, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/interfaith-week-interfaith-debate-on-the-climate-crisis-tickets-411850795817.

    Each year, Inter Faith Week in England, Northern Ireland and Wales begins on Remembrance Sunday, and runs until the following Sunday. The Week:

    • Highlights the good work done by local faith, inter faith and faith-based groups and organisations;
    • Draws new people into inter faith learning and co-operation;
    • Enables greater interaction between people of different backgrounds;
    • Helps develop integrated and neighbourly communities;
    • Celebrates diversity and commonality;
    • Opens new possibilities for partnership.

  • Share Thank you for a Great Big Green Week 2022 on Facebook Share Thank you for a Great Big Green Week 2022 on X (formerly Twitter) Share Thank you for a Great Big Green Week 2022 on Linkedin Email Thank you for a Great Big Green Week 2022 link

    Thank you for a Great Big Green Week 2022

    by Eco Communities, over 3 years ago


    The Eco Communities team have just about recovered from Great Big Green Week 2022 and are now planning our next event but we decided it was perhaps time to reflect.

    Our Festival in Grosvenor Park was fantastic, thanks to Sykes Cottages, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Chester Zoo for helping us with funds. These allowed us to purchase a small number of larger gazebos and tables which we can use at future events in the park and save the costs of hiring.

    The day went by in a whirlwind, but we would like to thank all the stall holders... Continue reading


    The Eco Communities team have just about recovered from Great Big Green Week 2022 and are now planning our next event but we decided it was perhaps time to reflect.

    Our Festival in Grosvenor Park was fantastic, thanks to Sykes Cottages, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Chester Zoo for helping us with funds. These allowed us to purchase a small number of larger gazebos and tables which we can use at future events in the park and save the costs of hiring.

    The day went by in a whirlwind, but we would like to thank all the stall holders, businesses, performers, volunteers as without everyone the festival would not have been so fantastic. Plus of course everyone that joined us on the day and supported the great projects and businesses.

    Read full story - CLICK HERE



  • Share A new kind of simple practical plain English energy-efficiency website from Northwich on Facebook Share A new kind of simple practical plain English energy-efficiency website from Northwich on X (formerly Twitter) Share A new kind of simple practical plain English energy-efficiency website from Northwich on Linkedin Email A new kind of simple practical plain English energy-efficiency website from Northwich link

    A new kind of simple practical plain English energy-efficiency website from Northwich

    by Mark Thompson, almost 4 years ago

    Visit www.getenergysavvy.info and for the background story read below.

    I own a thermal imaging camera and have had formal training in how to use it. As a retirement passtime I offered myself and my camera out to Northwich residents in Jan 2022 to understand if I could help people save energy and understand how to make their homes warmer.

    This resulted in 30 home surveys during February and March. As well as using thermal imaging the home visits looked at all sorts of energy efficiency opportunities in the homes I visited, such as misunderstandings on how to use heating controls... Continue reading

    Visit www.getenergysavvy.info and for the background story read below.

    I own a thermal imaging camera and have had formal training in how to use it. As a retirement passtime I offered myself and my camera out to Northwich residents in Jan 2022 to understand if I could help people save energy and understand how to make their homes warmer.

    This resulted in 30 home surveys during February and March. As well as using thermal imaging the home visits looked at all sorts of energy efficiency opportunities in the homes I visited, such as misunderstandings on how to use heating controls, identification of solutions to draughts, and whether there were things that householders were unknowingly doing that was wasting energy.

    There were some common BIG surprises, especially on the setup of heating systems and misunderstandings of heating controls. Most of the problems found could be addressed with spending little or no money. From what I learnt I would say most homes can save 20-30% in their heating costs quite easily with the right knowledge and information.

    To share the knowledge and insights from these 30 and other visits I have done I've put together this free web site which only went live Sept 22nd. The content will grow significantly in the remainder of 2022.

    There is a lot of energy efficiency information out there but this is quite different. All the information on the site is written in extremely straightforward and above all practical language. Existing web information is very generalised and formulaic.

    The goal of THIS site is to enable people to understand energy better and give them the confidence and knowledge to take the right actions for their individual circumstances, and de-fear their use of energy.

    The site can be found at www.getenergysavvy.info

  • Share Audio recording of practical simple home energy advice Q+A session on Radio Northwich 23rd 22 on Facebook Share Audio recording of practical simple home energy advice Q+A session on Radio Northwich 23rd 22 on X (formerly Twitter) Share Audio recording of practical simple home energy advice Q+A session on Radio Northwich 23rd 22 on Linkedin Email Audio recording of practical simple home energy advice Q+A session on Radio Northwich 23rd 22 link

    Audio recording of practical simple home energy advice Q+A session on Radio Northwich 23rd 22

    by Mark Thompson, almost 4 years ago

    I am an expert in home energy efficiency and in retirement do a lot of work in the local community advising people on how they can reduce their energy bills while also making their homes warmer and more comfortable.Listen here (on YouTube)

    This is a 35 minute recording of a recent programme on Radio Northwich where I answered questions from listeners covering 18 different subject areas, including heating understanding the best heating controls and boiler settings, the facts behind myths, and the most energy efficient ways of cooking.

    A number of the tips and facts covered in this recording... Continue reading

    I am an expert in home energy efficiency and in retirement do a lot of work in the local community advising people on how they can reduce their energy bills while also making their homes warmer and more comfortable.Listen here (on YouTube)

    This is a 35 minute recording of a recent programme on Radio Northwich where I answered questions from listeners covering 18 different subject areas, including heating understanding the best heating controls and boiler settings, the facts behind myths, and the most energy efficient ways of cooking.

    A number of the tips and facts covered in this recording are not widely known about.

  • Share Running Out of Time relay for climate action on Facebook Share Running Out of Time relay for climate action on X (formerly Twitter) Share Running Out of Time relay for climate action on Linkedin Email Running Out of Time relay for climate action link

    Running Out of Time relay for climate action

    by CarbonCopyCaroline, almost 4 years ago

    The Running Out of Time relay will be the world’s longest, non-stop relay ever attempted – and it’s being done to highlight climate action. The UK leg of the relay will pass through Cheshire on Monday 3rd October. You can see the exact relay route here.

    Starting in Glasgow, home of COP26, on 30th September and finishing in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in time for COP27 on 6th November, members of the public can register to run a 10km stretch along the relay's route as it passes through 18 countries including the UK. Participants will carry a baton containing a... Continue reading

    The Running Out of Time relay will be the world’s longest, non-stop relay ever attempted – and it’s being done to highlight climate action. The UK leg of the relay will pass through Cheshire on Monday 3rd October. You can see the exact relay route here.

    Starting in Glasgow, home of COP26, on 30th September and finishing in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in time for COP27 on 6th November, members of the public can register to run a 10km stretch along the relay's route as it passes through 18 countries including the UK. Participants will carry a baton containing a climate message that'll be delivered to world leaders, urging more support to help people tackle the climate crisis where they live.

    You can sign up to running a stage of the relay here.

    Find out where the nearest stage to you is here and turn up to cheer on the runners and show the strength of feeling for climate action now.

    You can read the message being delivered to world leaders and sign it to show your support here.

    Help spread the word about the relay by telling your family, friends and through social media. Use hashtags and handles #RunningOutOfTime #RelayToCOP27 #ThinkBigLocal + @climaterelay @carboncopy.eco & ClimateRelay on Facebook and Instagram and @Climate_Relay & @carboncopy_eco on Twitter.

    Thank you!

  • Share Big Green Day at Frodsham Community Centre on Facebook Share Big Green Day at Frodsham Community Centre on X (formerly Twitter) Share Big Green Day at Frodsham Community Centre on Linkedin Email Big Green Day at Frodsham Community Centre link

    Big Green Day at Frodsham Community Centre

    almost 4 years ago

    Climate Action Frodsham are hosting a Big Green Day, a free event where you can meet like-minded people in your community and learn about planet-friendly ways of living.

    There will be a range of stalls open throughout the day, as well as displays and talks from expert speakers aimed at helping you learn more about our changing climate, and ways to reduce our impacts on the world.

    Given the rising price of energy, we've brought in two speakers to talk about energy saving ways to save the planet without costing the earth. We'll also look at other topics like food... Continue reading

    Climate Action Frodsham are hosting a Big Green Day, a free event where you can meet like-minded people in your community and learn about planet-friendly ways of living.

    There will be a range of stalls open throughout the day, as well as displays and talks from expert speakers aimed at helping you learn more about our changing climate, and ways to reduce our impacts on the world.

    Given the rising price of energy, we've brought in two speakers to talk about energy saving ways to save the planet without costing the earth. We'll also look at other topics like food and other aspects of sustainable living, which will be featured in talks, stalls and displays.

    Programme

    10.00 - Stalls open (remaining open throughout the day)

    10.30 - Opening ceremony, including songs from `One Voice` Choir from 10.10 onwards

    10.50 - 11.30 - Climate Change - is there a Crisis?

    11.45 - 12.15 - How does food impact climate change?

    1.15 - 1.35 - Songs from Highfield Male Voice Choir

    1.45 - 2.30 - Energy saving ideas for warm homes

    2.45 - 3.15 - Retrofit for Houses (People Powered Retrofit)

    3.30 - 4.00 - Q&A with Mike Amesbury MP


    Stall holders include Cheshire Wildlife Trust, NHS Sustainability Stall, Frodsham Town Council, Cycle North Cheshire, Frodsham Gardening Club, Fairtrade stall, WI on 'Food Waste', The Greener Group, Hob Hey Wood Friends Group, Green Christmas, an up-cycling stall and many more.


    For full details visit: Climate Action Frodsham - GBGW and Eco Fair 2022

  • Share Get involved in Great Big Green Week 2022 on Facebook Share Get involved in Great Big Green Week 2022 on X (formerly Twitter) Share Get involved in Great Big Green Week 2022 on Linkedin Email Get involved in Great Big Green Week 2022 link

    Get involved in Great Big Green Week 2022

    by Eco Communities, almost 4 years ago


    Great Big Green Week takes place from 24 September to 4 October around the UK and is one of the largest events for climate and nature seen in the UK, celebrating how communities are taking action to tackle climate change and protect green spaces and encouraging others to get involved.

    What is Great Big Green Week?

    The idea was created by The Climate Coalition. The Climate Coalition is a group of over 100 organisations at 22 million strong. Eco Communities are a member of what is the UK's largest group of people dedicated to action against climate change. Along with... Continue reading


    Great Big Green Week takes place from 24 September to 4 October around the UK and is one of the largest events for climate and nature seen in the UK, celebrating how communities are taking action to tackle climate change and protect green spaces and encouraging others to get involved.

    What is Great Big Green Week?

    The idea was created by The Climate Coalition. The Climate Coalition is a group of over 100 organisations at 22 million strong. Eco Communities are a member of what is the UK's largest group of people dedicated to action against climate change. Along with key organisations like RSPB, WWF, Fairtrade Foundation, National Trust, The Women’s Institute and more.

    What is going on in Cheshire West?

    Eco Communities is once again working with Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire West Voluntary Action (CWVA), Chester Zoo and other partners to hold a Great Big Green Week Festival for Cheshire West at Grosvenor Park, Chester on Saturday 25 September.

    The Great Big Green Week Festival at Grosvenor Park will run from 11am to 4pm and there’ll be something for everyone, nature activities, workshops and stalls selling eco, green and sustainable goods. We have Early Bird Free tickets which can be booked where you enter into a prize draw by attending on the day for a range of Eco Goodies. The early bird tickets end at the end of this month. Although entry to the event is free for all at any time, booking provides Important information to help us with things like funding for future activities.

    Book a stall at the Great Big Green Week Festival, Grosvenor Park. LINK

    Many other events will be taking place around the UK during the Great Big Green Week and you can view these on the official website. Locally you will find activities in Frodsham on both the 1st and 2nd October. Climate Action Frodsham have its Big Green Day on the Saturday and Cheshire Federation of WI have activities at Delamere Forest on the Sunday.

    Visit the Great Big Green Week website

    If you would like to organise an event in Cheshire West let Eco Communities know on office@sustainablecheshire.uk.

    Check out our Cheshire West Great Big Green Week Website - https://great-big-green-week.com/

    Our Sustainable Cheshire Website - https://sustainablecheshire.uk/

  • Share Join us for our Paddle, Pick and Picnic @Thurstaston Beach on Facebook Share Join us for our Paddle, Pick and Picnic @Thurstaston Beach on X (formerly Twitter) Share Join us for our Paddle, Pick and Picnic @Thurstaston Beach on Linkedin Email Join us for our Paddle, Pick and Picnic @Thurstaston Beach link

    Join us for our Paddle, Pick and Picnic @Thurstaston Beach

    by Eco Communities, almost 4 years ago

    This Plastic Free July we are really excited to be going on a beach litterpick. Our litter picks are linked to our work with Surfers Against Sewage, whichstarted its campaigning in Cornwall where it was all about plastic pollution on beaches and beach litter picks. As its campaign grew it became more common for them to promote litter picks around Summit to Sea. Although Chester has no beach we always wanted to get to complete at least one litter pick, we did this in 2018 with Chester Zoo at Talacre in Flintshire. A very wet and windy day...

    Our group... Continue reading

    This Plastic Free July we are really excited to be going on a beach litterpick. Our litter picks are linked to our work with Surfers Against Sewage, whichstarted its campaigning in Cornwall where it was all about plastic pollution on beaches and beach litter picks. As its campaign grew it became more common for them to promote litter picks around Summit to Sea. Although Chester has no beach we always wanted to get to complete at least one litter pick, we did this in 2018 with Chester Zoo at Talacre in Flintshire. A very wet and windy day...

    Our group litter picks this year have actively linked with The Welsh Dee Trust with its campaign to clean up the River Dee. So later this month The Welsh Dee Trust, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, and Eco Communities are off for a beach litter pick. Weather permitting you might get to paddle in the sea and stay on afterwards for a bit of a picnic. Read full article and book - CLICK