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 Why 2,000 homes in Ellesmere Port could help solve our climate crisis on Facebook Share Why 2,000 homes in Ellesmere Port could help solve our climate crisis on X (formerly Twitter) Share Why 2,000 homes in Ellesmere Port could help solve our climate crisis on Linkedin Email Why 2,000 homes in Ellesmere Port could help solve our climate crisis link

    Why 2,000 homes in Ellesmere Port could help solve our climate crisis

    about 4 years ago

    An area of up to 2,000 properties in Ellesmere Port has made the shortlist (of two) to be the UK’s first ‘hydrogen village’.

    Ellesmere Port could be home to the UK’s first ‘hydrogen village’ in a project that’s critical to helping solve the global climate crisis.

    Up to 2,000 properties in the Whitby area of the town would stop using natural gas for heating and cooking, and instead use hydrogen.

    The proposal, put forward by gas distribution network Cadent and British Gas, and supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council, has been confirmed by Ofgem in a shortlist of two... Continue reading

    An area of up to 2,000 properties in Ellesmere Port has made the shortlist (of two) to be the UK’s first ‘hydrogen village’.

    Ellesmere Port could be home to the UK’s first ‘hydrogen village’ in a project that’s critical to helping solve the global climate crisis.

    Up to 2,000 properties in the Whitby area of the town would stop using natural gas for heating and cooking, and instead use hydrogen.

    The proposal, put forward by gas distribution network Cadent and British Gas, and supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council, has been confirmed by Ofgem in a shortlist of two locations hoping to be the first to use hydrogen on this scale.

    The chosen location will start being supplied with hydrogen in 2025.

    Hydrogen can be supplied through the existing network of gas pipes. Unlike natural gas, it produces no carbon emissions when burned in a boiler to heat properties.

    If Ellesmere Port is picked as the ‘hydrogen village’, every property in the selected area within Whitby will get free boiler upgrades, to new hydrogen-ready versions. This means residents continue using boilers they are familiar with today.

    There is a guarantee too that, for the duration of the two-year programme, residents will pay the same to use hydrogen as they would pay for using natural gas.

    A lower carbon future

    Marc Clarke, Head of Hydrogen Consumer, Cadent, said:

    “This is a really exciting project that puts Whitby in Ellesmere Port right at the heart of a lower carbon future for the country as a whole.

    “Previous projects have clearly shown hydrogen’s potential, and now, with this scheme, we are showing how hydrogen can be used at scale to cut emissions from heating and cooking.

    “We already know that Whitby has an unparalleled geographic location for hydrogen. The North West is already on track to produce the low carbon hydrogen required for the scheme from Ellesmere Port’s HyNet project, and we have been undertaking work over the past few years to ensure the region’s pipes are ready to take hydrogen.”

    Cadent and British Gas have written to all residents whose properties would be supplied with hydrogen, to explain the programme in more detail. Every property in the area will be surveyed and residents will be consulted throughout.

    Emerging hydrogen economy

    Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said:

    “We’re already in a unique position to have the HyNet development on our doorstep, providing an opportunity to use hydrogen as a source of energy, not only to power industry in our area but also our homes. It will also provide significant job opportunities in a new, expanding sector, for people both locally and further afield.

    “With the hope that the full 2025 village programme will be awarded to our region, the Council and Cadent will be working closely to create a strong community programme, with residents in Whitby, Ellesmere Port and throughout the borough. Residents will be engaged and empowered to co-produce this project throughout the process.”

    Currently, the average UK household emits over 2.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year – mainly by burning natural (fossil) gas for heating, hot water, and cooking. Replacing natural gas with hydrogen is one option for tackling this challenge.

    The recognition of Ellesmere Port as the potential location for the hydrogen village is the latest in a series of developments that are defining the North West as a leader in the emerging hydrogen economy.

    One of the best-known projects is HyNet at Ellesmere Port’s Stanlow Manufacturing Complex. This will produce, store, and distribute low-carbon hydrogen from the mid 2020s, as well as capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions from industry in the region.

    Visit the Hydrogen Village website for more information.

  • Share Learn to get your cycle roadworthy. on Facebook Share Learn to get your cycle roadworthy. on X (formerly Twitter) Share Learn to get your cycle roadworthy. on Linkedin Email Learn to get your cycle roadworthy. link

    Learn to get your cycle roadworthy.

    by Ian S, about 4 years ago

    The Chester Cycling Campaign, with the support of Bren Bikes, is offering introductory cycle maintenance courses on the first Wednesday of each month during the summer. We aim to show you how to fix a puncture, to check your bike for roadworthiness and adjust it for comfort. The courses are free and can be booked at chestercyclecity.org
    The Cycling Campaign offers support to all to (re)discover the value of cycling/wheeling as a component of the daily transport mix Whilst admittedly not practical for all, there are plenty of people who COULD but DON’T We aim to help those people to... Continue reading

    The Chester Cycling Campaign, with the support of Bren Bikes, is offering introductory cycle maintenance courses on the first Wednesday of each month during the summer. We aim to show you how to fix a puncture, to check your bike for roadworthiness and adjust it for comfort. The courses are free and can be booked at chestercyclecity.org
    The Cycling Campaign offers support to all to (re)discover the value of cycling/wheeling as a component of the daily transport mix Whilst admittedly not practical for all, there are plenty of people who COULD but DON’T We aim to help those people to get active.



  • Share Eco Communities May What's On and save the date Festivals on Facebook Share Eco Communities May What's On and save the date Festivals on X (formerly Twitter) Share Eco Communities May What's On and save the date Festivals on Linkedin Email Eco Communities May What's On and save the date Festivals link

    Eco Communities May What's On and save the date Festivals

    by Eco Communities, about 4 years ago

    We have lots on each month, but they are not much fun unless you join us.

    We have at least two litter picks, this month we are back on the Million Mile Clean from the Countess of Chester Park. We will be completing a Citizen Science project on producers contribution to littering.

    Then later on the month back in Saltney, the litter in this area is such a huge problem for nature and those living in the area. We have so far cleared 77 bags of litter weighing a staggering 321kg, we have one final push along this... Continue reading

    We have lots on each month, but they are not much fun unless you join us.

    We have at least two litter picks, this month we are back on the Million Mile Clean from the Countess of Chester Park. We will be completing a Citizen Science project on producers contribution to littering.

    Then later on the month back in Saltney, the litter in this area is such a huge problem for nature and those living in the area. We have so far cleared 77 bags of litter weighing a staggering 321kg, we have one final push along this stretch of the Dee we think is needed. Please come along to help. Lets see if we can clean even more in May, our third River Sunday.

    Then we have two of our free Webinars which are on anything sustainable via Tellus TV, we are going for a fortnightly rather than weekly programming. We have Welsh Dee Trust and CHASE with is in May. So register to hear more on the great work they are involved in.

    Then we are supporting or organising tree festivals, Green Expo, Festival for the Future and Great Big Green Week is back... keep up to date on our events by registering for our Eco Communications - newsletter...

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

    Register for our emails - CLICK HERE





  • Share Eco Communities are on a Million Mile Mission to keep Chester clean - 7th May - 3pm on Facebook Share Eco Communities are on a Million Mile Mission to keep Chester clean - 7th May - 3pm on X (formerly Twitter) Share Eco Communities are on a Million Mile Mission to keep Chester clean - 7th May - 3pm on Linkedin Email Eco Communities are on a Million Mile Mission to keep Chester clean - 7th May - 3pm link

    Eco Communities are on a Million Mile Mission to keep Chester clean - 7th May - 3pm

    by Eco Communities, about 4 years ago

    We are still on our Million Mile Mission to keep Chester Clean. Help with our Citizen science project to report back on those brands causing the most litter, key to ensuring businesses change.

    7th May - 3pm
    Countess of Chester Park, Friendly Bench.

    BOOK HERE

    We are still on our Million Mile Mission to keep Chester Clean. Help with our Citizen science project to report back on those brands causing the most litter, key to ensuring businesses change.

    7th May - 3pm
    Countess of Chester Park, Friendly Bench.

    BOOK HERE

  • Share How Volunteering can Inspire you to make a Difference on Facebook Share How Volunteering can Inspire you to make a Difference on X (formerly Twitter) Share How Volunteering can Inspire you to make a Difference on Linkedin Email How Volunteering can Inspire you to make a Difference link

    How Volunteering can Inspire you to make a Difference

    by Eco Communities, about 4 years ago


    Volunteering means giving your time and abilities to aid others (usually a non-profit organisation like Eco Communities) without reward. Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in even simple ways can help those in need and improve your health and happiness. Want to do something... Continue reading


    Volunteering means giving your time and abilities to aid others (usually a non-profit organisation like Eco Communities) without reward. Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in even simple ways can help those in need and improve your health and happiness. Want to do something about climate change and the climate emergency why not volunteer with us at Eco Communities - read full blog - LINK

  • Share Fighting food waste on Facebook Share Fighting food waste on X (formerly Twitter) Share Fighting food waste on Linkedin Email Fighting food waste link

    Fighting food waste

    about 4 years ago

    Wednesday 27 April is ‘Stop food waste’ day. A time to be grateful for the good food we eat and reflect on how much we buy and waste.

    WRAP, a global sustainability charity, communicates the importance of reducing food waste on their Love Food Hate Waste website. They highlight how your food is at its best when it’s on your plate, ready to be enjoyed. It’s perfect in your fridge, ready to be used, or stored in the freezer for another time. It’s at its worst when it’s in your bin.

    Saving food can also help us save money... Continue reading

    Wednesday 27 April is ‘Stop food waste’ day. A time to be grateful for the good food we eat and reflect on how much we buy and waste.

    WRAP, a global sustainability charity, communicates the importance of reducing food waste on their Love Food Hate Waste website. They highlight how your food is at its best when it’s on your plate, ready to be enjoyed. It’s perfect in your fridge, ready to be used, or stored in the freezer for another time. It’s at its worst when it’s in your bin.

    Saving food can also help us save money, and it is good for the planet too, helping to slow down global warming.

    WRAP states that, if global food waste were a country, it would be third largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China and the US.

    In the UK alone, households waste around 6.5 million tonnes of food every year. What’s worse is that 4.5 million of that is still edible (enough to fill 90 Royal Albert Halls). This includes food left on plates and bread crusts, waste that can be avoided if we think and act a little smarter.

    By making some small changes and using up every edible bit of your food, you will be playing your part in looking after the environment.

    How to cut down on food waste

    Plan and be super organised

    • Check the contents of your fridge, freezer, and store cupboard once a week. This will help you with your next shopping list.
    • Plan your meals each week. Don’t forget to use what you have in your cupboards.
    • Make a list before you go shopping. Have a pad and pen handy or use your smartphone.
    • Look for the longest use-by date.
    • Try to buy foods that can be frozen.
    • Save money by buying what you need, not what you want.
    • Avoid going to the supermarket when you feel hungry. You end up buying more than you need.
    • Buy loose when you can. Packaging only adds to the cost of your shopping.
    • Avoid ‘Buy one, get one free’ offers if you are not likely to eat it all.

    Embrace your inner chef

    Chill out with your fridge and freezer

    • If you have a busy time ahead, cook extra portions and freeze for a later date.
    • Freeze leftovers for another time.
    • Bread is one of the most likely foods to be wasted. This can be avoided by putting it in the freezer and using it for toast.
    • Don’t forget to label tubs and bags bound for the freezer with a date so that you can use them in order.
    • Make sure your fridge temperature is below 5 degrees Celcius
    • Too much milk? This can be frozen. Pour a little out for a hot drink before you freeze. This allows room in the bottle for the milk to freeze without spilling.
    • Not sure how to store something. Check out this handy A to Z Food Storage A to Z | Love Food Hate Waste



  • Share Save the earth one litter pick at a time on Facebook Share Save the earth one litter pick at a time on X (formerly Twitter) Share Save the earth one litter pick at a time on Linkedin Email Save the earth one litter pick at a time link

    Save the earth one litter pick at a time

    by Eco Communities, about 4 years ago

    Eco Communities ask you to act as part of ‘A Billion Acts of Green’ this Earth Day and become a volunteer

    Today April 22nd it’s Earth Day, Earth Day started in 1970 and now has more than a billion people taking part to protect the planet from things like pollution and deforestation. By taking part in activities like picking up litter and planting trees, we’re making our world a happier, healthier place to live. Read full story- CLICK


    Eco Communities ask you to act as part of ‘A Billion Acts of Green’ this Earth Day and become a volunteer

    Today April 22nd it’s Earth Day, Earth Day started in 1970 and now has more than a billion people taking part to protect the planet from things like pollution and deforestation. By taking part in activities like picking up litter and planting trees, we’re making our world a happier, healthier place to live. Read full story- CLICK


  • Share Watch our free webinars about the climate and nature emergencies on Facebook Share Watch our free webinars about the climate and nature emergencies on X (formerly Twitter) Share Watch our free webinars about the climate and nature emergencies on Linkedin Email Watch our free webinars about the climate and nature emergencies link

    Watch our free webinars about the climate and nature emergencies

    over 4 years ago

    Earlier this year the Council hosted a series of free webinars, working with local partners to provide advice on the actions we can all take to address the climate and nature emergencies.

    If you missed attending the sessions live you can view the webinars on the recordings below.

    Working with nature to tackle the climate emergency

    The Mersey Forest discuss the important role land plays, from producing food, and sequestering carbon, to keeping us cooler, and managing water.

    Watch a recording of the webinar

    For peats sake: A webinar by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust discussing alternatives to using peat compost

    ... Continue reading

    Earlier this year the Council hosted a series of free webinars, working with local partners to provide advice on the actions we can all take to address the climate and nature emergencies.

    If you missed attending the sessions live you can view the webinars on the recordings below.

    Working with nature to tackle the climate emergency

    The Mersey Forest discuss the important role land plays, from producing food, and sequestering carbon, to keeping us cooler, and managing water.

    Watch a recording of the webinar

    For peats sake: A webinar by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust discussing alternatives to using peat compost

    Cheshire Wildlife Trust hosted a webinar in March 2022 showing ways you can care for both your garden and the planet by using alternatives to peat compost in your green space.

    Watch a recording of the webinar

    View the 'For peats sake' presentation

    Free for all: A webinar by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust discussing upcycling and recycling to reduce consumption in your garden

    Experts from Cheshire Wildlife Trust share tips and advice about upcycling and recycling items from around your home to reduce consumption in your garden in this webinar.

    Watch a recording of the webinar

    View the 'Free for all' presentation

    View the Cheshire Wildlife Trust's upcycling toolkit

    Climate proof your garden: A webinar by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust focusing on adapting your garden to extreme weather

    As extreme weather becomes more common in our country, there are ways that we can modify our gardens to help us adapt to the impact of climate change. Cheshire Wildlife Trust provide tips and advice in this webinar about saving water, keeping cool and helping reduce the impacts of flooding.

    Watch a recording of the webinar

    View the 'Climate proof your garden' presentation


    Some residents asked questions at the webinars which could not all be answered in the live sessions. Answers to the questions can be viewed online.

  • Share Chester Wetland Centre Public Consultation on Facebook Share Chester Wetland Centre Public Consultation on X (formerly Twitter) Share Chester Wetland Centre Public Consultation on Linkedin Email Chester Wetland Centre Public Consultation link

    Chester Wetland Centre Public Consultation

    over 4 years ago

    Taking place at The Friendly Bench®

    Saturday 19th March 11:00am – 2:30pm

    The Friends of the Countess of Chester Country Park are hosting a public consultation about the Chester Wetland Centre Project. Come and find out about, and give us your views, on our exciting new plans to create a unique wetland habitat in the Country Park.



    There will also be two FREE community events at the same time as part of our involvement with the National Nature Recovery Strategy. Join the TCV Park Ranger planting trees in the morning and sowing wildflower sees on our new grassland area in... Continue reading

    Taking place at The Friendly Bench®

    Saturday 19th March 11:00am – 2:30pm

    The Friends of the Countess of Chester Country Park are hosting a public consultation about the Chester Wetland Centre Project. Come and find out about, and give us your views, on our exciting new plans to create a unique wetland habitat in the Country Park.



    There will also be two FREE community events at the same time as part of our involvement with the National Nature Recovery Strategy. Join the TCV Park Ranger planting trees in the morning and sowing wildflower sees on our new grassland area in the afternoon.

    11:00 – 12:30 | Community Tree Planting

    13:00 – 14:30 | Community Wildflower Seed Sowing

    Contact Neil on 07740 899716 or n.mcmahon@tcv.org.uk to find out more.

  • Share Youngsters learn about sustainability at Blacon Adventure Playground on Facebook Share Youngsters learn about sustainability at Blacon Adventure Playground on X (formerly Twitter) Share Youngsters learn about sustainability at Blacon Adventure Playground on Linkedin Email Youngsters learn about sustainability at Blacon Adventure Playground link

    Youngsters learn about sustainability at Blacon Adventure Playground

    by Avenue Services, over 4 years ago

    CHILDREN in Blacon are discovering more about the environment thanks to a new hands-on learning experience at Blacon Adventure Playground.

    Youngsters visiting the playground can have a go at building their own eco-friendly houses, while learning about some of the key factors that make homes more energy-efficient, such as heat pumps and better glazing and insulation.

    The learning materials are part of a wider project to improve sustainability at the playground, with the long-term goal of it becoming carbon free. This has seen a host of upgrades installed, including solar panels, an air source heat pump and energy efficient lighting.

    ... Continue reading

    CHILDREN in Blacon are discovering more about the environment thanks to a new hands-on learning experience at Blacon Adventure Playground.

    Youngsters visiting the playground can have a go at building their own eco-friendly houses, while learning about some of the key factors that make homes more energy-efficient, such as heat pumps and better glazing and insulation.

    The learning materials are part of a wider project to improve sustainability at the playground, with the long-term goal of it becoming carbon free. This has seen a host of upgrades installed, including solar panels, an air source heat pump and energy efficient lighting.

    The improvements have been funded by national housing provider Sanctuary as part of its own commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions, and were designed by sustainability consultancy Anthesis and installed by Hewer FM.

    Paul Knight, head of Avenue Services, which manages Blacon Adventure Playground, said: “The work we’ve carried out has already reduced our CO2 emissions by around five tonnes a year, which is a fantastic result.

    “But while our own numbers are important, a big part of this project is about involving the local community and engaging with them about the impact of climate change and how we can all make a difference.

    “It’s been great to see so many children enjoying our new materials and showing a real enthusiasm for learning about sustainability.”

    The educational materials will be based at the adventure playground, but Avenue Services is also hoping to take them into local schools and community venues later in the year.

    Kian Spencer, age nine, said: “I really enjoyed learning about the environment and all the different ways that we can make the places where we live more sustainable. I’ll definitely be doing my bit to help the planet wherever I can.”

    Avenue Services, which is a not-for-profit organisation, is a joint venture between Sanctuary and Cheshire West and Chester Council.