Climate Emergency

The Council is committed to making changes across all our services to play our part to tackle the Climate Emergency and it is one of the Council’s seven key priorities, as set out in our Stronger Futures plan.

The objectives that underpin this priority include:

• Reducing the carbon footprint of the Council

• Support the decarbonisation of energy, industry and business

• Improve sustainable transport and infrastructure

• Enable low carbon buildings, homes and development

• Enhancing green spaces

• Reduce waste and increase recycling

As an organisation we have a target to be carbon neutral by 2030 and are leading by example to help the borough to be carbon neutral by 2045.

Below are some examples of the work we’ve done so far to help achieve this

As the UK continues its transition to a greener future, opportunities for rewarding and meaningful careers in sustainability, conservation, clean energy and the circular economy are growing across west Cheshire.

Green Careers Week, taking place from 2 to 6 November 2026, is an opportunity to showcase the wide range of pathways available to people of all ages and backgrounds who want to play a part in helping build sustainable communities and protecting the environment.

Employment opportunities in low-carbon energy

Across the region, businesses, schools, colleges and organisations are helping to inspire the next generation of green professionals. One of the major drivers of green employment opportunities is HyNet North West, the low-carbon energy project that is helping to develop skills for the emerging hydrogen and carbon capture sectors. HyNet has produced its Capture Your Potential careers guide and regularly works with schools and careers events to introduce young people to future opportunities in the low-carbon economy. Its partnership with Xplore!, based in Wrexham, also helps engage and inspire young people from Cheshire West to consider careers in science, technology and sustainability.

Recently, Chester-based training provider, TWA Certifications Ltd, also known as The Welding Academy, has joined the North West Hydrogen Alliance to help prepare the region’s workforce for clean-energy roles in the hydrogen sector. The move comes as forecasts suggest demand for welding trades in clean energy could more than triple by 2030.

Training and learning opportunities through local providers

Education providers are also playing an important role. Cheshire College South and West has developed a range of initiatives that help students gain practical green skills. These include a partnership with Chester Zoo, where students can build confidence and conservation expertise through real-world projects. The college has also received national recognition for its award-winning Sustainable House Project, which gives students hands-on experience of sustainable construction techniques. In addition, its green apprenticeship programmes are helping learners develop the skills needed for careers in renewable energy, construction, environmental management and other growing sectors.

Chester Zoo has recently announced the launch of its Green Horizons Programme, which will launch in 2027 and aims to reach 9,000 pupils over three years, inspiring the next generation of scientists and conservationists.

Catch-22 encourages people into roles for green energy transition, this can include hydro, solar, EV charging, retrofitting, wind turbines – anywhere there is a green alternative. Participants undertake 4 weeks of generic employability training to learn skills and find out more about the well known and ‘hidden’ jobs in the industry. This is either in person every weekday from 10am – 2pm. (If you can’t be there or miss any, you can be sent a pre-recorded version). New co-horts start every month, usually on the first week of every month. Catch-22 could also pay for training courses, interview clothes, personal protective equipment, bikes to get to work and other items to prepare for work. For more information in Cheshire West

Events such as Green Expo Youth Conference continue to inspire young people by connecting them with employers, educators and industry experts through dedicated youth-focused activities and career opportunities.

This November the Council’s Energy and Sustainability team will also be taking part in the Cheshire Schools Sustainability Conference at Abbeygate College and hosting workshops with for both primary aged pupils and secondary and college pupils attending Storyhouse Futures event.

Skills and employment support for residents

The Council is also helping local residents access green jobs. The Council's Skills and Employment Team have helped eight customers, accessing adult learning and employment support through the Council's Hub network, successfully secure jobs with Cheshire West Recycling.

Earlier this year a local resident joined the Pathway to Retrofit Excellence programme, delivered by Quack Recruitment and Training, to develop new skills, gain recognised qualifications and explore career opportunities in the growing retrofit and sustainable construction sector.

During the course, they successfully achieved qualifications in both retrofit principles and assessment practices, building valuable knowledge of energy-efficient home improvements and sustainability within construction.

The programme also helped strengthen key employability skills, including communication, confidence and workplace readiness. As a result, the learner secured employment with a local construction company following an interview arranged through the programme.

Reflecting on their experience, the participant said:

"The course has helped me progress towards employment and further training. I now have a job opportunity and feel more confident about my future career."

Explore opportunities

If you are interested in finding out more about training opportunities or roles that are contributing to protect nature and support the area transition to a more sustainable future you can find more information below:

Skills and Employment Hub

Quack Recruitment & Training

Hynet: Careers

The Welding Academy

Cheshire College South and West

Green Expo Youth Conference

Chester Zoo Youth Network

Storyhouse Futures

Catch-22

National Tree Week marks the start of the UK's tree planting season and brings together communities, organisations and volunteers to celebrate the vital role trees play in our environment. Organised and led by The Tree Council, the campaign, which runs from 21 – 29 November, encourages people to appreciate, protect and plant trees in the places where they live and work. This year's theme, "Trees Near You", highlights the importance of the trees found in our streets, parks, schools and local green spaces.

Trees provide a wide range of benefits. They help tackle climate change by storing carbon, support wildlife, improve air quality, reduce flood risk and contribute to our health and wellbeing. They also create greener, more attractive places for people and nature to thrive.

Here in west Cheshire, significant action is already under way to create new woodlands and habitats that will benefit both residents and wildlife for generations to come. The Council, working with The Mersey Forest through the Trees for Climate programme, has been creating new woodland and habitat areas across the borough to support nature recovery and climate resilience.

Recent years have seen new woodland established at sites including Wervin, Picton and Ash Hey helping to boost biodiversity and contribute to local nature recovery ambitions. Across the borough, over 300,000 trees have been planted since the start of the Trees for Climate programme in 2020 with over 300 hectares of woodland created. These projects are creating connected habitats that support birds, mammals, insects and other wildlife, while also helping to capture carbon and improve the resilience of the local landscape.

Planting already underway

This planting season, work continues at pace. Planting has already begun on phase two of Ash Hey Forest and Union Forest, while a further two council-owned site are being planted with support from The Mersey Forest's Trees for Climate funding programme. Nearly 200,000 trees will be planted, direct seeded or locations prepared for natural colonisation (where seeds from trees in the area naturally establish into trees). Together, these projects will help create more woodland, improve habitat connectivity and provide lasting environmental benefits for communities across west Cheshire. There is also an urban tree planting program focusing on diversifying species on Cheshire West Parks, community projects and a significant ‘Wood Pasture’ enhancement, where grazing animals are introduced amongst trees.

The Council's wider programme of woodland creation goes beyond tree planting alone. New sites are being designed as rich landscapes that include grassland, wetlands, ponds, hedgerows and wood pasture, creating a diverse network of habitats for wildlife. Monitoring at existing sites has already recorded increases in biodiversity, including improvements in insect populations and sightings of species such as barn owls.

As a key partner of The Mersey Forest, the council’s tree planting programme is playing a role in delivering The Mersey Forest plan: More with Trees which aims to reach 15% tree cover across Cheshire and Merseyside by 2050. By working in partnership we’re able to deliver projects that are enriching people’s lives and livelihoods, helping nature to flourish and strengthening climate resilience in our area.

Explore trees in your local area

As we celebrate National Tree Week, residents are encouraged to take a moment to appreciate the trees around them and the role they play in creating healthier, greener communities. Whether it's enjoying a walk through a local woodland, learning more about native tree species or getting involved in local planting efforts, everyone can play a part in supporting a greener future.

Discover some of west Cheshire's beautiful parks, woodlands and green spaces during National Tree Week. There is even a tree trail in Grosvenor Park, Chester to explore with small plaques in front of each tree which you can take a rubbing of, if you take some paper and crayons.
Visit the Council's website for inspiration on places to explore and connect with nature.

A Deodar Cedar in Grosvenor Park

The Tree Council also has lots of resources to find out more about trees and connect with nature during National Tree Week, including webinars, guides and a forest bathing audio guide. Visit the Tree Council website for more information.

Cheshire West and Chester Council works closely with partners in the area, such as the Environment Agency, to ensure a coordinated response is taken across the borough to flooding incidents, enabling us to act quickly and effectively if flooding occurs.

It is also important that residents, businesses and our communities are also prepared ahead of flooding incidents taking place in the area.

During Flood Action Week (12 – 18 October), we’ll be sharing guidance and advice to help you be prepared should your home, business or workplace be affected by flooding.

Our changing climate

Britain's weather is changing. The UK was built for a climate that's now changing rapidly and we're already feeling it: hotter summers, heavier downpours, drought, flooding, and growing pressure on our water supplies and natural environment.

Summer 2026 has been marked as the hottest on record. This summer’s drought might feel reassuring, people may think it rules out the risk of flooding, but it doesn't, that's exactly why we can't afford to be complacent.

Right now, 6.3 million properties in England are in areas at risk of flooding; and as our climate keeps changing, that risk keeps growing. Between April 2025 and March 2026 alone, the EA issued over 3,400 flood alerts, around 1,000 flood warnings, and 3 severe flood warnings.

Yet most people don't see the danger on their doorstep. Polling shows almost 50% of the public have not looked up the flood risk for their home. That's a big gap between risk and readiness.

Everyone deserves to know their risk, and what to do about it.

The cost of waiting

We've seen what flooding can do: homes ruined, businesses lost, families forced to rebuild their lives from scratch. It's devastating but a few simple steps taken now can mean less damage, less danger, and quicker recovery to reduce the long-term toll flooding takes on people's mental health.

Know your risk. Take simple steps now.

Preparing for flooding doesn't have to be complicated. A few small actions today could protect your home, your family, your business, and your bank balance, potentially saving you thousands in damage and disruption tomorrow.

Know your risk, sign up for warnings and take simple steps now to protect your home, your family, and your business this winter. Visit: www.gov.uk/flood-action.

For details on flooding advice in west Cheshire visit our website: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/highways/drainage-and-flooding

Cheshire West and Chester Council has launched a new round of a solar panel and battery storage scheme to help homeowners explore how they could generate and store their own renewable electricity, reduce reliance on grid electricity, and take greater control of their household energy use.

Delivered in partnership with Switch Together, the scheme uses a group-buying approach that has already supported thousands of households across the UK to access competitively priced renewable energy installations from trusted, vetted installers.

With many households continuing to feel the impact of rising living costs, the initiative offers residents a practical way to explore whether generating their own electricity could help lessen the impact of future energy price fluctuations, whilst making their homes more sustainable.

The launch comes as energy efficiency and home improvement decisions are increasingly being made during late summer and early autumn, when homeowners begin planning ahead for the year to come and considering upgrades that can improve comfort, reduce bills, and increase property value over time.

Typical home solar systems can generate a significant proportion of a household’s daytime electricity use, while battery storage allows excess energy generated during daylight hours to be stored and used later in the day, helping to improve self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on the grid.

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

“Due to the rising cost of energy over the last few years more residents are interested in taking more control over their energy use and making their homes more efficient. This scheme gives people a straightforward way to explore whether solar panels and battery storage could work for their home, with trusted installers and no obligation to proceed.

“During last year’s scheme, which was known as Solar Together, 193 homeowners received a quote, with 121 households proceeding to have a solar PV or battery storage system installed.”

Following registration, residents will receive information about the scheme and guidance on next steps. There is no obligation to proceed, and homeowners can choose whether to accept any offer they receive.

While solar and battery systems are a home investment and will not be suitable for every household, the scheme is designed to help residents understand the costs, benefits and potential advantages in a clear and accessible way.

The initiative is part of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s wider commitment to supporting residents to improve home energy efficiency, create healthier and more sustainable homes and reduce carbon emissions across the borough.

Residents can register free of charge at switchtogether.co.uk/solar-panels until 25 September 2026.

Cheshire West Crowd has local community projects live and fundraising — and there is a special call for ideas that help tackle climate change.

Launched by Cheshire West and Chester Council in March, this is the seventh funding round since 2021. Over that time, 207 community projects have successfully raised more than £3 million, backed by over 11,000 supporters across the borough.

Delivered in partnership with Spacehive, Cheshire West Crowd puts communities in the driving seat — helping local people turn great ideas into reality and making our borough more vibrant, resilient and connected.

Climate Change Emergency Fund – £71,921 available

The Climate Change Emergency Fund is open, with individual project pledges likely to be between £5,000 and £10,000. The fund provides capital investment for initiatives that deliver measurable carbon savings and help address the climate emergency.

By working with communities and businesses, the fund supports projects that reduce our carbon footprint and protect the borough for future generations. This is a chance to create lasting positive change — more active travel, warmer homes, cleaner air or smarter use of resources.

Priority areas

Funding is available for projects focused on:

• Energy
• Transport
• Housing
• Land use
• Waste and recycling
  
  

Example project ideas include:

• Renewable energy projects
• Energy efficiency improvements
• Heat pump installations
• Zero or low‑carbon transport initiatives
• Waste reduction schemes

• Natural capital and environmental projects

Free expert support available

Project creators applying for Climate Change funding are encouraged to access free professional advice before submitting their idea onto the Cheshire West Crowd platform.

If you’ve got an idea you’d like to explore, email: climatechange3@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk to start the conversation today. The Council’s Climate Change Team can offer expert guidance, help refine your proposal, and signpost you to additional funding opportunities.

An online workshop will be held on 10 September at 12 noon, providing an opportunity for potential project creators to find out more about Cheshire West Crowd and hear how previous projects have benefited from the initiative.

To register for the workshop, visit: Cheshire West and Chester - Project Creator Workshop Tickets, Thursday 10 September • 12 PM - 1 PM GMT+1 | Eventbrite

Video case study of Upton by Chester Scout

1^st Upton by Chester scout group have benefited from having solar panels fitted on their community building thanks to funding through Cheshire West Crowd, the Council’s crowd funding platform.

The solar PV system is helping the group make savings that they can then invest in equipment and opportunities for the scouts. Their members are also using the data from the to learn more about environmental issues and sustainable solutions.

Families across Cheshire West and Chester can look forward to more affordable adventures this summer, with free bus travel for children throughout August helping families explore more of the borough for less.

As part of the Government's Summer Bus Fare Offer, under the Great British Summer Savings initiative, all children aged 5 to 15 can travel for free on participating local bus services from 1 to 31 August 2026. There’s no need to register and no cost to families – simply hop on board and enjoy unlimited journeys throughout the month.

The Council’s itravel routes, which provide on-demand transport to rural communities, will be included in the scheme. In addition, Cheshire West and Chester Council is funding free travel for eligible children on its Park & Ride services through Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding, giving families even more opportunities to travel affordably.

Whether it's a day out in Chester city centre, a trip to a local park, a visit to family and friends, or exploring one of the borough’s many attractions, the offer makes it easier than ever to leave the car at home and enjoy summer by bus.

The initiative not only helps families save money during the school holidays but also encourages more sustainable travel, helping to reduce congestion and support greener journeys across the borough.

Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, said:

"We’re delighted to be supporting this fantastic offer, which will help families make the most of the summer holidays without worrying about travel costs.

"By extending free travel to eligible children on our Park & Ride services as well as itravel, we’re opening up even more opportunities for families to enjoy days out, visit local attractions and discover everything Cheshire West and Chester has to offer.

"Whether you're heading into Chester, exploring our towns and villages, or simply spending time with family and friends, we encourage everyone to take advantage of this great offer and enjoy travelling by bus this August."

The Government has committed more than £100 million nationally to deliver the Summer Bus Fare Offer, helping families across the country enjoy lower travel costs during the school holidays.

Passengers are encouraged to check with their local bus operator for service information and participating routes before travelling.

1^st Upton by Chester scout group have benefited from having solar panels fitted on their community building thanks to funding through Cheshire West Crowd, the Council’s crowd funding platform.

The solar PV system is helping the group make savings that they can then invest in equipment and opportunities for the scouts. Their members are also using the data from the to learn more about environmental issues and sustainable solutions.

The latest round of Cheshire West Crowd has recently been extended, with funding still available to support community projects across the borough.

Run by the Council in partnership with Spacehive, Cheshire West Crowd helps community-led projects turn great ideas into reality, making neighbourhoods across the borough more vibrant, resilient and connected.

To date, the Council's average pledge to successful projects has covered around 50 per cent of a project's funding target, typically between £5,000 and £10,000.

Since Cheshire West Crowd launched in 2021, 218 community-led projects have successfully raised £3.3 million+, with support from more than 12,000 backers.

An online workshop will be held on 10 September at 12 noon, providing an opportunity for potential project creators to find out more about Cheshire West Crowd and hear how previous projects have benefited from the initiative.

To register for the workshop, visit: Cheshire West and Chester Project Creator Workshop

Projects seeking support from the Climate Change Emergency Fund are encouraged to contact the Council's Climate Change Emergency team at climatechange3@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk. The team can discuss potential projects and help applicants strengthen their proposals before applying for funding. Previous projects supported through the fund have included the installation of solar panels, LED lighting and insulation measures.

The deadline for projects to be verified by Spacehive and go live on Cheshire West Crowd, including applications for Council funding, is Wednesday 21 October 2026.

Funding panels will take place in w/c 16 November 2026.

A new county-wide awards programme has been launched to celebrate the people, projects and organisations helping nature thrive across Cheshire and Warrington.

The inaugural Wilder Cheshire Awards, organised by the Cheshire & Warrington Local Nature Partnership, will recognise the individuals, schools, businesses, farmers and community groups making a positive difference for nature and inspiring others to take action.

Nature recovery is happening in every corner of Cheshire and Warrington. From school children building bug hotels and farmers restoring habitats, to businesses investing in biodiversity and volunteers transforming community green spaces, thousands of people are already playing their part in creating a Wilder Cheshire.

Following the launch of Cheshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy in 2025, the awards have been created to recognise the people and organisations turning the strategy's ambitions into action. Open to projects of all sizes, the awards celebrate everything from restoring habitats and protecting wildlife to adapting local urban environments to a changing climate and helping people to connect more with nature.

Entries are now open to individuals, schools, businesses, charities, community groups, landowners, farmers and organisations from across Cheshire and Warrington.

The ten award categories are:

• Young Wildlife Champion

• Wilder School

• Community Action for Nature

• Food, Farming & Resilience

• Landscape Stewardship

• Business for Nature

• Delivering More Places for Nature

• Species Recovery

• Connecting People with Nature

• Outstanding Contribution to Nature

Importantly, the Local Nature Partnership is keen to stress that entrants do not need to be delivering large-scale projects to be recognised. Judges will be looking for impact, innovation and commitment rather than the size or budget of a project.

Annette McDonald, Co-Chair of the Cheshire & Warrington Local Nature Partnership, said: "Nature recovery is happening in every corner of Cheshire and Warrington, often quietly and without recognition. These awards are about celebrating the incredible people, organisations and communities who are making a genuine difference and inspiring others to take action. We know there are thousands of fantastic stories out there and we can't wait to hear them."

Entries close on 13 September 2026, with winners announced at a celebration event later this autumn.

Individuals and organisations can enter themselves or nominate someone else whose work deserves recognition.

To enter or nominate, visit www.wildercheshireawards.co.uk