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

Local projects are live and fundraising on Cheshire West Crowd. It’s not too late to get involved if you have a project that tackles the climate emergency by delivering quantifiable carbon benefits. Some potential projects examples could include:

• Renewable energy projects
• Energy efficiency projects
• Heat pump projects.

Cheshire West and Chester Council launched the latest funding round on the Cheshire West Crowd in March, the sixth round since 2021. In that time 192 projects have successfully raised almost £2.8 million, calling on the support of almost 10,300 backers.

Run by the Council in partnership with Spacehive, the Cheshire West Crowd platform enables community-led projects to bring ideas to life, making the borough more vibrant, resilient and connected.

The Climate Change emergency fund, worth £80,000, with pledges to individual projects likely to be in the region of £5,000 to £10,000, is looking to provide capital investment to tackle the climate change emergency. View the fund criteria here -https://www.spacehive.com/movement/cwc/supporters

Project creators pitching for Climate Change funding are encouraged to access free professional advice prior to submitting their project on the Cheshire West Crowd platform. Time is tight but it is still possible to access this exciting fundraising platform. Please email your draft project idea asap to:
ClimateChange3@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk ASAP to improve the likelihood of receiving the Council’s support through this fund. The deadline to then create your project, pass verification and launch your crowdfunding campaign is Friday, 26 September.

Some of the previous climate change-related projects that have successfully received funding include:

Solar Panels for Tarporley Chapel

Scout & Community Centre - Solar Project

Reduce energy use at Chester Baths

1st Saltney Scout Hut Improvements

Solar panels at Castle Park Arts Centre, Frodsham – YouTube video

The Council’s Climate Change team has developed a guide for teachers and school staff to help them to put in place a climate action plan for their school.
This will help to fulfil the requirement set by the DFE’s sustainability and climate change strategy for education that requires all education settings to nominate a sustainability lead and put in place a climate action plan.

Many schools in the borough are already taking lots of actions to become more sustainable. Creating a climate action plan will help to set out the steps each school is taking to meet climate targets, providing an opportunity for students and staff to understand more about the topic and opportunities around green skills. It could also help schools to reduce energy bills and be more prepared to deal with the negative effects of climate change, such as overheating.

The step-by-step guide and a climate action plan template is available to access on the Council’s Participate Now Site.

Schools are also encouraged to share stories of what they are already doing on sustainability and climate change to inspire others on the Council’s Climate Emergency Inspire Hub.

Residents are being encouraged by Cheshire West and Chester Council to build upon the Borough’s excellent recycling rates by supporting communities to ‘recycle right’.

The Borough has one of the highest recycling rates in the country at over 59% of all waste being successfully recycled, but the Council wants to work together with residents to make this even better.

Many residents do their best to recycle correctly and in line with our guidance, but despite their best efforts, they may not always get it right. Last year, 1,460 tonnes of waste collected in red and blue-lidded bins could not be recycled due to items incorrectly placed in recycling containers and instead had to be used for energy from waste. Incorrect recycling impacts on the quality of material that can be recycled. It is estimated that incorrect recycling will cost the Council around £180,000 in lost income and extra waste treatment costs this year.

From August 2025 to January 2026, advisors trained by M.E.L Research Ltd, a company specialising in waste behaviour change, will be working across the Borough to support our communities to recycle better. Advisors will visit homes who have been identified as putting wrong items in their recycling containers, so they can be given more support through the Recycle Right campaign. These advisors are well-equipped to offer practical advice and guidance, and answer questions to help everyone recycle right. They will be easily recognisable and carry official identification, so residents can feel confident when speaking with them.

As part of the Recycle Right Campaign, we are also introducing a new system of bin tagging. If incorrect items - such as food waste or non-recyclable materials - are found in people’s recycling container, residents may notice a tag or sticker placed on their bin. Bin tagging is a widely used and effective method among councils to improve recycling outcomes. This is a helpful way to let people know what needs to be changed, so the Council and residents can all work together to improve recycling quality.

All advisors will be carrying identification and a letter of authority that can be shown to residents on request. If residents do have any concerns about the identity of any advisors, they can call 0300 123 7026 and provide their details for the contact centre for verification. Advisors are not allowed to enter, or ask for entry, to a resident’s home or rear garden.

Watch the animation below to find out how you can recycle right.

For an in-depth list of what can be recycled, visit: Recycling A-Z - what goes where? | Cheshire West Recycling

For more information on your weekly kerbside recycling service, visit: Your bin collection | Cheshire West and Chester Council

West Cheshire residents are able to benefit from a community-led solar panel initiative that will boost local renewable energy generation, cut carbon emissions and help households save on energy bills.

Residents across the borough are coming together to invest in renewable energy sources through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage. Solar Together helps homeowners feel confident that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from pre-approved installers.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has, for the third year running, joined Cheshire East Council and Warrington Borough Council to offer the initiative to Cheshire residents.

Residents can join the group-buying scheme, which offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points, as well as retrofit battery storage, for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate. The scheme allows homeowners to increase their independence from the national grid.

It’s free to register on the Solar Together website, and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation. Cheshire West and Chester Council is working in partnership with iChoosr, experts in sustainable energy transition, to make the transition to clean energy as cost-effective and hassle-free as possible.

Rob Kinder, a resident of west Cheshire, recently shared their experience with Solar Together. Rob said: "With the costs of energy going up so high, we couldn’t afford not to do it. We’ve been so impressed with the amount of energy they actually generate and it’s a nice feeling that you’re generating your own power. The installers were really thorough and we’ve already recommended them to friends."

How does it work?

• Householders can register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation.
• Pre-approved UK solar PV suppliers participate in a reverse auction. They are able to offer competitive pricing as the volume and geographic concentration makes it possible for them to realise greater efficiencies, which they pass on with lower prices for installations.
• After the auction, registered households will be emailed a personal recommendation which is specific to the details they submitted in their registration.
• If they choose to accept their recommendation, the specifics of their installation will be confirmed with a technical survey, after which a date can be set for the installation of their solar PV system.
• Telephone and email help desks are on-hand throughout the whole process which, together with information sessions, will allow households to make an informed decision in a safe and hassle-free environment.

Cllr Paul Donovan, Cabinet Member for Democracy, Workforce and Communities, said: "This is the third year that we’re offering residents in west Cheshire the chance to invest in renewable energy through the Solar Together initiative. 447 households have already benefited from having solar panels or batteries installed over the last two years, providing people with the opportunity to generate their own energy, make savings on their bills and play their part helping the borough to reach its net zero target.

"If you have been considering if solar energy could work for you, this is a great opportunity to find out and receive a no-obligation quote from a trusted provider."

Marie-Louise Abretti, Solar Together UK Business Manager, said: "With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, residents of west Cheshire are looking for opportunities to reduce their carbon emissions, save on energy bills, and increase their independence from the grid. The Solar Together group-buying scheme offers a straightforward way to make an informed decision and to access a competitive offer from a trusted, vetted provider."

iChoosr has been collaborating with UK councils since 2015 on its Solar Together scheme, aiming to accelerate the energy transition nationwide. The initiative aims to encourage residents to partake in the collective purchase of solar PV and battery storage systems. To date, in west Cheshire Solar Together has delivered more than 400 installations – leading to more than 330 tonnes of avoided carbon emissions.

iChoosr’s schemes have been delivered in partnership with local authorities in five countries. More than 116 schemes have led to 157,000 residents installing solar PV systems.

Cheshire West and Chester Council have approved the latest version of the borough’s plan to address the Climate Emergency at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting (9 July 2025).

The west Cheshire Climate Emergency Response Plan, which received cross party support, will be used as a guide to help the borough to achieve its target to reach net zero by 2045 and help create greener communities.

West Cheshire declared a Climate Emergency in 2019, with the first Climate Emergency Response Plan for the borough developed in 2021. The new plan will cover the period from 2025 to 2030.

Since the previous plan was adopted, west Cheshire has made significant progress towards achieving its target of becoming net zero, with borough-wide greenhouse gas emissions reducing from 4.3 million tonnes in 2018 to 3.2 million tonnes in 2022*.

The latest plan highlights the borough’s action towards net zero to date with achievements including:

• More than £9 million in grants secured from central Government to help deliver energy, housing retrofit and natural environment projects in west Cheshire.
• The Council acting as the accountable body for the national Trees for Climate Programme, which has delivered more trees than any other programme in the UK in recent years.
• Launching the Origin cluster, creating greater collaboration between industrial businesses in the Ellesmere Port area.
• Launching the Solar Together programme which has helped hundreds of people get competitively priced Solar panels and/or batteries for their homes.
• A reduction in the Council’s operational greenhouse gas emissions from 51,362 tCO2e in 2014-15 to 11,836.7 tCO2e in 2023-24.

The new Climate Emergency Response Plan, which was developed after an extensive consultation last year, sets out priorities for the borough and key actions the Council, partners and communities can take under six key theme areas.

• Business and industry
• Transport
• Housing
• Energy
• Land use, adaptation and repair
• Waste, recycling and the circular economy

Cllr Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Each year we’re reminded of the consequences of climate change, from more extreme weather, including one of the driest springs to date, to incidents of flooding and wild fires. We also continue to be one of the top ten highest-emitting local authorities in the UK. This presents us with an opportunity to be at the centre of green industry in this country, an area that will create high-quality, accessible jobs at all skill levels for years to come.

“We’ve already made some fantastic strides to help us reach our net zero targets including action by our local communities, such as helping to increase our recycling rates. By continuing to work together to become a net zero borough and taking collective action to address climate change we can also address inequalities, create greener communities and future proof our area to adapt to our changing climate.”

The Climate Emergency Response Plan for 2025 – 2030 can be viewed on the Council’s website.

To keep up to date with action taking place across the borough to address the climate crisis visit the Council’s Climate Emergency Inspire Hub and sign up to our monthly enewsletter.

The Mersey Forest is celebrating a bumper planting season and the launch of their new Forest Plan – More with Trees this summer, following a busy year creating more green spaces across Cheshire and Merseyside.

In the past year alone, partners, landowners and local communities have worked alongside The Mersey Forest to help establish 247 hectares of new woodland across Cheshire and Merseyside – that’s the equivalent of 381 football pitches.

The new woodlands include over 1,360 street trees, 2.3km of hedges, trees planted in 14 schools across the area and 78 ha of new woodland planted at Lunt in Sefton, as part of a partnership with the National Trust, Sefton Council, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency and Forestry England.

As the area’s Community Forest, The Mersey Forest’s work is guided by their Forest Plan, with the latest version launched in May at The Museum of Liverpool.

The day brought together inspiring and diverse speakers and delegates, including local authorities, landowners, community organisations, academics and businesses who shared insights into how much has been achieved to date and how much more is possible when we act together.

The Plan builds on decades of work, reflecting the shared values, ambitions and practical steps needed to enrich people’s lives and livelihoods, help nature flourish, and strengthen climate resilience.

The new woodlands and trees established this year added to the organisation’s tree tally over the last 30 years, has seen The Mersey Forest reach a milestone moment this spring by planting their 10 millionth tree at the new site in Lunt, Sefton.

Paul Nolan, Director of The Mersey Forest, said: “The past year has been a wonderful celebration of what it means to be a Community Forest. From creating large woodlands with partners such as the National Trust, to working with local businesses or community groups who are helping us to maintain woodlands in our area.

“Each tree, woodland and habitat created in The Mersey Forest is helping to build greener communities and create spaces that benefit people, nature and strengthen the area’s climate resilience.

“Our new Forest Plan sets out how we’ll continue to work with communities to deliver more with trees for the next 25 years and beyond, inspiring action and spreading hope for the next generation.”

Every tree planted in Cheshire and Merseyside is helping to grow The Mersey Forest and the larger Northern Forest that stretches from Liverpool to the Yorkshire coast.

The woodlands and trees established throughout The Mersey Forest have been funded through the Government’s Trees for Climate and Grow Back Greener programmes, part of Defra’s Nature for Climate Fund.

The Mersey Forest is part of England’s Community Forests, a diverse and growing network of 15 forests each working in partnership with their local communities, landowners, and businesses to help nature recover and regenerate the landscapes in and around our largest towns and cities. The network has planted over 8 million trees across the country since the Trees for Climate programme began five years ago – that’s 35% of all government-funded tree planting since 2020.

Community woodland takes root at Toolerstone, Cheshire

A much-loved creative retreat in Cheshire has entered a new chapter this year as it has transformed into a flourishing greenspace, including a new woodland and wildflower meadow. A total of over 6,700 trees were planted across the 3.75 hectare site with the local community and school children playing a key role to help get them in the ground in February this year. The trees planted will support local wildlife, improve soil quality and absorb an estimated 1,312 tonnes of carbon over time. Read more about the Toolerstone planting project.

Over the next 12 months The Mersey Forest will be continuing to work with local landowners to establish woodland and trees on their land, implement Natural Flood Management initiatives to help communities at risk of flooding and work alongside those working in education to help them make the most of the green space in their schools and connect more young people with nature.

The Mersey Forest also hosted an Investing in Nature conference recently, where 150 leaders from business, government, academia and the third sector explored how the natural environment can drive economic growth, resilience and wellbeing across the region, an area of work The Mersey Forest team continues to develop.

The Mersey Forest can offer free support, advice and funding to landowners across Cheshire and Merseyside who would like to incorporate trees on their land. Visit: merseyforest.org.uk or email: mail@merseyforest.org.uk for more information.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Road Safety team has had its busiest year yet for cycle training, with over 3,000 children taking the opportunity to do courses at school through Bikeability.

Bikeability training, delivered for the Council’s Road Safety team by BikeRight, has trained 3,392 children, 28 adults (through family courses) and 265 children with special educational needs.

Feedback during the last year has highlighted the exceptional quality of Bikeability training, from a seamless booking process to outstanding instructors who worked excellently with children.

Schools, such as Our Lady Star of the Sea in Ellesmere Port, praised the program for boosting students’ confidence and promoting cycling, describing it as invaluable and enjoyable.

Individual sessions, like those at the New Images Youth Centre in Winsford, showcased significant progress, with children overcoming initial nerves and learning to ride confidently, leaving both parents and participants highly impressed.

Overall, training sessions consistently delivered a first-class experience that combined fun, skill-building, and accessibility.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Highways, Councillor Karen Shore said: “I’m so pleased to hear how well our cycle training has gone this last year. Feedback received from schools has highlighted the confidence that the training gives children and the improvement in their cycling skills.

“Learn to Ride sessions during school holiday periods have also enabled many more children to ride independently.

“It’s amazing that instructors have travelled over 3,289 miles delivering the courses. A big thank you and well done to everyone involved this year.”

As part of the borough’s plan to tackle the Climate Emergency and create greener communities the Council is encouraging residents in the borough to consider different modes of transport, especially when making short journeys such as those to and from school.

Cycling, wheeling or walking to school is a great way to build activity into the whole family’s routine, boost mental health and wellbeing, help us connect to our local environment and ease congestion outside the school gates.

Schools can find out more if they are interested in arranging Bikeability training for pupils at their school, free of charge, at: BikeRight · Cheshire West and Chester. Bikeability is funded by Active Travel England.

Adults and family training is also available for residents of the borough, more information is on the BikeRight website.

View a video below about Bikeability training that pupils at Wharton Church of England Primary School took part in recently.

Warm Homes Grant funding is expected to be available until 31 March 2028 in west Cheshire for home insulation and renewables such as heat pumps and solar panels. The grant has been made possible by funding from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero.

Grants are available for homes which have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that is Band D, E, F or G. You can check on the Energy Performance Certificate Register for your address. If your property doesn't have a certificate, we can help you to arrange one if you qualify for this scheme.

The amount of grant you can apply for varies depending on your property and the type of work that is needed. Homeowners are typically not expected to pay anything towards the scheme unless building repairs are needed before the insulation or renewables can be installed. In private rented properties, the landlord is expected to make a minimum 50 per cent contribution to the scheme after the first property.

Typical improvements to your home that may be carried out using the grant, include:

• solid wall insulation (internal or external)
• cavity wall insulation
• loft, room-in-roof and flat roof insulation
• under-floor insulation
• heat pump
• solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for electricity generation
• high heat retention electric storage heaters, where a heat pump isn't suitable
• heating controls.

The target is for the energy efficiency measures to improve your EPC rating by at least two bands - for example, if your home is Band E, it should reach Band C or above with the planned improvements.

To qualify, you must be a homeowner who is living in the property as their main residence, or a private tenant, and meet the income criteria listed below.

• You receive an income related benefit (for example, Universal Credit, Pension Credit Guarantee, Council Tax Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or Tax Credits), or
• Your total household income before tax, National Insurance and other deductions is no more than £36,000, or
• Your total household income before tax, National Insurance and other deductions is no more than £20,000 after your housing costs have been deducted (by housing costs, we mean mortgage payments, rent payments and Council Tax).

When we calculate your household income, we will ignore any disability benefits (such as Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance) so this will not count towards your household income.

If you think you may be eligible please contact: homeenergy@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

A member of the Council’s Climate Change Team will contact you to confirm your eligibility (we will ask you to provide us with documents to confirm your income) and explain the next steps.

Bike Week 2025 takes place from 9 – 15 June, marking the UK’s biggest celebration of cycling. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or haven’t cycled for years, this week is all about embracing the joy of riding and discovering the many benefits it brings.

The Benefits of Cycling

Cycling is more than just a mode of transport— it can help improve your health, create greener communities, and cut noise and air pollution whilst saving you time and money. Here’s why getting on your bike is a great idea.

Health and wellbeing: Regular cycling improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles, and boosts mental health.

Make connections: Cycling can be a great way to connect with others in your community, whether through group rides or simply chatting with fellow cyclists.

Environmental impact: Switching short journeys from the car to a bike will help reduce air pollution and congestion in your area.

Time and money saving: Short journeys by bike may be quicker than going by car, with no fuel and parking to pay.

Helping the borough reach its carbon goals: West Cheshire aims to become a carbon-neutral borough by 2045. Switching some car journeys to go by bike can help us achieve this.

Support to get you on your bike

Cheshire West and Chester Council encourages residents to cycle more and offer Bikeability training with our cycle training partner BikeRight!, ensuring that both children and families gain the skills and confidence to ride safely.

Bikeability training is available for schools and families in west Cheshire, helping riders of all ages develop essential cycling skills. Schools can request free Bikeability training, covering levels 1, 2, and 3, as well as Bikeability Plus Balance and Learn to Ride courses. Fully funded family cycle training is also offered, providing tailored sessions to help parents and children ride confidently together.



Adults can also improve their skills and confidence when they ride through tailored training, with three levels offered; basic for beginners, urban and advanced – all fully funded.

Find out more on the Council’s website

Inclusive cycling

Wheels for All is an Inclusive Cycling programme that embraces all children and adults with disabilities and differing needs to engage with quality cycling activity, using adapted cycles such as handcycles, trikes and wheelchair transporter to assist in building confidence and independence in cycling. Wheels for All in Marbury Country Park has a variety of adapted bikes, which you can try out in a fun and safe environment, situated close to the village of Comberbach several miles north of Northwich.

Find out more on the Wheels for All website.

Get Involved

There are lots of resources on Cycling UK’s website to help you get out on your bike this Bike Week.

How to swap short car journeys for cycling | Cycling UK

How to encourage family and friends to start cycling | Cycling UK

Advice for beginners | Cycling UK

By making cycling a regular part of life, we can improve health, strengthen communities, reduce pollution, and help the borough become carbon neutral by 2045.

Share your stories about getting out on your bike in the borough over on our Climate Emergency Inspire Hub under the ‘Your Stories’ section.