Council distributes £5,000 to support local climate initiatives

The grants were created to help community organisations deliver practical, small-scale initiatives that support local climate action. This year’s response was strong, with 21 applications submitted, and the council is delighted to recognise ten successful projects that demonstrated clear, deliverable benefits for the environment and the community.

The ten successful projects are:

• Welwyn St Mary’s Primary School – Renovation of the pond in the school nature reserve.
• North Mymms Parish Council – Installation of bike racks at Gobions Open Space.
• Panshanger Primary School – Bespoke bug hotel and bird houses for the community garden.
• St John’s Primary School, Digswell – LED lighting upgrade and hi-vis jackets to promote safe cycling and walking.  
• Oaklands Primary School – Let’s Get Litter Wise recycling, composting and litter-reduction programme.
• Barn Close Preschool – Pollinators and Plants project to attract pollinating insects to the school garden through new planting.
• Applecroft School – Installation of bike racks.
• Woolmer Green Parish Council – Installation of LED lighting in the village hall.
• Templewood School Gardening Club – Pond renovation and rainwater harvesting initiative.
• Tenterfield Nursery School – Making Snack Time Sustainable by reducing waste and promoting reuse and recycling.

These projects span themes such as biodiversity, energy saving, sustainable transport, waste reduction and water conservation - reflecting the community’s creativity and commitment to climate action.

Climate Action Small Grants support the council’s wider environmental goals. Having declared a climate emergency in 2019, the council aims to be net zero as an organisation by 2030, with a target for the wider borough to reach net zero by 2050. The grants are designed to help meet the borough-wide target by helping community organisations to implement sustainable projects.

Councillor Max Holloway, Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economic Development and Climate Change, said:

“I am delighted that we were able to support these fantastic projects that show just how much passion and innovation there is across our borough when it comes to tackling climate change.

“As a council, we are working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and promote biodiversity, and we are committed to helping our communities do the same. These grants help empower schools and other organisations to turn great ideas into actions that will benefit both residents and the environment.”

Vicky Beare, Headteacher at Tenterfield Nursery School, which received £500 to support its programme to reduce waste and promote recycling, said:

“Sustainability is a huge part of our development plan this year at Tenterfield Nursery School. With a tight school budget, opportunities like this grant mean the world to us. It allows us to make real changes by introducing reusable resources, recycling systems, and growing fresh produce, all while teaching young children that caring for the planet starts with small, everyday actions. More importantly, we’ll inspire the next generation to see that the choices they make can have a big impact on the planet.”

Linseyanne Steell, Clerk at North Mymms Parish Council, which received £500 to install bike racks at Gobions Open Space, said:

“Gobions Open Space is known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Being able to encourage users to ride their bikes instead of driving will help reduce emissions and have a positive impact on their physical and mental wellbeing. It will also enable cyclists to store their bikes safely while they enjoy the facilities this open space offers.”

For more information about the council’s climate initiatives, visit the Welwyn Hatfield Climate Hub.