A CLIMATE action charity has hosted a celebration event to thank local climate action groups that have been supported by WeCAN - the Winchester Climate Action Network - since it was set up three years ago.

The network is run by Winchester Action on the Climate Crisis (WinACC) with support from Winchester City Council, the South Downs National Park Authority and Winchester Rotary and is open to any local group that is involved in action on the climate emergency.

More than 46,000 people across the Winchester district now have a climate action group that has been supported by WinACC in their neighbourhood. 

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Over the past three years, with support from the WinACC climate officer, local groups have achieved:

  • Eight thermal imaging schemes so that residents can work out how to make their properties more energy efficient
  • Four green homes fairs
  • 13 climate cafes
  • Five residents' climate surveys
  • One business sustainability event
  • Three swap events to prevent waste
  • One mini-wildflower meadow
  • One bioblitz event
  • Four groups running or setting up repair cafes
  • Two active travel events
  • Two food waste activities
  • Setting up a community allotment

After three years WinACC interviewed all who had participated in the network, to ensure that future support will be provided in the best way possible.

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Stu Mills, project manager, said: “We know that many people are worried about the climate emergency. By supporting groups to work on initiatives that matter to them the most, we have found that they are able to really make a difference to the carbon footprint of their communities. 

“Volunteers often tell us that they want to set up a climate action group but don’t know where to start. Engaging with WinACC as part of the WecAN network gives people confidence to get going. By introducing the volunteers to other groups across the district at regular networking events hosted by WinACC, volunteers are able to support and learn from each other and not feel like they are the only ones doing something.”

Cllr Kelsie Learney, cabinet member for climate emergency at Winchester City Council, said: “It is wonderful to see the effort of communities across the district working together to tackle the climate emergency, and I’m pleased the council has been able to support the WeCAN network run by WinACC. It’s testament to just how much people care about creating a greener, cleaner district for our children and grandchildren. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the groups involved and look forward to following their success.”

Sara Osman, for the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “It is great to see the impact that WeCAN is having in local communities across the Winchester district. Climate change is something people often feel they have no control over, but these communities are demonstrating the impact of coming together to deliver local action that will make a huge difference. Tackling climate change will require huge societal behaviour change, and these communities are playing an important part in engaging people locally in conversations about what we can all do to make a difference.”

For more details, email WeCAN@winacc.org.uk.