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Over the next two years, local people across North Somerset will be empowered to shape and deliver practical projects that protect the environment, enhance nature, and improve health and wellbeing in their communities. This place‑based support will help strengthen local resilience and ensure residents play a leading role in tackling climate and ecological challenges.
As part of the programme, Clevedon YMCA and Pill Community Foundation will each receive £30,000 in funding, alongside workshops, peer mentoring and specialist resources. This support will enable the organisation to co‑develop a climate and nature action plan with their community and begin putting local priorities into action.
They join a wider cohort of organisations across the West of England entering the programme this year, building on the success of 17 Bristol‑based community groups who have taken part over the last five years. Collectively, the project has already led to the creation of local jobs, new and improved green spaces, increased wildlife, youth skills training, reduced waste, and measurable carbon reductions.
The Community Climate & Nature Action Project uses a collaborative, community‑driven model that recognises the expertise and lived experience within local neighbourhoods, aiming to place residents at the heart of climate decision‑making, strengthening communities and improving everyday life.
The programme has so far led to the creation of local jobs, new and enhanced green spaces, an increase in wildlife, skills training for young people, reduced waste, as well as a reduction in carbon equivalent to planting 3,294 trees or heating 156 homes for a year.
Cllr Annemieke Waite, Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment, North Somerset Council said: “It’s heartening to see North Somerset at the forefront of community‑led climate and nature action. Local organisations like Clevedon YMCA and Pill Community foundation play a vital role in helping us tackle the climate emergency at a neighbourhood level; helping to empower residents in shaping solutions that work for them. This investment will help strengthen our communities, improve local resilience and support the transition to a greener, healthier North Somerset.”
Juley Howard, Centre Manager for Clevedon YMCA said: "We are looking forward to working with our local community to learn more about nature together and to improve peoples' living conditions while tackling climate change. There's so much that we can do together. We are very excited about this new project."
Aileen Edwards, Trustee for Pill Community Foundation said: “Pill Community Foundation is delighted to join this programme. Harnessing the great grassroots groups and fantastic people in our village, we are excited to build sustainability for everyone, recognising the daily challenges for people and the planet. We are keen to build skills, maximise local resources and tackle poverty.”
Amy Harrison, Head of Community Partnerships at Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership, added: “The high level of interest we received shows the appetite for communities to take the lead on climate and nature action. When priorities and solutions are shaped by local people, they help reduce inequality, strengthen communities and deliver real environmental impact. We’re excited to be supporting this work in North Somerset, helping local residents turn their ideas into meaningful change.”
The Community Climate & Nature Action Project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund and coordinated by Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership. It is delivered in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Energy, Bristol City Council, Bath & North East Somerset Council, North Somerset Council, South Gloucestershire Council, the University of the West of England, and the West of England Combined Authority.
Each participating organisation will also collaborate with local artists to engage more people in developing their climate and nature action plans. The cohort will contribute to wider regional projects and help shape national policy by sharing community‑led insights.