The idea
The project focuses on forming the Cotswolds Youth Climate Action Network, a Cirencester-based environmental action group for young people aged 16-25. It aims to provide a platform for youth to engage in meaningful projects that drive positive change for the environment and local community. By nurturing leadership skills and fostering collaboration, the group seeks to empower participants to become active advocates for sustainability and resilience. Through collective action , the initiative aspires to build a better future for our local community and wider world.
What we'll deliver
- Work towards mitigating climate change whilst improving wellbeing and having fun
- Benefit the community by setting up joyful projects which improve resilience and equity
- Give local young people a voice, opportunities, skills and more hopeful future
Why it's a great idea
Climate change mitigation: tree planting (MillionTrees projects, grassland restoration (Glorious Grasslands), zero dig agriculture (Great ZeroDig Project). Food resilience: planting fruit trees, setting up fruit harvesting group for community benefit, seed and seedling swap stall, encouraging Too Good to Go sign ups by local food outlets. Biodiversity gain: swim social to get EA to clean up Thames below Lechlade, volunteer with WildCiren, Zerodig and Glorious Grasslands, fundraising for local environmental charities, litter picking. Raising awareness: Letters from Global South exhibition, articles in local paper, teen tips, working towards making Cirencester a Fairtrade Town. Less waste: refashion event, Xmas dec making out of recycled materials, prom dress charity fundraiser, library of things. Policy change: petition for those under the voting age to support CAN Bill, responding to consultations, meeting MP, swim event in Thames during Thames21 Rivers Week.
Steps to get it done
- set up Fruit Harvesting Group by harvest 2025
- set up a seed/seedling swap stall in May 2025
- organizing prom dress charity fundraiser for April 2026
- find partner and plan for cirencester library of things by next funding round
