Updates from Going Green Together - issue #23
Environmental news, events and opportunities for August 2023
Welcome to August’s Going Green Together newsletter. Our campaign supports VCSE organisations in the North East and Cumbria on their journey towards Net Zero.
Bursaries available for environmental support
We’re pleased to offer further financial support for new organisations joining the Become Green Together programme through our bursary schemes, thanks to the support of County Durham Community Foundation, Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, and Tees Valley Community Foundation. These bursaries cover part or all of the training costs of taking part in Become Green Together, our programme to help you develop and implement your environmental strategy.
To find out more and check your eligibility, you can contact the programme coordinator, Nathaniel Spain, at nathaniel.spain@vonne.org.uk.
Meadow Well Connected hits the Silver environmental accreditation standard — VONNE
We’re delighted to hear that Meadow Well Connected has been the first organisation to be awarded accreditation with Investors in the Environment, through our Become Green Together programme, and attained Silver. Read more on the VONNE website.
New report provides nature-based health projects save NHS time and money — Northumberland Wildlife Trust
Green prescribing is an evidence-based pillar of social prescribing that harnesses the health, wellbeing, and social benefits of spending time in nature. A new report by The Wildlife Trusts indicates these programmes could save hundreds of millions of pounds each year and reduce society’s reliance on the NHS. Read more through the NWT website.
What does climate change look like in Cumbria? — CAfS
Whilst mainland Europe is burning in record breaking heatwaves, in Cumbria it may not feel as though the long term climate is changing. However, it is clear from the data derived from monitoring day-to-day weather conditions over many years that it is. Read the findings on the CAfS website.
Areas of the sea receive the highest level of protection, but we need more — Durham Wildlife Trust
The first Highly Protected Marine Areas have come into force in England, marking an important moment in the UK and The Wildlife Trusts’ marine conservation history. This vital new designation will provide a lifeline to our diminishing seas, allowing marine life to recover. Read more online.
Ofgem visits Seahouses warm hub celebration event — CAN
CAN invited guests from Ofgem and Energy Saving Trust to see first-hand the positive difference Ofgem’s enforcement action makes to people’s lives at a special event bringing together Warm Hub volunteers from across the county. Read more on the CAN website.
Inspiration Strikes at Tees Nature Conference — Tees Valley Nature Partnership
June 30th marked the return of the Tees Valley Nature Partnership’s annual conference, held in-person for the first time since the pandemic, at the Darlington Hippodrome. The day questioned ‘What is Next For Tees Nature?’ and invited delegates to connect across all sectors to build connections and the energy required for nature recovery. Read more on the TVNP website.
Dates for the diary
Upcoming climate campaigns:
National Allotments Week, Monday 7th - Sunday 13th August
Zero Waste Week, Monday 4th - Friday 8th September
Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date and see what actions your organisation can take to get involved.
What is the proposed Biodiversity Net Gain mandate and will it affect your organisation? — iiE
In response to the biodiversity crisis, the UK government are set to introduce a Biodiversity Net Gain mandate in November 2023, requiring the delivery of a 10% net increase in biodiversity for development sites. iiE breaks down what this means and how your organisation can respond through their website.
District heat network plans move one step closer — Northumberland County Council
County Councillors have approved the next stage in the planning of new district heat networks in Northumberland, proposed for Alnwick, Ashington, Berwick, Blyth, Cramlington, Hexham, Morpeth and Prudhoe. Read more online.
Boost for Climate Action North rewilding network — Climate Action North
Climate Action North has been awarded a £15,000 Rewilding Innovation Fund grant, managed by Rewilding Britain, to expand its rewilding support for landowners, project managers, and local groups through the North of England Rewilding Network. Read more about their plans on their website.
Round-up of resources to help charities to take climate change action — Madeleine Sugden
Infrastructure organisations have launched campaigns and toolkits to share best practice and inspire charities to tackle the climate crisis. Madeleine provides a round-up of opportunities and organisations helping charities look at their own activities, governance and future work with a climate change focus. Read more on Madeleine’s blog.
Collaborative solutions for climate action in Scotland’s third sector — Going Green Together
Beth Mukushi of SCVO writes about their Growing Climate Confidence project, which drew elements of inspiration from Going Green Together. Their website will serve as an environmental resource hub for VCSE organisations in Scotland. Read more on our blog.
And finally... join us
Join the Going Green Together movement today – to learn, take your first steps in climate action, and share your successes with the community to help inspire others. Connect with us and others by joining our network.
Visit the Going Green Together website
Sign up to Become Green Together
Follow us on Twitter
Read the latest news on our blog
Going Green Together is a VONNE Climate Action Alliance initiative hosted by VONNE. Registered Company in England Number: 4061592. Registered Charity Number: 1084083