Thousands of Leeds residents take part in climate-friendly activities

More than 6,000 people have taken part in climate-friendly projects, thanks to Climate Action Leeds Community Grants. 

The programme is part of Climate Action Leeds, a five-year programme funded by The National Lottery Climate Action Fund. Climate Action Leeds aims to shape a ‘zero carbon, nature friendly, socially just Leeds by the 2030s’. They’ll do this through community-led climate action and networks of interest.

Thanks to their Community Grants, local organisations delivered a range of projects. From enhancing and maintaining green spaces to delivering workshops and information sessions, and all sorts in between. One project combined mindfulness with nature connection, another did property retrofit assessments and some focused on wildlife habitats. 

As well as increasing people’s understanding and support for conservation and the environment, the projects had wider benefits for the people who took part. 442 people now feel a better sense of belonging to their community. Additionally 284 have learnt new practical skills and 183 people’s mental health has benefitted. 

One organisation, Alwoodley 2030 Climate Action Hub, used their grant for active travel campaigns. They worked with 7 local schools for a ward-wide ‘Walk to School’ week. They also provided free bike repairs and used air pollution sensors to measure contaminant levels. They found their travel tracker, badges, certificates and poster design competitions were great ways to make the project fun for kids, and had 1,400 people take part. 

Since the programme began in 2023, we’ve made 41 grants, investing more than £130,000 in local community organisations to take climate action. Projects are still ongoing, bringing new opportunities and practical change to local communities.