June 14, 2026

Welcome back to Cumbria CVS Green!

In our twenty-eighth blog post, Rachel Miller, Volunteer Support Officer at Cumbria CVS, fills us in on her experience of going carless. From empty driveway, to car clubs, veg boxes and being more rooted in the local community, there’s lots to inspire you if you ever wondered what a car-free life might be like.

If you have any suggestions about what you’d like to see in our regular updates, let us know! Contact us by emailing info@cumbriacvs.org.uk

You can find our what we’re doing to minimise our environmental impact and find details of organisations supporting positive environmental action in Cumbria on our Climate Commitment page here

Catch up on our other blog posts here

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Going on a (car-free) journey

It’s been about a year since I became a non-car-owner. A range of factors made it the right time to give up any claim to ownership of a vehicle. So now seems like a good time to reflect on how life has been without a car on the driveway.

Firstly, and importantly, I readily acknowledge that I am in a particular situation with a particular set of circumstances which apply to me and make it possible, and these don’t apply to everyone. I am not setting out to advocate that others should follow my example. For many, car ownership is necessary and proper. I do not judge. Here, I aim simply to chronicle my experiences.

The day I woke up to an empty driveway felt like freedom. My instinct was to get out the pavement chalks, and draw a huge smiley face emoji where the car once stood. I have kept the space available for parking, but I do know of other people who have placed wildflower planters on their unused parking space.

I have always enjoyed walking, but it has now taken on a different meaning. Walking is not just a way to get somewhere, an inconvenience to put up with. Instead it connects me to the place I am in, invests in my fitness, and clears my head. It frees me from parking worries and traffic jams, and allows me to greet people I pass. I don’t do it because I have to, but because I can. I am celebrating my body which allows me to do it.

My children have now reached an age where we can cycle as a means of getting around town when we need to. It was only when I was responding positively to the consultation on a 20mph speed limit in our town that I realised just how profound the benefits of cycling are for a family. I am passing on my values to the next generation: valuing the planet, our physical health, a sense of place, and their independence. As they become pre-teens and teenagers, they will be able to take themselves to activities and social events on their own, and I will know that they have the navigational and safety skills to do this confidently.

Similarly, train and bus travel is more than just a means to an end. It’s a way of getting to know places and how they relate to each other, a skills training in reading timetables, quality time together to play games, read stories or chat, an exercise in alertness and observation skills to spot station announcements and find our train, a period of mindfulness, a chance to talk to other travellers, a means to build resilience and patience in the face of engineering works and delays, and, again, a passport to independence for young people.

There are still times when a vehicle is useful. To manage this, I have joined a car club. This is how it works: I go on an app to book a vehicle. I can book a vehicle for any time of the day or night, and for a period of time from half an hour up to several days. I then go to where the vehicle is parked, unlock it with the app, and drive away. They charge based on mileage and time. Using the car club means I get to drive nicer cars than I would have owned, and someone else manages the maintenance and repairs (hooray, no unexpected large bills). There is also a choice of vehicles; I discovered that a family camping trip is so much easier in a transit style van than a family car, when so much effort is spent cramming everything into the roof box and still having passengers sitting with knees up to chin to fit extra luggage in the footwells.

Shopping takes a different form without a car. I get milk deliveries (in glass bottles), and organic veg box deliveries. Then, I take my trusty old backpacking rucksack and a couple of large bags for life, and do my food shop on foot. I use self checkouts, to give me time to pack items carefully so that I can carry them. Yes, it’s hard, but with a change in mindset it becomes my workout, every step building a stronger and fitter me. Alternatively, feel free just to say I’m mad.

I suppose that perhaps we do miss out on some outings and activities which really require a car. But then again, there is a lot to explore on our doorstep which we might not take advantage of otherwise. We can be more rooted in our local community.

So, I am converted. If anyone else tries going car free, I wish you fun and adventures.

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Penrith’s Great Big Green Week

Saturday 6th to Sunday 14th June, Penrith.  This June, Penrith is coming ‘Together for Good’, for Great Big Green Week, the UK’s biggest celebration of community-led action for climate and nature. We are inviting the whole community to get involved in the inclusive programme, you do not need to be an environmental expert to take part!

Throughout the week, Penrith will host a programme of community-wide events celebrating sustainability and nature. Expect to see family nature activities, open farm Sunday, Balsam bashing, the Penrith Repair Café, community litter picks and climate conversations.

Find out more about Penrith’s Great Big Green Week here

 

Great Big Green Week

Saturday 6th – Sunday 14th June.

Be part of the UK’s largest celebration of climate and nature. Each year, Great Big Green Week sees thousands of events in towns and cities across the country, showing the power we have when we act for people, climate and nature.

You can be part of this movement in 2026. Get inspired by what others have achieved and start imagining what you and your community can do next year. Whether it’s a big event or a small action, every step adds up to a greener future.

Find out more about how to get involved in Great Big Green Week here

 

Clean Air Day 2026

Thursday 18th June. Clean Air Day is the UK’s largest air pollution campaign.

The campaign raises awareness of air pollution as the biggest environmental threat to health, and demonstrates large-scale support for clean air, giving decision-makers a mandate to implement the system changes required.

 

Climate & Carbon Literacy

Tuesday 23rd & 30th June, online. Take a deep dive into the causes of climate change and what we can do about it in this accredited online course. Pay-what-you-can tickets for those living, working or studying in Cumbria.

Find out more about Climate & Carbon Literacy and book here

 

Greening your Procurement

Wednesday 1st July, Online. Greening your organisation’s procurement isn’t just a way to show its environmental commitments – it is a way to lower costs through smarter sourcing, build stronger relationships with suppliers, make its supply chains more resilient, protect brand reputation and attract new custom.

As demands to report Scope 3 emissions ramp up, knowing what you are buying, who you are buying from and who they are buying from is becoming increasingly important, but if feels like a massive area and working out what steps to take can be daunting.

This webinar from Investors in the Environment (iiE) aims to tackle some of those issues; it will cover what good, responsible procurement looks like, how to get started and examples from members.

 

Free training course: Be equipped to support your clients with energy costs

Wednesday 15th July, online. With everything so uncertain and worrying again around energy prices, now is the time to get equipped to support your clients as best you can with whatever happens next.

The Community Energy Ambassadors project offers:

• • 3 x 1.5 hour CPD-certified training course – this covers energy prices, tariffs, advice to give to clients, understanding energy use, costs of appliances, the best ways to save energy in the home, smart meters, energy efficiency, and all of the schemes available to support households with their energy costs
  • A portal of resources, including information sheets, content for social media, advice checklists etc that you can use with clients and/or within local communities
  • Access to a monthly Energy Ambassadors newsletter which provides regular updates on all things related to energy and support schemes
  • Invitations to online update events 2-3 times per year

Cost? This is all completely free to anyone working or living in Yorkshire, the Northeast or Cumbria thanks to funding from Northern Gas Networks. The course is informal yet very informative!

Find upcoming dates and links to book on here

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The Green Social Prescribing Journey Collection

Developed by NASP, in a collaboration with the Innovation Network and the Green Social Prescribing Programme, the Green Social Prescribing Journey Collection brings together ‘process journeys’ from organisations across the nature-based provider sector, focusing on how they have embedded Green Social Prescribing in their practice and communities.

The Collection serves as a practical reference and learning tool, particularly for those developing or delivering social prescribing offers.

 

Grocers’ Charity Grant

Amount available: up to £5,000

Deadline: Saturday 15th August

One-off grants for UK registered charities

• Supporting the protection and survival of plants and animals by maintaining and restoring habitats, enhancing ecosystems, and protecting biological diversity.
• Educating behavioural changes addressing environmental issues like littering and waste.
• Countering the effects of pollution and climate change (e.g. ideas and projects which tackle the issue of plastic waste and those to reduce carbon emissions).

Registered charities in the UK with a turnover below £500,000 (or medical charities with an income below £15 million) are eligible to apply.

Find out more about Grocers’ Charity Grant here

 

Making green jobs accessible

The UK is investing heavily in the transition to a greener economy, but research with young people, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, shows a clear disconnect. The term ‘green jobs’ is often unclear, sometimes unappealing, and rarely how young people search for or think about their futures. Instead, they’re focused on something more immediate and universal: secure, well-paid work with clear pathways and progression.

This research from NPC brings together evidence from young people, employers and existing studies to explore why access to green economy opportunities remains uneven, and what needs to change. Alongside the main report, an accompanying employer action plan sets out practical steps employers can take to widen access and build more inclusive pathways into the green workforce.

Read the research

 

Cellnex Community Fund

Amount available: up to £5,000

Deadline: can be submitted at any time

Grants are available for charities, charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs), and other not-for-profit organisations across the UK to deliver projects and activities that help to strengthen communities, build digital confidence, improve the environment, and help people access skills for the future.

Funding is for projects and activities that fall within one or more of the following themes:

• Digital Inclusion and Skills – Helping people to get online, build digital skills, or use technology with confidence.
• Circular Economy – Reducing waste, encouraging repair and reuse, or supporting sustainable use of materials.
• Biodiversity and Conservation – Improving local nature, protecting wildlife habitats, or supporting community environmental action.
• AI and Education – Building awareness of artificial intelligence, responsible use of technology, and STEM learning.

Find out more about Cellnex Community Fund here

 

Charities Aid Foundation – Building Resilience Programme

Amount available: Between £40,000 and £70,000 over two years

Deadline: 12pm, Monday 15th June

Funding for small and medium-sized social purpose organisations working to protect and preserve the UK’s freshwater ecosystems.

The programme combines flexible funding with tailored support to strengthen the long-term resilience of the organisations protecting these environments.

Find out more about Charities Aid Foundation – Building Resilience Programme here

 

Wildlife Trusts – Green Community Grants Programme

Amount available: up to £25,000

Deadline: Applications open from Wednesday 24th June – Wednesday 15th July

Grants are available for charities and community groups working on environmental and nature-based projects across England, Scotland and Wales.

Funding is aimed at projects that:

• support nature recovery
• tackle climate change
• improve access to green spaces
• or encourage sustainable community activities.

Eligible organisations must:

• be not-for-profit
• have an annual income between £10,000 and £1 million
• and have been operating for at least 12 months

Funding can support activities such as:

• community gardening
• habitat improvement
• recycling projects
• litter picking
• beach cleans
• outdoor education
• and sustainable transport initiatives.

Priority is given to:

• smaller organisations
• groups in disadvantaged communities
• and organisations supporting marginalised people.

Find out more about Wildlife Trusts – Green Community Grants Programme here

 

Have you ever wondered what happens to your recycling after you throw it out?

Take a look at Cumberland Council’s most recent video and follow your recycling’s journey from your home to the Material Recycling Facility (MRF) and see the complex processes that sorts it ready for reuse.

Did you know? 100% of cardboard, paper, plastic and glass processed at the facility is sent on to be recycled.

 

Tree Council – Branching Out Fund

Amount available: £250 to £2,500

Deadline: Sunday 19th July 2026 (midnight). Applications for less than £500 are likely to be processed more quickly.

Grants are available to assist schools and community groups in undertaking tree planting projects across the UK.

The funding is for tree and hedge planting projects taking place during the 2026/27 winter planting season.

Find out more about Tree Council – Branching Out Fund here

 

Network Rail Community Tree Planting Fund

Amount available: £2,500 to £10,000

Deadline: Sunday 19th July (midnight)

Grants are available for community groups, charities, community interest companies, schools, and other organisations to support tree-planting projects that are well-planned, sustainable, and will directly benefit people and communities.

Find out more about Network Rail Community Tree Planting Fund here