Cumbria CVS Green blog No 26 – April 2026
April 9, 2026
Welcome back to Cumbria CVS Green!
In our twenty-sixth blog post, we welcome Eilidh Skinner, Going Green Together Project Officer at VONNE, who tells us about the project and how they’re partnering with us to deliver a package of support for organisations in Cumbria.
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
Going Green Together
Going Green Together, a project piloted by VONNE Climate Action Alliance in 2022, is now in its second phase. The project seeks to build a network of voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations that embed environmental care within their core values and operations across the North East of England.
Going Green Together’s aim is to support VCFSE organisations to reduce their environmental impact, leading by example in their communities and networks. The project does this by providing tools, resources, events and training to build knowledge and confidence around the environment and the ways organisations can make an impact.
“Through participation in Going Green Together… I have been able to prioritise my tasks and make this previously daunting task feel achievable. Alongside this, the chance to speak to peers running a broad range of organisations, roughly at the same stage as ours and with their own unique challenges, has contributed to a sense of positivity and overall optimism about the nature of the work.”
Jack Drum Arts – Going Green Together Participant 2022-2024
Whilst VONNE’s work with Going Green Together is concentrated in the North East region, we are partnering with Cumbria CVS to deliver a package of support for organisations in Cumbria. This has been designed with knowledge from both Cumbria CVS’ experience and research that was carried out by Futureproof Cumbria (which was then known as Cumbria Action for Sustainability) in phase one. This continued learning and research will inform future development of the project in the North West region.
Currently, the support available for Cumbrian VCFSE organisations includes:
- Quarterly Environmental & Sustainability Policy and Action Plan workshops
Helping organisations create, update or strengthen the policies that build structure to their environmental work - Support to access green funding opportunities
Including identifying funding and application support - Tailored guidance and signposting
Building confidence in organisations through knowledge and support
Emily Wilson, South Lakes and Furness Development Officer, highlights the vital role VCFSE organisations play in shaping a greener, fairer future for our communities. Working with Going Green Together, she hopes to help organisations “take that next step, build confidence, strengthen environmental action, and show that even small changes can create meaningful, lasting impact.”
Feedback from Cumbrian organisations has been positive. Jo Day from Signal Film & Media said:
“You provided clear examples of what other organisations were doing which helped spark new ideas and shape our own approach. Your feedback on our draft policy was also extremely helpful as you highlighted important areas we had missed and guided us in strengthening the final version. Overall, your support made the process much easier and more effective, and we are really pleased with the outcome.”
At VONNE, we are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Cumbria CVS. We hope that through this development work and support, together we can build a strong network of VCSFE organisations that are confident in their efforts to protect our environment – supporting their communities to build a brighter future on a healthy planet.
For more information on the project:
Website: www.goinggreentogether.org
Email: hello@goinggreentogether.org
To contact Emily about projects in Cumbria, email emily.wilson@cumbriacvs.org.uk
Free training course: Be equipped to support your clients with energy costs
Dates in April, May, June and 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
Penrith Repair Cafe
Saturday 11th April, Penrith. The fantastically talented volunteers at Penrith Repair Cafe are great at fixing a wide variety of items, from broken electronics to holey clothes and ornaments.
They’ll share their expertise and top tips with you while they fix your items to give you confidence to tackle your next repair yourself. There’s also delicious home made cake, hot and cold drinks and good craic. It’s all free, but donations welcome. No need to book, just turn up!
Tree planting day: A595 Grizebeck Project
Monday 13th April, Grizebeck. Be a part of the A595 road scheme and take part in a community tree planting day.
Ulverston Repair Cafe
Tuesday 14th April, Ulverston. Have items gathering dust that need repairing?
From electrical items to clothes, repair cafes use volunteers to run informal and friendly events where you can save items from landfill.
Sharing ideas for Great Big Green Week
Wednesday 15th April, online.
Plan a brilliant low-carbon event – Practical ways to make your Great Big Green Week and Big Lunch events greener, saving money and carbon this summer.
Exploring Nature’s Larder with Jim Parums
Thursday 16th April, Kendal. Join Forage Box founder, Jim, as he shares his love of sustainable foraging, explains why he believes it’s a healthier and tastier way to eat, provides hints and tips for first-time foragers, and possibly shares a few seasonal treats.
Expect samples and species focus for spring!
Conversation café and slow cycle
Saturday 18th April, Carlisle. A slow cycle ride through the streets of Carlisle (route tbc) hosted by Sustainable Carlisle with a chat at a local food and drink establishment.
The conversation is informal, but it is around a set theme / agenda to gather your thoughts and focus your attention.
Cockermouth Repair Café
Saturday 18th April, Cockermouth. Bring along your small items to repair every third Saturday of the month and have a cuppa and a natter at Lorton Street Methodist Church Hall.
Free repairs, but donations always welcome!
Earth Day 2026
Wednesday 22nd April. Earth Day is a global day of action that encourages individuals to call for greater protections for the environment, take part in community events and explore the small green actions they can do to make a difference.
The vision of every Earth Day is to drive a year of energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to create a new plan of environmental action for our planet.
Power Up Your Home With Solar PV
Wednesday 29th April, Crossthwaite. Discover if solar suits your home with free advice and real stories from local installers and households. No jargon or sales pitches, just trusted, independent, local information.
Hosted by Futureproof Cumbria in partnership with Crosthwaite and Lyth Eco Action Network (CLEAN), this event will explore the costs, benefits, and options for installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and home battery storage.
Wild Food Cookalong with Jim Parums
Thursday 30th April, Kendal. Join a cookalong with a difference!
Jim Parum, founder and chief forager of Forage Box, will guide everyone through two simple recipes using everyday wild ingredients. Jim will provide hints and tips for gathering and cooking with wild foods. Everyone will eat their dishes together at the end of the session.
Cartmel Peninsula Repair Cafe
Friday 1st May, Grange-Over-Sands. Our wonderful volunteer repairers will also offer textile repairs, zips, darning etc, electronics repairs, repairs of mechanical, wood and metal items, plus electrical repairs.
There will also be refreshments!
Find out more about Cartmel Peninsula Repair Cafe here
Alston Repair Cafe
Saturday 2nd May, Alston. Alston Moor Repair Mill is held on the first Saturday of the month. Bring an item in and the skilled volunteers will gladly take a look.
The easiest access to High Mill Factory is from the path at the back of the Co-op car park in Alston or past Cobbles Café on Market Square and right up the hill. For anyone who knows the town, you can find it at the foot of the Hill House Bank steps.
Find out more about Alston Repair Cafe here
Copeland Climate Fresk
Tuesday 12th May, Millom. Map the causes and effects of climate change and spark conversations about local climate action.
Find out more about Copeland Climate Fresk and book here
Power up your home with solar PV
Wednesday 27th May, Arnside. This FREE event (in partnership with Sustainable Arnside) will explore the costs, benefits, and options of installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and home battery storage. Local, vetted, MCS Accredited installers will be on hand to answer your questions, and we can support you with quotes and guidance throughout your installation journey.
We’ll unpack key concepts such as self-consumption, exporting to the grid, and smart tariffs to help you decide if solar PV is right for your home.
The panel of installers will be joined by a local householder who has benefitted from solar panels. They’ll do their best to answer all your questions — from “Should I choose in-roof, on-roof, or ground-mounted panels?” and “How big is a battery and where does it go?” to “What are the payback periods?” and “Do I need planning permission?”.
Find out more about Power up your home with solar PV and book here
The Big Lunch
Friday 5th – Monday 8th June.
The Big Lunch is the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours and communities, with millions of people coming together for a few hours of friendship, food and fun.
It’s a great way to get to know each other better, have a good time and celebrate where you live.
Find out more about the Big Lunch here
Open Farm Sunday
Sunday 7th June.
Visit a farm on Open Farm Sunday and find out about the story behind our food and how farming affects our everyday lives.
Each Open Farm Sunday event is unique. Activities range from machinery displays, tractor and trailer rides, through to demonstrations, nature walks and much more!
Find an event in your area 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
Climate & Carbon Literacy
Tuesday 23rd & 30th June, online. Gain a clear understanding of climate science, an awareness of carbon costs and the impacts of everyday activities.
Find out more about Climate & Carbon Literacy and book here
Citizens Advice Carlisle & Eden Energy Outreach Program
Citizens Advice Carlisle & Eden receives funding to come out into the community and bring energy advice to those who may not otherwise be able to access it, or who may not know that such a service is available to them. This would be no charge to the venue, as they receive money for this externally.
These sessions can be delivered in two different ways, depending on what would best suit your group/venue. They can offer a talk, usually lasting 45-60 minutes, outlining the different areas of advice that their service covers, plus advice on tariffs, bills, how heat relates to health, and an overview of some of the financial assistance available.
Alternatively, they can host more of a drop-in session; if you have a suitable space or event, CACE can set up a small stand that people can approach at will. From here, they will be able to provide basic advice and signposting, and take people’s details to put them in touch with the correct adviser for more in-depth, ongoing assistance. They have held these drop-ins in a variety of settings, including community centres, fayres in the city centre, and even in the foyer of the Infirmary.
If you think that either of these options are a good fit for you, please get in touch with Alice via outreach@ca-ce.org.uk to arrange a date.
A guide to switching to green suppliers
Charity Digital explore how charities can reduce their environmental impact by switching suppliers in this article.
First 100 schools now cutting bills with Great British Energy solar panels
Classrooms and pupils are benefitting from lower energy bills thanks to Great British Energy funded solar panels, as 100 schools and colleges have now completed their installations. Around 250 schools and colleges are set to save up to an estimated combined £220 million over the lifetime of the solar panels, taking pressure off finances and securing more money to be reinvested in classrooms.
The Government’s Great British Energy has targeted schools and colleges primarily clustered in areas of deprivation in the North East, West Midlands and North West, ensuring areas in most need get the support, as well as at least 10 schools in each region of England.
How will the climate and nature crises affect women and girls?
Women and girls in the UK often face greater and different risks from climate change, shaped by factors such as income, health, housing, safety and caring responsibilities. Yet these realities are still too often missing from climate policy and practice.
This new Everyone’s Environment briefing, produced by NPC in partnership with Wen (Women’s Environmental Network), brings together evidence on how climate change is affecting women and girls in the UK. It also highlights opportunities to reduce these risks while building a fairer transition.
Download a copy of the briefing
Next stage of decarbonisation works to begin at Appleby Leisure Centre
Following Sport England and council investment to install triple glazing and 190 solar panels to the roof, the next stage of works will soon begin at Appleby Leisure Centre. A £388,000 investment from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme will bring more carbon and energy saving benefits to the building as major boiler replacement works get underway.
Council decarbonisation plans aimed to get Westmorland and Furness to a carbon net zero position by 2037 were given an additional boost, thanks to £1.75 million in funding, confirmed in 2025, for works at four key buildings.
The council applied to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to fund works at Kendal Leisure Centre, Appleby Leisure Centre, Kendal Market and South Lakeland House, as the gas boilers in each building were due for replacement.
Thousands of free trees handed out across Westmorland and Furness
More than 58,000 free tree saplings have been handed out to communities across Westmorland and Furness through the Council’s One Tree per Resident (OTpR) project.
Five collection events were held across January and February in Kendal, Penrith, Appleby, Windermere and Barrow, welcoming schools, landowners, community groups, town and parish councils, and local residents.
This latest phase of OTpR delivered free tree and hedge packs through the Council’s ‘Free Trees for Residents’ scheme, designed to encourage wide-reaching community participation and create a lasting legacy by boosting tree and hedgerow cover across the area.
A guide to switching to green suppliers
Charity Digital explore how charities can reduce their environmental impact by switching suppliers.
The Big Bike Revival grants
Amount available: Up to £3,500
Deadline: Monday 1st June
The Big Bike Revival is an intervention for adults aimed at encouraging an uptake in cycling. By providing solutions to perceived barriers, adults are enabled to learn to how to cycle and to increase their cycling levels for short, everyday journeys. Events focus on presenting cycling as a practical, normal and habitual way to get around locally.
The Big Bike Revival is delivered across England by a wide range of community-embedded partners who understand the local need. An extensive programme of FREE events offering services that fix bikes, teach skills and lead rides, motivate adults to either start or return to cycling. Social and inclusive activities help adults of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to discover the joys of cycling and help make cycling become a normal travel option.
Delivery partners are typically volunteer-led groups, not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises that are rooted in local communities and working to address a range of local needs.
Find out more about The Big Bike Revival grants here
The Environment Partnership grants
Amount available: Up to £1,000
Deadline: Sunday 31st May
The Environment Grant offers funding to any individual, group, professional, student, institution or charity across the whole of the UK. To be successful, applicants need to demonstrate a drive to make an impact on the environment, by furthering the environmental profession and/or raising awareness of environmental issues.
Find out more about The Environment Partnership grants here
Great Big Green Week Grants
Grants are available for community groups to host events during Great Big Green Week and The Big Lunch, supporting local climate and nature action.
Funding helps cover event costs and brings people together to share ideas, reduce carbon impacts and celebrate sustainability across Westmorland & Furness and Cumberland.
Find out more about Great Big Green Week Grants here
Community rewilding is easier than you think
Community rewilding isn’t just for experts or large organisations. It’s something we can all get involved in.
By creating green spaces and supporting wildlife, every individual, school, business, or neighbourhood can make an impact on both people and the environment. Climate Action North have written a blog on the subject, sharing some local success stories and tips on how you can get started with rewilding.
The Centre for Joined up Sustainability Transformations unveils new Net Zero Readiness Tool
The Centre for Joined up Sustainability Transformations (JUST) are a research centre focussed on delivering sustainability transitions in the North of England that are people centred, joined up and socially just.
They have recently launched their new Net Zero Readiness Mapping Tool – helping to show individuals, organisations and authorities how prepared communities across the UK are for climate adaption and a socially just sustainable transition.
You can watch a webinar and find out more about this tool here
The Stobart Sustainability Fund
Funding is available for community-led sustainability projects and initiatives led by non-profit organisations, community groups, schools and colleges, to help tackle climate change, reduce carbon emissions or that protect and enhance the environment.
