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Climate Partnerships and Case Studies

Take a look at what we are working on and have your say

Introduction

The 2020s have been identified as a critical decade for meaningful climate action, and at Somerset Council we are committed to leading the way. Building on the knowledge and achievements of the five former Somerset councils, our climate and sustainability work continues with renewed focus and ambition.

As the local authority for Somerset, we have a responsibility to act, to set a strong example, and to support others in their work. But we cannot tackle the climate and ecological crises alone. Every organisation, community and individual has an important role to play.

On this page you can explore a selection of our climate case studies, that highlight projects, partnerships and initiatives that are helping to reduce emissions, build resilience and restore nature across Somerset.

If you would like to get involved and find out what we are up to, visit our Climate newsletter and the Climate Champions page.

If you would like to catch up on previous events and new, please visit Climate news archive.

For any questions, you can contact the Climate Team at climateemergency@somerset.gov.uk

Working in Partnership

We are proud to work alongside a wide range of organisations and groups who share our commitment to a greener, more resilient Somerset. Our partners include:

  • Somerset Rivers Authority
  • Somerset Waste Partnership
  • Parish, Town and City Councils
  • Local Community Networks
  • Neighbouring Districts, County Councils, Unitary Authorities
  • Farmers and Landowners
  • Distribution Network Operators
  • Utility companies
  • Businesses
  • Central Government
  • Homeowners and renters
  • Landlords
  • Volunteer and Community Groups
  • Charities
  • Schools, both county-owned and wider, such as academies, diocese-owned and private schools
  • The Areas of Natural Beauty
  • Forestry Commission
  • Somerset Local Nature Partnership
  • Somerset Wildlife Trust
  • South West Energy Hub
  • Local Enterprise Partnership
  • Community Energy Groups
  • Environment Agency
  • National Farmers Union
  • Farming Wildlife Advisory Group Southwest
  • Chambers of Commerce
  • UK100
  • ADEPT

Climate Emergency Fund

The former Somerset County Council’s £1 million Climate Emergency Community Fund was launched in 2020 to encourage community projects that share the council’s vision of working towards a climate-resilient Somerset. Some of the incredible projects supported by this fund are described below. You can read the full list of funded projects here.

The Royal Oak pub in Stoke St. Gregory is owned by Heart of the Village, a community benefit society, and acts as a vibrant social and commercial hub for the community.

Stoke St. Gregory Parish Council submitted a successful bid to the Somerset Climate Emergency Fund. This money supported the installation of new solar panels for the roof of The Royal Oak to reduce the carbon footprint of the enterprise and save money on energy bills. The money saved will be reinvested in community initiatives. The Royal Oak also sells local produce to reduce food miles, lowering their carbon footprint.

The Longrun Meadow group received a grant in excess of £16,000 from the former Somerset County Council to improve the management of open spaces for climate change mitigation. The new management techniques include restoration of existing and ancient hedgerows, the creation of ecotones at the margins of wooded areas, developing mosaic habitats and improving habitat connectivity. Informative signposting for local communities has also been installed.
The Climate Emergency Fund is supporting Curry Rivel Parish Council investigate sustainable heating and power generation in Curry Rival. The council have invested in a thermal imaging camera for residents to track heat loss from their homes. You can read more about the Curry Rivel Heating Initiatives project.

The Climate Emergency Fund is also supporting the possible creation of a new cycle footpath between Curry Rivel and Huish Episcopi to incentivise cycling and walking. You can read more about the Curry Rivel Cycle Footpath.

Traders in Dulverton have unveiled new plant fibre and paper bags for their customers in a bid to move away from using plastic bags. The bags feature Dulverton’s new branding including the logo with an artistic impression of an Exmoor stag forming the letter D. This means the initiative will not only benefit the environment, but it will raise the profile of the town’s shops and businesses too. You can read more on the Visit Dulverton Facebook page.
The Climate Emergency Fund supported Watchet Town Council, in partnership with Sampford Brett and Bicknoller Parish Councils, Watchet Drives and BickLifts Community Car Schemes, to purchase a wheelchair-accessible electric community car. This project shows how community transport can be operated at a lower cover per mileage, lower carbon emissions, and improve transport for disabled and disadvantaged Watchet residents. You can read more about Watchet Drives here.
The Co-Adapt project (2019 to 2023) is international initiative adopting a cross-border co-creation approach to nature-based solutions.  The project has received a total of €7 million from the Interreg 2 Seas funding programme – a European Territorial Cooperation Programme. The Programme is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

The Co-Adapt project included three Somerset projects:

  1. Adapting the Levels – led by Somerset Council, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South West, and the former Somerset West and Taunton Council – empowering Somerset Levels residents to adapt to climate change.
  2. The Riverlands Project at Porlock Vale – led by the National Trust as part of the ‘Riverlands’ initiative – restoring natural processes to improve catchment resilience and habitat diversity, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
  3. Connecting the Culm – led by Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – collaborating with residents of the River Culm catchment to implement nature-based solutions that benefit wildlife and people, and improve flood and drought resilience, and more resilient to flood and drought.

You can read more on the Co-Adapt website.

Other Community Group Case Studies

Below are just several examples of the outstanding climate work led by Somerset’s community groups and parish councils.

Millennium Wood and Meadow – Ash Parish Council

Ash Parish Council purchased the 1.5-hectare site in 1998 to establish a community woodland and wildlife area. In 2012, a manager was appointed for the woodland, and a management plan was created. You can read their five-year management plan, published in 2023. To find out more, visit the Ash Millenium Wood website.

Haselbury Plucknett Wildlife Group

With support from the parish council, founding member Alison Scott and the Haselbury Wildlife Group maintain and enhance the community’s wildflower meadows, hedgerows and waterways. The Haselbury Plucknett community also planted 36 semi-mature oak and beech trees along Claycastle Lane, with trees receiving sponsorship from residents. For more information visit the Haselbury Wildlife Facebook page.

Chilthorne Green Steps

Chilthorne Domer has set up Chilthorne Green Steps, a Local Action Group working in partnership with the parish council and Recreational Trust. The discussion group meets once a month to discuss ideas to mitigate climate change and improve local biodiversity.

Recent projects include the creation of roadside wildflower verges, planting of a community orchard, participation in Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Wilder Churches initiative, and Pedal for the Planet which are workshops that promote safe cycling.

For further details visit the Chilthorne Green Steps Facebook group.

Climate Action in Schools, St. Margaret’s, Tintinhull

St. Margaret’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School received a Gold from the Woodland Trust’s Green Tree School Award, which encourages outdoor learning and inspires pupils about trees, woods and wildlife. They have also featured on BBC radio for their environmental work, including growing fruit and vegetables, planting trees, and creating a sensory garden through grant funding.

In 2024, St. Margaret’s was chosen by the Learning Through Landscapes charity to take part in the climate-focused initiative: Climate School 180, which challenges school to embed climate change education across the curriculum.

For guidance on your school’s Climate Action Plan, visit Support Services for Education.

Last updated: June 25, 2026

Next review due: December 25, 2026

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