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Welcome to your monthly Climate Change update. Northumberland County Council is committed to making our county carbon neutral by 2030 and we need everyone to do their bit to help reduce carbon emissions.
How can you help make a difference? 👇
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Northumberland's young eco entrepreneurs set to compete in London
Thirty-four year seven students from three Northumberland schools showcased their climate action ideas at a regional Dragon’s Den style pitching event with a chance to win a place at the Young Green Briton Challenge (YGBC) in London. Ideas spanned from addressing fast fashion and biodiversity loss to renewable energy generation and energy wastage reduction.
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Last chance to showcase your climate projects in the LOVE Northumberland awards
Last chance to enter into this year’s LOVE Northumberland Awards – the annual celebration of all that is great about community environmental work in the county. Community groups, schools and individuals can apply in seven different award categories for projects and initiatives which improve their local areas or neighbourhoods.
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Plea to use environmentally-friendly alternatives to balloon releases
We are urging people to use alternatives to balloon releases for events and memorials due to their harmful impact on the marine environment and wildlife.
Alternatives to balloon releases include:
- Jam jar lights – personalise recycled jars into tea light holders and stage a vigil at dusk.
- Plant a tree or flowers
- A memorial plaque
- Organise a memory walk. Encourage everyone to wear the same colour or theme the event, raising money for good cause from sponsorship.
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First phase of work on recycling plant complete
Construction is underway for the UK's most advanced wastepaper recycling plant in Prudhoe, with a recent preview showcasing its progress. Operated by Unifibres, the plant on Princess Way supplies recycled paper pulp to Essity tissue mill and other sites in the North West, where it's used in leading brands like Cushelle and Plenty.
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Little chicks need your help
Efforts are underway to support beach-nesting birds on the Northumberland coast. The Space for Shorebirds team, along with volunteers and landowners, are working to protect these birds during nesting season. Species like ringed plovers and terns are preparing to nest on sandy beaches, with special rules in place to safeguard nesting areas. Local volunteers, including the Northumberland Coast Conservation Team, play a crucial role in monitoring and protecting nesting areas.
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Hexham park improvements
Tyne Green Country Park in Hexham has enhanced accessibility with the creation of new paths, making it suitable for all weather conditions. These improvements, part of a series across Northumberland to honor Queen Elizabeth II, provide better access for dog walkers, those with mobility issues, and families with prams. The park, featuring a children's play area owned by Hexham Town Council, is a hub for various sporting clubs and a beloved local attraction.
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Gas safety grants Grants of up to £500 are available for replacements, repairs, and servicing of gas appliances to provide vital gas safety interventions for vulnerable people in their homes. There can only be one intervention per household per year which may include more than one measures such as gas safety checks, gas servicing, gas boiler repairs, gas boiler replacements, gas boiler combustion analysis, gas cookers, gas fires, gas pipework, gas meters, gas water heaters.
Who can apply:
All applicants must live in privately owned accommodation and be one of the following:
- 60 years old or over and have low household income and/or a disability
- Under 60 and have a low household income and/or a disability or
- Considered exceptionally vulnerable by the HIA (This is reviewed on a case
- by case basis)
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| Northern Powergrid Net Zero Community Energy Fund Your group could be eligible for a grant of up to £10,000. The 2024 Northern Powergrid Net Zero Community Energy Fund has £50,000 available for new and existing community energy organisations and climate action groups in the North East, Yorkshire and Humber, and northern Lincolnshire. The fund aims to help community energy organisations start-up, build capacity or explore the feasibility of new energy projects. Deadline: 15 July 2024.
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| Energy audit for your community building The North East & Yorkshire Net Zero Hub is offering support to community energy groups by funding energy audits for community buildings. These audits analyse current energy consumption and building structure to suggest ways to increase efficiency, reduce emissions, and save money. The Hub will cover 80% of the audit cost, with applicants responsible for the remaining 20%. Community energy groups and local authorities can apply for funding to conduct audits through a short-term fund. Deadline: June 2.
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Funding available for home energy upgrades
Eligible residents could access a range of energy-saving improvements, including insulation for walls, lofts and floors, air source heat pumps and solar panels. You could be eligible if you live in a private home in Northumberland which is not heated by mains gas, have an income of up to £44,000 per year (depending on your circumstances), receive a means-tested benefit or you live in a specific postcode area. Please see Council website for full eligibility information.
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