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Welcome to your monthly update.
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Northumberland County Council is committed to making our county net zero by 2040 and we need everyone to do their bit to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
How can you help make a difference? 👇 |
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We’ve launched our Environment and Climate Fund
Over 50 attendees gathered at the Cramlington Community Hub to learn about the fund, our new Climate Change Action Plan and net zero website. We’re inviting community groups, charities, and Town and Parish Councils to apply for up to £5,000 to support initiatives on emissions reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Past projects have already made a positive impact across the county.
Applications are open until 21 February 2025. |
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Our new Air Quality Strategy
We’ve launched an Air Quality Strategy to reduce pollution, improve public health, and protect the environment. Over the next five years, the focus will be on cutting road traffic emissions, enhancing monitoring, and raising public awareness, positioning Northumberland as a leader in clean air. |
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We’ve been planting trees at Druridge Bay
Our Great Northumberland Forest team have been replacing woodland lost to Storm Arwen. Click on the image below to watch the video with Woodland Officer, Kirsten Johnson, talking about what is being planted and why. |
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Trail project approved for Alexandra Park in Cramlington
A new activity trail has been approved for Alexandra Park in Cramlington as part of a £3.5m regeneration project. The £150,000 funding will replace outdated gym equipment with a trail designed for all ages, especially older youths, featuring climbing, crawling, and balancing activities to improve fitness. |
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Campaign cuts county fly-tipping
Our campaign to tackle fly-tipping, especially in Ashington and Blyth, has led to a significant reduction in incidents. From April to November 2024, fly-tipping dropped by 30% in Blyth and 21% in Ashington compared to the previous year. County-wide, there was a 45% reduction in October and 29% in November. |
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Rural community energy resources
The National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE)'s Innovation Portal now includes a module on rural community energy, covering:
- Solar farms
- Community energy co-ops
- Governance structures for community energy providers
- Starting community energy projects
It also features a State-of-the-Art Review by Paul Cowie, CEO of Rural Design Centre.
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Peatland Restoration at Whitelee Moor
Whitelee Moor, a 1510ha nature reserve in Northumberland, is crucial for carbon storage, water purification, and wildlife. In 2022, the Northumberland Peat Partnership began surveys to guide restoration efforts. Explore this important work through the eyes of Ella Farley, one of the survey officers. |
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Community tree planting event near Ellington
The event is organised by Kids Plant Trees, in partnership with Harworth, the land and property regeneration company working to plant a new woodland between Ellington and Widdrington.
Date: Sunday 2 February
Time: There are two time slots available: 1-2pm or 3-4pm |
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Free training on giving advice about home energy efficiency
This free one-day online course is for community organisations, volunteers, and others who want to help improve home energy efficiency and reduce costs and carbon use. Participants will learn about retrofit technologies, energy efficiency benefits, available grants, and how to refer for expert support. A certificate of attendance will be provided.
Date: 6 February
Time: 10am to 3:30pm |
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Community Foundation
Up to £500,000 is being made available to community organisations across Tyne & Wear and Northumberland for environmental and climate-related projects. Rewilding programmes, recycling and repurposing projects, raising awareness in communities, and improving the energy efficiency of a building are examples of activities that would be considered. The max grant Size is £10,000. Deadline: 31 March 2025. |
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Younity Community Power Fund
Younity have announced its sixth round of the Community Power Fund. Community energy groups can apply for up to £3,750 for applications which focus on creating social impact. |
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Community Power – New National Lottery Funding
The National Lottery is looking for 10 to 15 partners to work with in the development stage of its Community Power fund. Deadline: 5 February 2025 |
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This email has been produced by the Northumberland County Council Communications team. |
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