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■ KIRKLEES councillors have agreed funding proposals that will see the Trees for Climate planting programme continue up to 2030. Thousands of hectares of new woodlands are being created across the region as part of the White Rose Forest, a community forest partnership for North and West Yorkshire. The White Rose Forest strategic plan includes two key woodland creation programmes – Green Streets, planting trees and woodlands in towns and cities, and Landscapes for Water, creating new woodlands in priority river catchments to reduce the risk of flooding. Staff and volunteers have planted three million trees across the counties since the programme began. The White Rose Forest is one of England’s 15 community forests and is supported by a partnership of local and combined authorities, national and local charities, national parks, Defra groups and community enterprises.

Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2026

The East Harling community garden is thriving five years since Covid brought its creation.	‘PANDEMIC GARDEN’ IS IN FULL BLOOM What began in October 2020 as a small project to breathe new life into an overgrown patch of land by a track leading to the Poplars play area has blossomed into a thriving community garden in Norfolk. Harling Parish Council cleared the neglected area during the pandemic, with the aim of creating a space that would support wildlife, regenerate the environment and lift community spirits. Five years on, the garden is flourishing, thanks to a dedicated team of nine volunteers and three Duke of Edinburgh students. To celebrate the milestone, the garden held an open morning with funds raised helping to buy new plants and support future projects. Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2026
The community worked together.	TWO-FOR-ONE TREE PROJECT A community tree-planting initiative saw a great turnout with 40 trees planted in Newbury. Volunteers gathered at Hutton Close before moving on to Wash Common Recreation Ground. Equipped with wellies, gloves and plenty of enthusiasm, participants of all ages worked together. The initiative, funded by the Berkshire council in partnership with Newbury in Bloom, forms part of ongoing environmental commitments to replace every established tree lost with two new ones. Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2026
Volunteers joined members of Dunstable Town Council to plant 40 trees.	BRANCHING OUT TO CELEBRATE 40 YEARS Biodiversity and green space development is being supported by Dunstable Town Council by planting 40 trees to celebrate its 40 years. The Tree Council’s Branching Out fund provides grants to community groups, schools, small registered charities, and tree warden networks seeking to establish trees, hedgerows, and orchards throughout the winter planting season. The council successfully secured grant support through the fund and has planted trees across all five wards of the Bedfordshire town. Mayor Sally Kimondo said: “This project is a wonderful way to celebrate 40 years of Dunstable Town Council. It captures the essence of what the council stands for; working together with our community, investing in our environment, and making Dunstable a place we are all proud to call home.” The trees were planted with volunteers from Dunstable in Bloom, students from Central Bedfordshire College, students from TCHC training, local businesses, ward councillors, and Dunstable Town Council officers. Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2026
Park rangers were joined by local residents to plant a native hedge in Knutsford.	ACTION PLAN GIVES NATURE A HELPING HAND Volunteers have planted a native hedge at St Helena’s Field on Longridge as part of the Knutsford Nature Action Plan. That was followed by the planting of trees and an orchard. A group of residents turned out to help town rangers get the hedge into the ground and it will be maintained at a metre high to maintain views across the open space. Additional tree planting was undertaken by the Cheshire town council’s rangers with a selection of native UK trees. A small community orchard was also planted near the Adelaide Heath Academy side of the green. The tree and hedge planting was funded by United Utilities, who joined volunteers to help with the planting, while the orchard was funded by Bentley Manchester. Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2026

The new Swaffham town green.

OPEN SPACES SOCIETY SWAPS PATH ROUTE FOR NEW TOWN GREEN

A new town green has been opened in SWAFFHAM, Norfolk. The Open Spaces Society negotiated the registration of the site, which is between Norwich Road and North Pickenham Road. It agreed to the diversion of a footpath across BDW Trading’s development in return for 1.5 hectare of land for the green. The society’s objection to the path diversion would have delayed the development of 185 homes. The dedication as a town green means it is protected for ever and local people will have rights of recreation there. Open Spaces Society chairman Phil Wadey said: “This deal is a fine example of what can be achieved on development sites. We want to see many more developers voluntarily registering open space as town or village green, so that it will endure. “Otherwise, such spaces can too easily be lost to further development, or fall into neglect.”

Clerks & Councils Direct, March 2026

Direct labour work experience in Ludlow.

STUDENTS DIG IN FOR NEW SKILLS

Two students from Derwen College have been gaining valuable real-life work skills through a weekly horticulture-focused placement with the direct labour force team at LUDLOW Town Council. Conner, 19, and Ben, 18, who are on the college’s work and independence programme, spend one day a week working alongside the Shropshire team. Supported by a learning support assistant and the experienced team, they are strengthening their horticulture skills, while contributing positively to the town’s outdoor spaces. Their placement includes a wide range of tasks at the town cemetery and other public areas, including shearing bushes, using leaf blowers and rakes, weeding and maintenance and helping to keep local spaces clean and tidy.

Clerks & Councils Direct, March 2026

WILLIAM CONQUERS FOOD WASTE

William the Composter is getting ready to get its teeth into Sussex food waste.
Pevensey and Westham Primary School was revealed as winners of a food waste truck naming competition. The new vehicle will be collecting in Wealden, Hastings and Rother starting this spring. As part of the initiative, a competition to name the trucks was launched by WEALDEN AND ROTHER DISTRICT COUNCILS AND HASTINGS Borough Council. An educational pack was given to schools to encourage fun and creative learning about food waste and they were asked for ideas of what the 20 new food waste fleet vehicles should be called. The response was excellent and the names will be printed on the new vehicles. They included SpongeBob Scrapants, Sir-eats-a lot, The Very Hungry CaddyFiller and Peels on Wheels. A public vote chose the ultimate favourite name and the winning school will be getting a visit from Biffa and the newly named food waste truck.

Clerks & Councils Direct, March 2026

OLD GROUNDS FOR GROWTH

In an era where environmental stewardship is more vital than ever, AYLESBURY Town Council is brewing up change, literally. Its coffee recycling scheme is a shining example of how small, community-led initiatives can make a big impact on sustainability, waste reduction and public engagement. Since its launch, the scheme has diverted more than 5,300kg of used coffee grounds from landfill, re-purposing them as nutrient-rich compost in the Buckinghamshire town. The grounds are a natural soil enhancer, packed with nitrogen and other minerals that support plant and vegetable growth. Residents can collect free pouches of recycled coffee grounds from designated distribution points. To explore how to implement a similar scheme, email diane.harrison@aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk

Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2026

■ THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND will celebrate 100 years of standing up for the countryside with a show garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026. The garden has been created by award-winning designer Sarah Eberle and sponsored by grant giving charity Project Giving Back.

Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2026

SOLAR PLANS ARE A DIM OPTION

With reference to the approval of the Tillbridge solar farm in Lincolnshire. The approval of a mega solar farm covering an area of high-quality farmland the size of Heathrow Airport highlights a deeply concerning trend: industrialising the countryside with ground mounted solar, while too many rooftops remain unused. Recent CPRE research has revealed that almost 60% of the biggest solar farms are being built on the UK’s best agricultural land, with some of our fi nest landscapes needlessly sacrificed in the process. We don’t need mega solar farms in the countryside. Previous CPRE research has shown that installing solar panels on the roofs of suitable domestic and industrial buildings, as well as on car parks, could easily deliver more than 60% of the Government’s target for solar energy.”

Roger Mortlock, Chief executive, CPRE, The Countryside Charity

Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2026

Malcolm Gray with local children from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi Va.

BROTHERS’ GIFT TO COMMUNITY

The Open Spaces Society is celebrating the generosity of brothers Malcolm, Andrew and Stuart Gray, who voluntarily registered some of their land as a village green.
Ty Glasfryn (known locally as Maes Glasfryn) is in the heart of ST DAVIDS, Pembrokeshire, and is now protected for ever for local people to enjoy.
The land comprises about 1.57 hectares of open grassland, which the local community has started planting.
Schoolchildren from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi planted trees with one of the landowners to celebrate.
The land contains a main field with hedgerows, new copses, meadow areas and paths and a community orchard area with 52 fruit and nut trees.
The intention is for this to become a nature haven with plenty of community access.

Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2026

Children with Congleton Mayor Robert Brittain in a busy polytunnel. Photo: Patti Pinto.

KIDS SPRING INTO ACTION

Children from across CONGLETON dug in as part of the Cheshire town’s community gardeners scheme to help clean up and prepare for spring.
Each November the kids’ tubs are brought back from the town centre by Streetscape to the community polytunnel in Congleton Park. Summer bedding plants are sent for composting, with some of the used peat-free compost removed for mulch.
Eighteen children, along with teachers and family members, turned out to help.

Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2026

Volunteers planting crocus corms.

PURPLE SHOW FOR POLIO INITIATIVE

Despite a rainy morning, community spirit shone brightly in Victoria Park as volunteers gathered to support the NEWBURY Rotary Club’s Purple for Polio initiative. About 3,000 purple crocus corms were planted – creating what will become a vibrant splash of purple when they bloom. This year’s planting was carried out in partnership with Newbury in Bloom and Newbury Town Council, with support from Newbury Friends of the Earth. The crocuses were funded by the Newbury Rotary Club, whose volunteers worked alongside councillors and council staff to bring the project to life. A community bulb planting day at Hutton Close Recreation Ground resulted in the planting of 1,000 spring bulbs.

Clerks & Councils Direct, January 2026

RACE WINNERS IN EFFORTS TO NURTURE MORE POLLINATORS

For the past three years, volunteers from RACE to Green (RINGWOOD Actions for Climate Emergency) have been quietly transforming spaces across the Hampshire town with pollinator-friendly planting.
Their efforts help make Ringwood more welcoming for residents and visitors, while also creating valuable habitats for wildlife.
The project began with the beds in Gateway Square and has since expanded across the town, with volunteers now working on 12 different sites and 18 tubs.
Tasks range from improving soil and mulching to planting bulbs, watering, and regular maintenance.
So far, the group has planted more than 1,000 pollinator-friendly plants, added seasonal colour with thousands of bulbs and given more than 650 hours of volunteer time.

Clerks & Councils Direct, November 2025

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Barlestone Community Centre.

LEADING THE WAY

BARLESTONE Community Centre is leading the way in going green with the installation of 36 new solar panels and three Tesla batteries. The upgrade will help the centre generate about 70 per cent of its own electricity, saving money and reducing its carbon footprint by an estimated four tonnes every year. The project means the Leicestershire parish council can keep hire fees affordable and was made possible with support from The National Lottery Community Fund, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s Parish & Community Initiative Fund, JBM Solar Projects 26 (RWE Renewables UK Solar & Storage), and the parish council’s own funds. Council chair Liz Kynoch said: “We’re cutting costs, doing our bit for the planet, and making sure Barlestone continues to have a welcoming, affordable place where people can meet.”

Clerks & Councils Direct, November 2025

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One of Thatcham’s green bus shelters.

BUS SHELTERS ARE ON GREEN LINE

Bus passengers in THATCHAM are able to enjoy a greener, cleaner journey thanks to the installation of four new shelters featuring living grass roofs – a first for West Berkshire.
The innovative shelters create mini green spaces around the town, providing a boost for local biodiversity, while offering a modern, attractive upgrade for passengers.
The living roofs help absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants, support pollinating insects and add pockets of greenery. They also play a role in reducing rainwater run-off and cool the surrounding air in warmer months.
The hardy, low-maintenance planting is designed to thrive in all weather conditions, ensuring the shelters will remain an asset for both the community and local wildlife for years to come.

Clerks & Councils Direct, November 2025

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The new-look Benllech footpath entrance.

MEMORIAL HAVEN CREATED

An uninviting, overgrown entrance to a public footpath in the Anglesey town of Benllech has been transformed. LLANFAIR MATHAFARN EITHAF Community Council has created a memorial garden, aimed at encouraging people to use the path and have somewhere to sit in peace while listening to the sound of the adjacent river.
Council principal officer Laura Sutton said: “A new housing estate was being built in the village and the company, DU Construction, in partnership with Clwyd Alyn, donated £1,500 towards the project and allowed us to utilise their man-power and machinery to make our vision come to life.” Permissions and ownership of the land were checked and the site was planned to be low maintenance, tidy and a haven for nature. An ecologist advised on best practice and which plants were native and pollinators, which fared better in the shade, where to encourage biodiversity and where best not to.

Clerks & Councils Direct, November 2025

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Frome Wild Bunch member Jo Morris
with Frome’s Wild about Trees officer Helen Viner.

BULBS WILL ADD BLAZE OF COLOUR

A Somerset town will be a blaze of colour in late winter and spring 2026 thanks to the planting of 10,000 daffodil bulbs.
FROME Town Council worked with schools and community groups to plant the Tenby and tête-à-tête bulbs at several sites, including some new parcels of land taken on by the council as part of devolution from Somerset Council.
Frome Wild Bunch member Jo Morris said: “Our wildflower seed giveaway and planting sessions earlier in the year, in partnership with Paul and Meadow in my Garden, were a big success. Now we’re looking forward to getting Frome’s open spaces ready for a beautiful, cheerful, pollinator-friendly start to spring.”
Meanwhile, a new community garden in Milk Street has won the President’s Trophy in the 2025 Frome in Bloom awards for outstanding community effort.
The garden was renovated by members of Trinity Community Group, Milk Street residents, pupils at Vallis School and residents of the Trinity area, working with Frome Town Council’s ranger team, tree officer Helen Viner and the communities team.

Clerks & Councils Direct, November 2025

BEST FARMLAND IS BEING ERODED BY LARGE SOLAR FARMS

A report from CPRE reveals that 59 per cent of England’s largest operational solar farms are located on productive farmland.
Almost a third (31%) of the area they cover is classified as the nation’s best and most versatile (BMV) agricultural land.
The research from the former Council for the Preservation of Rural England, examined the 38 operational solar developments that produce more than 30MW of energy.
Despite national planning policy designed to protect high-quality farmland, more than half (53%) includes BMV land.
The analysis found that across all operational sites, 827 hectares of BMV land has been covered by solar development. This area, equivalent to about 1,300 football pitches, includes 45 hectares of Grade 1 ‘excellent’ land, 216 hectares of Grade 2 ‘very good’ land and 566 hectares of Grade 3a ‘good’ land. A further 755 hectares of Grade 3b ‘moderate’ quality farmland is covered by solar panels.
Three operational solar farms – Sutton Bridge in Lincolnshire, Goosehall in Cambridgeshire, and Black Peak Farm in Cambridgeshire, are located entirely on BMV farmland.
A CPRE spokesman said: “Large-scale solar farms remove critical agricultural areas from food production for up to 60 years, potentially compromising the UK’s food supply at a time of global uncertainty.”
Despite Government projections that solar will cover only 0.4% of UK land, the distribution is likely to be highly uneven. In the parliamentary constituency of Sleaford & North Hykeham, for example, the report stated that 7% of land was already covered by solar farms.
CPRE is calling on the Government to set a target for at least 60% of solar energy to come from rooftop solar, car parks and brownfield land, and to ban ground-mounted solar on Grade 1 and 2 agricultural land.

Clerks & Councils Direct, September 2025

Knutsford is celebrating being bee friendly.

COUNCIL MEETS BEES’ NEEDS

KNUTSFORD Town Council has been named a Bees Needs Champion in recognition of its work taking action to support pollinators. Through its Nature Action Plan working group, the Cheshire council has helped create wildflower meadows and launched the Knutsford Bee Trail, to raise awareness of practical steps residents can take to help reverse the pollinator decline.

Clerks & Councils Direct, September 2025

Members of Workington Town Council at the new wind and solar-powered defibrillator.

WIND AND SUN PROVIDE ANSWER

West Cumbria’s first wind and solar-powered defibrillator is being installed in Barepot by WORKINGTON Town Council. This innovation represents a creative solution to a problem faced by many communities, the need for accessible defibrillators in locations without reliable power sources. Working in collaboration with North West Ambulance Service, the council identified a solution through Turtle defib cabinets, which harness both wind and solar power to ensure 24/7 availability of the crucial emergency equipment. Barepot residents contributed £300 through local fundraising. Council spokesman Michael Heaslip said: “We hope to install more of these life-saving machines in other green spaces.”

Clerks & Councils Direct, September 2025

Ryan Hayman CEO of Swanley Town Council with Visa’s Mandy Lamb.

GREEN SWANLEY IS A GOLDEN AWARD WINNER

SWANLEY has been crowned the Best Town in the United Kingdom for its green agenda at the prestigious Visa Let’s Celebrate Towns Awards 2025, held at the House of Lords. By demonstrating its ability for powering change, the Kent town was selected as the overall winner from a shortlist that included Reading, Sherborne, Shrewsbury and Fleet among 149 entries. Swanley received a £20,000 grant to support its expanding green agenda and town CEO Ryan Hayman said: “Winning is a phenomenal honour. This recognition puts Swanley on the map. “Swanley’s Powering Up Change campaign shows that small towns can lead on big environmental challenges.” The council is transitioning to a fully electric council fleet and has rolled out public EV charging points across key locations. The town also holds three Green Flag awards.

Clerks & Councils Direct, September 2025

WHITE ROSE FOREST IS EXPANDING

The tree canopy in WEST YORKSHIRE continues to grow thanks to the ongoing joint efforts of Kirklees Council, community groups, and volunteers. The Woodland Development Team at Kirklees Council, as part of the White Rose Forest programme, engaged community volunteers to plant more than 12 hectares of woodland, equivalent to 19 football pitches, using a mix of native broadleaf species. Kirklees Park Rangers, River Holme Connections, The Conservation Volunteers, and the Colne Valley Tree Society held 42 planting sessions at 14 sites. More than 600 volunteers participated from organisations including Support 2 Recovery, Fresh Futures, Highfield Scouts, schools, Huddersfield University and Kirklees Council. New woods were added in Batley East, Birstall & Birkenshaw, Colne Valley, Holme Valley South and Kirkburton & Newsome. Schoolchildren will name some of the woodlands.

Clerks & Councils Direct, July 2025

Food for thought at the Climate Fair.

CLIMATE FAIR AIMS TO SHOW FUTURE CAN BE GREEN

Members of the Kent community showed their support for a green future at the Sevenoaks Climate Fair. Hosted at the Vine Gardens by SEVENOAKS Climate Action Network, it was supported by Sevenoaks Town Council and the day was packed full of entertainment, including inspiring talks, live music, samba drumming workshops, award-winning films and poetry. Stallholders shared expert advice about ethical finance, eco-travel, solar panels, heat pumps and more. Local charities and pressure groups chatted about the best ways to support them and get involved. There was also the opportunity to buy eco-friendly products, food and drink.

Clerks & Councils Direct, July 2025

Shaking it up. Pedal-powered fruit smoothies at the Hertford Eco Fest.

CHANGES CAN GIVE BOOST TO ENVIRONMENT

The awareness of the small changes we can all make to reduce our carbon footprint, while protecting and enhancing our natural environment, was highlighted at HERTFORD Town Council’s Eco Fest event. Performers and stall holders at the Hertford Castle-based event included Mudlarks, Lovely Grub Garden, River Beane Restoration Association, the Woodland Trust, Hertford Men’s Sheds, Hertford Swift Group, Hertford and Ware Beekeeping Association, Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and BEAM. Activities on the main lawn included live entertainment from local musicians and a programme of talks and workshops.

Clerks & Councils Direct, July 2025

The Carvers clubhouse roof solar panels.

ECO-FRIENDLY ROOF AND TREES BRING GREEN GLOW

Solar panels have been installed at Carvers Clubhouse by RINGWOOD Town Council. It is a major step towards sustainability and reducing the centre’s environmental impact. The project was made possible thanks to funding from Hampshire County Council through their Parish and Town Council Investment Fund. Carvers Recreation Ground is looking greener and more welcoming following the planting of eight cherry blossom trees and two elm trees, alongside the installation of two new benches near the skate park. Metal tree guards will be installed by the town council around all the newly planted trees. The new trees were funded by RACE (Ringwood Actions for Climate Emergency).

Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2025

A team effort saw more trees planted at the Tingewick Road cemetery in Buckingham.

CEMETERY

BUCKINGHAM Town Council has planted 31 large trees at the new Tingewick Road cemetery site. A team of volunteers, town councillors and the Greenspaces team enhanced the tree line and old hedging, improving biodiversity and environmental value. In addition, 400 small trees have been planted along the hedge line. The project was made possible through funding secured from the HS2 Communities and Environment Fund. The Greenspaces Team also planted trees in Chandos Park and Lace Hill.

Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2025

Sherwood Forest Trust chief executive Helen Sullivan, with Andy Burgin, Adrian Selby, Andrew Chambers, Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams and Katie Vickers, the trust’s community conservation officer at the Mansfield Woodhouse woodland site.

WOODLAND TRANSFORMATION FOR FORMER QUARRY SITE

A former quarry and landfill site in Nottinghamshire has been covered by about 3,500 trees as part of the Trees for Climate project. The Mansfield District Council site of 7.6 acres at MANSFIELD WOODHOUSE has no agricultural value and the mammoth task of planting saplings and shrubs has been managed by Sherwood Forest Trust, which marshalled a team of 180 volunteers. Trees for Climate is a government-funded project, managed by Greenwood Community Forest and the Mansfield district has benefitted from £61,000 in funding to create new woodlands. It is estimated that each tree can capture up to 150kg of carbon per year. With the additional 3,500 trees planted, this can expect to capture up to 525 metric tons of carbon annually, the equivalent to 60,000 petrol-driven car journeys of 50 miles each.

Clerks & Councils Direct, May 2025

FARMERS URGE COUNCILS TO CUT BACK ON PRO-VEGAN POLICIES

The farming community is fighting back after a county council urged residents to go greener. GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Council suggested that residents could swap cow’s milk for vegan alternatives, while the county’s Children and Families Commissioning Hub asked families to consider a plant-based diet to reduce their carbon footprint. However, the council was forced into a U-turn after it was pointed out that Gloucestershire is predominantly rural with a plentiful supply of local meat and dairy products, while processed soy and oat-based ‘healthy’ foods are mainly processed abroad, increasing food miles and damaging the environment more. The county council backtracked following an outcry from local farmers and agriculturists. A Gloucestershire County Council spokesman said: “We didn’t mean to cause offence or to suggest people shouldn’t support their local farmer and we actively encourage buying local.”.