7 things we learned at the first Climate Action Fund Festival

In November, we brought together almost 100 Climate Action Fund (CAF) projects from across the UK to celebrate community-led environmental action.

Our chair, Dame Julia Cleverdon DCVO, CBE opened the event in conversation with Pam Warhurst, CBE, from Incredible Edible and Immy Kaur from Civic Square. This lively discussion set the tone for the day before our amazing grant holders and expert speakers led sessions, shared expertise and showed us what's possible when communities take action.

Here are seven things we learned when communities, climate experts and young leaders connected for the first time:

1. Partnerships are powerful

The festival showed what happens when we work together on climate action.

Organised by the Climate Action Fund Learning & Support Partnership – led by Arup with Innovation Unit, Creature & Co., and the University of Leeds – the event brought together people with real expertise and lived experience.

"It's all about partnership and connections and common visions of a better future for all." – Simone Lowthe-Thomas, Chair Wales Committee, Climate Action Fund panel and UK Board member, The National Lottery Community Fund

The CAF partnership connects 140+ community climate projects across the UK to share knowledge, learn from each other, and contribute to a movement for lasting change. It shows how The National Lottery Community Fund brings people together to bridge the gap between community needs and what's possible.

2. Connection is key

Learning from each other was the theme that came up most often in the post-event survey. 95% of attendees said the festival helped them make new connections, 98% increased their knowledge of other grant holders' projects, and 92% felt part of a wider movement.

“It was such a valuable opportunity to connect with other CAF grantees and get a sense of the breadth and depth of work happening across the network. Made us feel as if we're part of a bigger movement.” – Zarina Ahmad, Wen (Women’s Environmental Network)

"Having this moment brought us together, closer and connected with the knowledge that turning up and being part of something that has meaning—is sometimes enough." – Charlotte Carson, Green & Healthy Frome

3. Communities create change

Communities know what they need. The diversity of projects represented at the festival – from Highlands retrofits to galleries in North East England and Somerset GP networks – proved the extraordinary breadth of community-led action.

“There was a sense of commonality among all the different groups I met, from school engagement projects to large scale retrofit and women's growing projects. Let's rise up to the challenge ahead with this collective power and shine a light on all of it!” – Charlotte Carson, Green & Healthy Frome

"Some of the most significant systems improvement of our time started with small actions from a few people who showed it could be done." – Simone Lowthe-Thomas, Chair Wales Committee and UK Board member, The National Lottery Community Fund

"We all have to believe we can make change, don't wait for others to do it." – Hannah M, Earthwatch Europe Tiny and Wee Forests project

4. Trust young people to lead

The festival was a platform for a new generation of community activists to share their stories and shape the conversation around climate.

“A highlight for me was hearing from a panel of young people who left the audience with three clear instructions on how to involve more young people in environmental work properly and with purpose: trust them, remember the toll that the messy world takes on them, and proactively invite them in to make a difference.” – Amy Haynes, Nature Neighbourhoods

“The energy and drive to make a difference was infectious! I enjoyed meeting other CAF grant holders, hearing from inspiring speakers, and brought back some useful insights to help better shape the way we engage young people and local communities in climate action.” – Joshua Taylor, New Forest National Park. Joshua was attending on behalf of the Youth for Climate and Nature (YouCAN) scheme partnership

“It was an honour to be invited to share my experiences and viewpoints. The panel explored themes of youth engagement in climate events, barriers to action and how support can be best provided to allow young people to lead in making change for climate and nature. It was great to hear from young people in other projects across the country, and to share insights from the #YouCAN project and New Forest Youth Board.” – Eva Wilcock, solar panel installer and Young People Leading Change panellist

"My key takeaway was how important it is that young people are empowered in local decision-making and that their unique creativity, opinions and solutions are championed and carried out, both to benefit themselves and their local communities." – Aidan Dempsey, Welsh Wildlife Trusts Stand for Nature Wales project member and panellist

5. Storytelling matters, now more than ever

“The leadership we need on climate is already here - we just need many, many more people to know about it. That was my big takeaway from a truly inspiring day.” – Rachael Orr, Climate Outreach

Climate action comes in all shapes and sizes. Culture and identity matter in how we connect communities to what's important to them.

“We need to change the narrative around climate action, and these organisations, these amazing people, this hopeful, joyful collective of action is doing exactly that. Now we just need to tell everyone.” – Peter Johnson, Creature & Co.

"The work speaks for itself—tell the stories and keep repeating them. Make sure that people feel reflected and represented in what you're doing." – Liz Watchorn, Head of Funding, Climate Action Fund

6. Harness hope

86% of attendees felt a renewed sense of hope and possibility.

"The energy and drive to make a difference was infectious! The day was inspiring and left me with a deeper curiosity about what more I and we can do, as well as a deep hope from the progress being made in and by communities." – Susie Farren, Deputy Director UK Portfolio, The National Lottery Community Fund

“The energy on the day was brilliant. There was a real buzz in the air, and the finale with the fashion shows and poem finale were such a joyful and celebratory way to end.” – Zarina Ahmad, Wen (Women’s Environmental Network)

The Climate Action Fund has awarded over £150 million to more than 140 projects since 2019. Through the power of partnership and collaboration, these projects are now connecting, sharing knowledge and building a movement for lasting change.

"There is so much climate action already happening across UK communities. We just need to share more of it. There is lots to be hopeful about!" – Liz Watchorn, Head of Funding Climate Action Fund, The National Lottery Community Fund

7. Change begins when you start something

As poet Siana Bangura captured in her poem summing up what she'd heard throughout the day: the small things add up. Every action matters.

In challenging and polarising times, letting people see the value of action speaks louder than any argument. Just getting started matters.

“Through the power of small actions, like local food growing, we turn grey into green. Believe in the power of small actions. Tell the story. Communities are the innovators of tomorrow.” – Pam Warhurst, Incredible Edible

“People have the power to create change; what we have in this room are people who know what's worked for their local communities and can share learning.” – Dame Julia Cleverdon, DCVO CBE