Climate action microgrant case studies
Take a look at the range of projects made possible for Wandsworth residents, community groups and schools thanks to a climate action microgrant.
We are proud to celebrate the fantastic projects across Wandsworth in 2024. With projects covering a wide range of skills and focus areas, these initiatives have allowed our residents, pupils and community groups to demonstrate their understanding of climate change, biodiversity and sustainability. They've done this while gaining skills that promote a sustainable future such as gardening, repairing, recycling and more.
Community microgrants
An example of some of the projects made possible in the Wandsworth community.
Friends of Wandsworth Park – Eco Fair Wandsworth Common
At least 1,000 visitors took part in the buzzing fair, with music, entertainment and interactive stalls bringing the fun while they got an eco-knowledge boost.
A representative of the organisation said: “The microgrant was used to support some of the more technical aspects of the fair, like the need for an electric generator. It was needed to support the tent, music and entertainment aspect of the event and some of the eateries.
"The overall event went smoothly and has received enormous praise. Everyone walked away with specific information and knowledge about things they can actively do to make a difference. People engaged with the 40 exhibitors presented to them and even the exhibitors were hugely satisfied with the effectiveness of the engagement with the public and their enthusiastic response and interest.”
You can read more about the Eco Fair.
The Paradise Cooperative – Water collection and storage
Helping 50 people adapt and become more resilient to climate change by sharing knowledge on water conservation in gardens.
A representative of the organisation said: “Thanks to this microgrant we were able to buy guttering, taps and some experimental fixings to try and collect water from our sheds and our polytunnels. The work was done over a couple of Tuesdays, which are our mindful gardening volunteer sessions and a couple of community growing sessions on a Sunday.
"Two different teams of volunteers on each day worked on the project, coming up with their own solutions for how best to collect water. This was a great opportunity to learn about water conservation in the garden, gain some practical skills in plumbing and construction and it will allow us to use collected rainwater for watering our crops. We will now be able to store significant amounts of water, which will reduce our reliance on mains water and make us far more resilient to very dry spells.”
Paradise Cooperative - Container garden and micropond
Planting an aquatic pond space that can be appreciated by 2,500 children and 400 adult volunteers per year who visit the site.
A representative of the organisation said: “46 people attended sessions where we held mini workshops on the container garden and micropond. 10 people helped with the practical aspects and plantings. The container garden and mini-pond will continue as a permanent feature. All visitors to the site will be able to see what can be achieved just in containers, and we hope to inspire action in people's own gardens, yards and balconies.
“Some loved the practicality of dismantling sinks and plumbing. There have been lots of positive comments on the finished area.”
Restarters Southfields – Mend, fix and repair cafe
Around 80 people bought in their items for free repair, and learned how to make their own repairs and reduce waste, as part of the Great Big Green Week celebration.
A representative of the organisation said: “62 items were brought for repair with 39 fixed (63%) and a further 17 (27%) fixable - advice was given and people can either finish the repair themselves or come back at the next event.
“We had a very happy local resident who managed to have two toys mended - a toy tractor and a Vintage Talking Whizz Kid educational computer toy which hadn't worked for many years and can now be used by her grandchildren.”
Climate Action Wandsworth – Sustainable You
Educating residents on retrofit to empower them to take up available schemes and opportunities that help them to decarbonise their home.
A representative of the organisation said: “We found there was a gap between what is offered in terms of retrofit schemes and how much of that is being taken up. So, it was very much an exercise in discovering what people would be happy in doing with regard to retrofit after they knew what retrofit was.
"We hope that the event will provoke people who are able to pay to act with what they can do to decarbonise.”
Recycle More Southfields – amplifying their outreach and buying equipment
Reducing waste by collecting hard to recycle plastic, reaching approximately more than 350 households.
A representative of the organisation said: “We encourage participation and input from all our members. People start with collecting crisps packets, because they are fed up with the amount of waste they produce and then continue with bigger actions: from small things like moving to solid plastic free shampoo or refillable washing up liquid to huge decisions like refusing to lay plastic lawns in their gardens and making them biodiverse. Recycling is an entry point to a wider greener and more sustainable living.
“With the money we got from the microgrant we are able to recruit new people to recycling and thus more sustainable living, keeping them informed with all the relevant information and motivating them to cut their own waste and encourage others to do so.”
Gooseglitters – recycled paper collage workshops
Two free sustainable vintage paper collage workshops gave women and young people in Roehampton a creative outlet to relax and learn about waste and recycling.
A representative of the organisation said: “Being able to offer them the tools, materials, time and space to relax, destress, get creative, feel inspired, learn about using waste materials, to learn a skill they can easily continue at home.
"I think it's super valuable and could tell from the reactions people truly enjoyed it. I believe people left the workshop feeling seen and heard, empowered, with a boost of confidence, some with a new hobby.”
Sparkle – Green Week Activities
Raising the importance of sustainability and conservation through intergenerational activities.
A representative of the organisation said: “In terms of benefitting the community long term, our planting will provide beautiful natural displays in the spring. Our sustainability conversations and activities will raise awareness of the importance of sustainability and hopefully prompt behaviour change in both generations.
“In our SW15 venue, the nursery children and their grandfriends planted our autumn bulbs, which were recycled from last season. In both SW15 and SW11 venues we did a short talk about sustainability and encouraged the children and their grandfriends to talk about ways they could be kinder to the planet.”
School microgrants
An example of some of the projects made possible at Wandsworth schools.
Mosaic Jewish Primary School, Roehampton – mud kitchen and allotment
180 students benefitted from the upgrade of their outdoor learning and play area, thanks to the climate action microgrant.
A representative of the primary school said: “It was a very successful project, we not only managed to rescue a lot of items, but this really helped to stretch our budget. The kids loved watching the kitchen develop and have loved playing with it ever since. The new space is much more usable than the previous kitchen and gives the kids more opportunity to play and explore nature.”
Beatrix Potter Primary School, Earlsfield – flower bed and vegetable plot
Allowing students to cultivate their passion for gardening and nature by providing seeds to grow and care for.
A representative of the primary school said: “I feel as though it has been really successful in involving the children in gardening and developing their love of nature. They are so enthusiastic to weed, water and plant in the bed and it has also ignited a passion for growing with some children bringing in seeds from home and they also want to help me on the plant sale at the summer fete.
"In addition, we have improved the look of this area and encouraged more wildlife to visit and many parents and teachers have commented positively on the area. This is just the start of the project as the area will continue to develop as more plants are added and the bushes and herbs should grow bigger and hopefully the bulbs will spread each year.
“Two girls have really got the gardening bug and they water the area every lunch time. Another pupil from Year 4 collected sunflower seeds at home and has planted them in the bed. Our two eco councillors from Year 2, shared their worries about children running across the bed so we spoke about protecting the area in our assembly.”
Allfarthing Primary School, Wandsworth – Sustainable gardening
350 students took part in forest school sessions, enhancing their understanding of biodiversity.
A representative of the primary school said: “The forest school sessions were a huge hit with all classes. They enjoyed being outdoors (sometimes in all weathers!) The teaching staff have fully embraced the sustainable gardening project and have devoted a lot of their time.
"Many children signed up for a second term of forest school club as they had enjoyed it so much the first time. Being outside in a natural environment has promoted wellbeing and improved behaviour within the school enabling all children to have a better learning atmosphere. Parent volunteers were also involved which increased engagement across the whole school community.”
“Best club ever.” - Allfarthing student, aged 8.
“My son was completely enthused when he came home today after the session.” - Allfarthing parent.
