Month: April 2023

  • Calling upland farmers for land use research

    Calling upland farmers for land use research

    CAfS partner work with farmers in Cumbria continues as we look for ways we can support this vital sector to reduce it’s carbon footprint.  Our next project is calling on upland farmers to come forward for a study exploring land use issues led by Dr Peter Gittins, an upland farmer from the University of Leeds. 

    This research is seeking to interview upland beef and sheep farmers in Cumbria, Yorkshire, and Exmoor to give their views on approaches towards ELMs, (environmental land management schemes) net zero, and any constraints or barriers they may be facing. We want to speak to farmers who may be anxious about the future, or unsure about what new policies mean for them. You may also be seeking further information about ELMs and other support schemes available. The findings will feed into ongoing academic research into the effects of new Land Use Policies and will also be used to create a policy brief. All outputs will be shared with participants once published.

    For more information and to take part in the research, please email Dr Peter Gittins at [email protected] or call on 07480135127.

    And look out for another project we will soon be launching: Farmhouse Retrofit. We will support farmers who want sustainable solutions in reducing emissions associated with their domestic energy use. We know from other project work with farmers that this is an area that can be overlooked as they are focused on sustaining a viable farm business.

    To find out how we support farmers to find sustainable ways to lower their carbon footprint or to learn more about the research with upland farmers into land use you can contact our dedicated Farm Carbon Project Manager: [email protected] – or take a look at  Farming for a Future here.

    Zero Carbon Cumbria has more information regarding the carbon footprint of Cumbrian farming and land use on their sector group pages.

  • Our latest newsletter – 6 April 2023

    Our latest newsletter – 6 April 2023

    Catch up with the latest CAfS news and events – read our latest newsletter.

    We send our newsletters every couple of weeks. We’ll let you know about our forthcoming events, webinars, and courses; top tips for cutting your carbon footprint, our services and projects. To get this direct to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter!

  • Countdown to Change Begins at Home Appeal

    Countdown to Change Begins at Home Appeal

    We’re counting down to our Change Begins at Home appeal this month as part of the Big Give Green Match Fund (20-27 April 2023). This year we are aiming to raise £20,000 to support our energy services.

    With an ongoing cost of living crisis pushing more people into hardship, never have our energy support services been more vital. This winter, we saw calls to our helpline more than double and with prices continuing to rise, we are expecting to hear from even more people in need. Our Change Begins at Home appeal is working to ensure we can continue to support those who need it. 

    Here at CAfS, we believe everyone has the right to a warm home and the health and economic benefits that come with greener living. Many people risk being locked out of these due to lack of funds, but we offer our services free of charge to those who can’t afford them, keeping emissions and costs down for everyone. For good.   You can find out about these services here

    For one week only, you will be able to double your donation through the Big Give, supporting us to make twice the impact.  Click to pledge your support in advance and we will send you an email reminder as soon as the appeal launches!

  • Call for Climate Champions to support Cumbria’s drive to net zero.

    Call for Climate Champions to support Cumbria’s drive to net zero.

    CAfS putting out a call for volunteers to be part of our third year of community climate champions.

    Our Climate Champions receive accredited Carbon Literacy training and full support from our brilliant team here at CAfS. They increase their knowledge of climate science and solutions and actively promote actions and ideas that can be developed and maintained in their community. They build confidence and develop relationships within their community, sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

    The Climate Champions project has been very successful so far, training over 35 volunteers and reaching over 1300 people thorough a wide variety of events both online and offline. Art exhibitions, clothing and toy swaps, online support groups and a webinar for cost cutting ideas provided energy and enthusiasm to generate sustainable action against climate change.

    This year, thanks to support from the Copeland Community Fund, we are looking for volunteers who want to generate more climate action in West Cumbria, and ensure that priorities set by the Copeland People’s Panel are developed. We want to hear from you if you are interested in building a strong community for a green future, if you want to raise and embed climate change within your parish council, or want to explore a career in a ‘green’ job.

    Clare Taylor, Community Climate Champions Coordinator for Zero Carbon Cumbria at CAfS explains: ‘We’re so excited to be able to extend this project into West Cumbria and to support
    the recommendations of the Copeland People’s Panel. Our volunteers tell us that they feel empowered and motivated following the training, and more positive about the impact they can have. We’re looking for volunteers who want to develop their skills or confidence, they don’t need any experience, just enthusiasm!’

    This fantastic opportunity is open to over 18s only; if you are interested you can apply here.