The Climate Change Citizens' Panel - Session 3

Purpose of day three

• Examine the importance of collaboration and local action and how to influence communities, local authorities and MPs to drive behaviour change towards a more sustainable future
• Explore the role, value and planning considerations of green spaces in Elmbridge, how they relate to climate change and development pressure.
• Hear the views of organisations who campaign for stronger protection and greater access to green spaces and the vital role these areas play in residents’ wellbeing.
  
  

To help address the overarching question:

"What steps can we take locally to address climate change and protect the environment?"

Day activities

Group discussions and activities focused on how to initiate local action to drive meaningful change though dialogue with local communities, the council and politicians. 

Small Group Discussions

Reflective group exercises where participants identified and discussed visible changes in their local area (environmental or climate-related or not). Participants explored factors that initiated change, what encouraged it and what the outcomes were. Panel members considered different approaches to support the theory of change

Power mapping

A strategic group exercise to identify key stakeholders and decision-makers who can influence climate-related actions locally followed by an interactive session with Hope for the Future focused on advocacy skills and how to effectively engage with local politicians and Members of Parliament.

Discussion on what a recommendation looks like

 A guided session to help participants understand how to frame effective, actionable recommendations to inform their work after completion of the panel.

Talks on the day:

Purpose: To allow participants to engage directly with expert speakers, clarify ideas, and deepen understanding of how change happens and the role of green spaces.

Speakers

Fergus Lamb, Policy and Engagement Officer – Hope for the Future
 Hope for the Future is a charity supporting people and community groups to engage in effective and constructive conversations with their local MP, council or mayor on climate and nature).

In the video below, Fergus explains how Hope for the Future can support constituents to engage their political representatives to take action on climate change.

Diana Thornton – Co-founder of Oxshott Net Zero.

Oxshott Net Zero is a grassroots startup formed by residents focused on reducing carbon emissions through information sharing, community events and local sustainability projects. Some of their key initiatives are a repair café and giving promotional support to “Take the JUMP”, a research-backed movement encouraging individuals to adopt impactful lifestyle changes to live more sustainably.

In the video below, Diana shares her motivation for founding Oxshott Net Zero, the challenges of building a sustainable, volunteer-led organisation, and how the initiative brings together diverse communities around a shared environmental mission.

Paul Falconer, Development Manager – Elmbridge Borough Council’s Planning and Environmental Health Services.

Paul explains what constitutes a green space, why development happens on green spaces, how residents can get involved in the planning process and how green spaces are used to absorb emissions. He also gives and overview of the current government planning and policy framework, how green belt is taken into consideration and explains what biodiversity net gain is.

Rodney Whittaker, a local correspondent for the Open Spaces Society, actively involved in protecting public green spaces in Surrey.
The Open Spaces Society is Britain’s oldest national conservation body dedicated to protecting commons, greens, and public paths. It supports communities in safeguarding green spaces, and advises governments on land use.

Rodney highlights how the Society supports residents in resisting development threats and shaping national policy to secure lasting legal protections for local green spaces.

Pamela Winstanley, Community Grower at Walton Charity’s wellbeing initiative, Space to Grow.

Walton Charity offers a range of green spaces that promote outdoor wellbeing for the local community. At its Tree Canopy site, initiatives like Rewilding Forest School, Guided Wellbeing and community allotments engage residents in nature-based activities that support mental and physical health.

Pamela highlights how these spaces promote inclusion and improve wellbeing, especially for those with health conditions.

Next Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens' Panel

Topics for session 4, taking place in October, include Housing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please review our FAQs if you have a question about the Citizens’ Assembly process.  If the FAQs do not answer your question please contact us at climatechange@elmbridge.gov.uk.

Find out how we are working towards a more Sustainable Elmbridge.