The initiative was started in Herefordshire some years ago by the Herefordshire Green Network, and is now being spread nationally by the Place-Based Initiative. It provides a number of resources and support services, shares information via social media and a newsletter, and is developing a range of online discussion forums organised by county.
Andrew Maliphant, Chair of the Great Collaboration and Environmental and Sustainability Advisor at the SLCC, has been in touch with us to discuss the potential for a Devon network:
“I’m writing to talk about the potential for a collaborative network for environmental action in Devon.
The Great Collaboration started life in Herefordshire with the Herefordshire Green Network, and since taking the initiative more widely we have been supporting the development of networks in other counties that:
- Share practical ideas and good practice in climate action and nature recovery
- Connect and collaborate with councils and local groups
- Receive support from the Great Collaboration, including an online forum, training, advice, and funding opportunities
This is not about replicating anything that’s already happening but rather joining up existing initiatives and ideas so that we can help each other, both through in-person meetings and online exchanges, including digital mapping of local projects.
This approach is already working well in Essex and Norfolk, but of course every county will have its own needs and opportunities.
We have been talking with Rebecca, DALC Chief Executive, about the potential for an initial meeting bringing together Devon’s town and parish councils, higher level authorities, local environmental organisations, and community stakeholders to discuss the potential for a county-wide environmental network.
If this is something you would like to see go forward, please would you contact me and I’ll look forward to discussing the possibilities together”
To contact Andrew and get involved, you can email him on andrew.maliphant@greatcollaboration.uk
Some of the support services available on the Great Collaboration website incude:
The Great Collaboration experience from Herefordshire has shown the value of having human contact as well as online support. Starting in Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, they are raising funds for paid advisors in each county to support active networking as well as a training programme, including climate action workshops for town and parish councils and their community groups which are regularly delivered by colleagues from Community Climate Action UK.
To get more involved or to ask for advice, please email hello@greatcollaboration.uk.
Topic discussion in progress
Community orchards in East Anglia