Woodley Town Council’s Second Community Climate Action Week invited everyone to Be the Change: Together for Tomorrow – Local Action, Global Impact
Woodley Residents Come Together for a Successful Climate Action Week of Local Initiatives Inspiring Global Impact
Keeping Our Streets Clean
Kicking off the Council’s Climate Action Week, the Community Litter Pick hosted by Woodley Adopt A Street (WASP) took to local roads around Woodford Park, to help keep the streets of Woodley clean and tidy, protecting local wildlife and looking after our planet. They collected over 15 bags of rubbish!
Sustainably Stylish
The next event was the Charity Fashion Show hosted by Thames Hospice at Woodley town centre’s Centre Stage, celebrating sustainable style that doesn’t cost the earth. The audience were inspired with outfits from the Woodley shop across different categories ranging from Walk the Dog to Christmas Jumpers to Glitz and Glam. Even Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr David Bragg, made his catwalk debut in a dapper velvet jacket and trilby hat. The event was supported by Waingel’s students photographing the show, while Crumbs café kept the crowd warm with tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
David gave his heartfelt thanks to Thames Hospice and particularly the Woodley shop’s manager, Sue, for putting together the fashion show, commending her hard work, creativity, and compassion as truly inspiring. He also thanked Waingels for photographing the show, while encouraging the crowd to play their part in climate change and take part in the Council’s week-long event.
Our Climate Future
The final event of the launch day was a public climate talk featuring the Town Clerk, Kevin Murray and climate scientist Professor Chris Merchant of The University of Reading, focusing on both local action and global climate realities.
Kevin Murray opened the event by outlining the Council’s progress since declaring a Climate Emergency in 2019, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a carbon-neutral organisation by 2030. Key actions already taken include switching to 100% renewable energy, installing LED lighting and solar power, improving recycling facilities, digitising processes to reduce waste, and expanding public engagement through initiatives such as Climate Action Week and the new Climate Hub on the Council website.
Kevin also shared details from a 2024 carbon assessment, which will guide the next phase of the Council’s climate strategy. Recommendations include transitioning council vehicles to electric alternatives, installing EV charging points, improving procurement sustainability, and continuing efficiency efforts across energy, water, commuting, and waste.
Following this introduction, Professor Chris Merchant a professor in the Meteorology Department of the University of Reading and part of the National Centre for Earth Observation, delivered a compelling presentation on the global context of climate change. He highlighted that the planet has already surpassed 1.5°C of warming and is currently on track for 3°C by the end of the century, a level of change that could bring more extreme weather events, food system pressures, loss of species, and severe economic impacts.
Despite the risks, Professor Merchant emphasised that progress is possible. Renewable energy generation now surpasses coal globally, and solar power has become the cheapest energy source in history. He stressed that the transition away from fossil fuels is achievable, but success depends on collective action: individuals, communities, businesses, and governments working together.
Both speakers encouraged residents to take part in local sustainability initiatives and to play an active role in calling for broader change.
Woodley Primary School’s Climate Challenge
Selected Year 3 students from Rivermead, South Lake, and Highwood Primary Schools took part in a Climate Challenge, exploring the effects of climate change on coral reefs. Organised by the Bulmershe School’s Geography department, with support from Year 11 and sixth form students, children were mixed into groups and tasked with creating mixed-media posters illustrating the current state of coral reefs and how they might appear after climate change impacts.
The posters were judged by Woodley Town Mayor, Cllr David Bragg. The overall winning group was recognised for their independent work, accurate representation of climate change facts, and meticulous attention to detail, while the team awarded Best Teamwork excelled at dividing tasks effectively and maintaining excellent communication throughout the project.
“It was fantastic to see the creativity and enthusiasm from all the children. Their posters not only show the beauty of our coral reefs but also the need to protect our planet. I’m so impressed by their understanding of climate change and the teamwork they demonstrated,” he said.
All participants received certificates of recognition from the Mayor, along with prizes donated by MyJourney.
Other Events During Climate Action Week
The week featured a variety of activities to promote sustainable living:
Woodley Walk: Cllr Carol Jewell, member of the Council’s Walking and Cycling Sub-committee, led a 5km circular walk from the Oakwood Centre to Ashenbury Park and Aldermoors. “We had a great turnout and enjoyed blue skies and sunshine,” she said.
Repair Café: Cllr Jewell also hosted the Repair Café, helping residents fix items instead of discarding them.
Energy Advice Hubs: Citizens Advice provided guidance on energy efficiency and sustainability, while Wokingham Borough Council ran a Warm Homes session at Woodley Library.
Other Activities: Included a Recycled Art Workshop, Climate Cinema, Dr Bike sessions organised by MyJourney, and an Eco Hunt.
A big thank you to everyone who took part in making Climate Action Week a success!
