Climate change focused community project receives more than £330,000 in National Lottery funding.

Cynon Taf Community Housing Association have received more than £330,000 of funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. The aim of this Funding is to develop and deliver the Down To Zero project create positive societal change through its environmental activities.

The funding will enable the project to work with communities to explore carbon friendly practices across sites in Llantrisant and Mountain ash as well as explore other land based opportunities. The project will see the development of native trees and orchards, as well as the planting of shrubs and vegetables to develop a net zero veg box subscription scheme that will support community food security. The site will also look to offer volunteering opportunities for residents to learn green skills, keep bees and develop climate friendly knowledge and behaviours.

Since receiving the funding, Down To Zero have employed a green development officer, who will support the project with its planting schedule, as well as manage and support volunteers across sites. The project has also supported volunteers to build a number of beehives as an additional source of income and produce available to the local community.

Tom Addiscott, project manager for Down To Zero said, “The funding from The Welsh Government and National Lottery’s Sustainable Steps Programme will make such a huge impact to what we want to achieve as a project – it means that we can develop further carbon friendly activities, plant more trees, expand our orchards, get bees on site to help with pollination, as well as ensure that we have the skills and equipment to drive forward carbon friendly practices and behaviour change’.

“Down To Zero is more than just a project about being carbon neutral, it is a chance to get outside, learn new skills, help overcome community food challenges and support the foundational economy. It is about demonstrating that we can enjoy locally grown produce that hasn’t travelled miles; a from tree to fork ethos. I am excited to see what the future holds for Down To Zero and what we can achieve together.”

The project is supported by Cynon Taf Community Housing Group, who are committed to working with its tenants, staff, and local communities to reduce the impact of climate change.

Kath Palmer, interim CEO at Cynon Taf Community Housing Group added, “We are absolutely delighted to have received this investment from The National Lottery Community Fund. The money will make a significant difference to what the project is looking to achieve with its plans to support our organisation to become carbon neutral by 2030, but also the positive impact the two sites will have on the surrounding communities in terms of food security, skills development and climate knowledge.”

The project has already started to make a difference in its surrounding communities, with the Llantrisant site offering opportunities for volunteers to develop skills and holiday activities for families to get out into nature and get their hands messy. Through the funding, Down To Zero will continue to develop more climate friendly community activities that offer something for everyone.

For more information about Down To Zero and the work that is delivering, visit www.down-to-zero.co.uk