Got a green idea? We can help make it happen

Since declaring a climate emergency in 2019, Elmbridge has been working towards becoming carbon neutral and we would love local groups to be part of that journey. 

Across the borough, lots of community groups and organisations already share our passion for protecting the environment. We’re keen to hear from anyone with an idea or project that helps make Elmbridge greener, healthier and more sustainable for everyone. 

The Elmbridge Community Climate Action Fund (ECCAF) is here to support local projects that make a real difference. This includes work that focuses on things like: 

• reducing carbon emissions and raising awareness
• saving energy, improving efficiency or generating renewable energy
• cutting down on water use and waste
• supporting wildlife and boosting biodiversity
• encouraging walking, cycling and other forms of active travel 

The next round of funding opens on Tuesday 12 May and closes on Sunday 14 June at midnight, with up to £5,000 available per project. We’re especially interested in ideas that get the wider community involved and inspire others to take action. 

Who can apply?  

If you’re a non‑profit group based in Elmbridge, you’re welcome to apply. This includes charities, community and faith groups, schools, sports clubs, village halls, and Scouts or Girl Guides. 

You can apply for the full £5,000, or just part of it. If you’re asking for partial funding, you’ll need to show how the rest of the money will be raised – either through other funders or your own organisation – to make sure your project can go ahead. 

For more details, visit: Elmbridge Community Climate Action Fund (ECCAF) and get in touch with the Climate Change team to discuss your project. 

For inspiration, here are some of the ways ECCAF grants were used in 2025: 

Biodiversity enhancements 

• Oxshott Net Zero purchased wildflower seeds and plug plants to enhance biodiversity on the Blue Heart grass verges, which have been awarded status by Surrey County Council.
• Rootz Up volunteers in Thames Ditton transformed a previously wasted grass verge into an environmentally friendly and child‑friendly growing space for the whole community. The garden incorporates features to boost biodiversity, capture rainwater and support waste reduction.
• All Saints, Weston Green turned the Garden of Remembrance into an oasis where loved ones can be remembered, with new flower bed planting that is more sustainable for volunteers to maintain. 

Weybridge in Bloom, who invested in pollinator‑friendly plants to brighten up their sites, said, 

We hope that people will then be inspired to plant similar things themselves, thus creating more habitat. 

Walton Allotment Association, who invested in water‑saving and composting measures, said: 

It’s been fantastic to use our compost created by the Ridan Compost Bin and the rainwater collected in the butts all made possible through the funding!  

Energy, waste and recycling 

• Cobham Free School replaced old lighting with 146 LED fittings and four LED lamps.
• The Elmbridge Eco Hub purchased a food waste composter, reducing the amount of food waste going to landfill by encouraging more people in the community to recycle.
• Vital Village in Thames Ditton established a library of things for household items and toys.
• Manby Lodge Infant School bought a used shipping container to be refitted and repurposed as a shop for pre‑loved school uniforms, allowing parents and carers to access it on the school grounds before or after school.  

Water efficiency 

Painshill Park, which equipped its public and charity toilet facilities with timed‑flow and water‑efficient compression taps, said, 

We cannot tell you how pleased volunteers and staff have been to see these installed, knowing how much water was used by the old-fashioned manual taps. 

Find out more about our jouney towards a greener and more sustainable Elmbridge.