Is Cornwall Ready for Climate Change? New Toolkit Helps Organisations Prepare

A new digital toolkit has been launched to help community organisations across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly build resilience to the impacts of climate change.

The Green Footsteps Guide, created by Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum’s (VSF) Climate and Environment Alliance, provides practical steps for voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to improve sustainability.

📌 Access the guide here: Green Footsteps Guide

A Climate Emergency for Cornwall’s VCSE Sector

In June 2023, Cornwall VSF declared a climate emergency for the VCSE sector, citing ecological damage, social justice concerns, and the need for equity and fairness. This declaration aligns with anchor organisations such as Cornwall Council, NHS Trusts, and the Universities of Exeter and Falmouth.

The Green Footsteps Guide is designed to help organisations take their first steps towards being more environmentally friendly. It is divided into chapters, making it easy to navigate and implement sustainable practices.

Why It Matters

Beyond the environmental impact, adopting sustainability measures can benefit organisations in several ways:
✔️ Attracting talented workers and volunteers
✔️ Cutting long-term costs
✔️ Becoming changemakers—leading the way for others to follow

The project was funded by Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, Devon and Cornwall Local Resilience Forum, and Cornwall Council.

Falmouth-based illustrator Holly Astle was commissioned to bring the guide to life, chosen for her deep appreciation of the natural world and campaigning activity.

Support from Key Voices

Kirstie Edwards, Engagement Manager at Cornwall VSF, highlighted the importance of making climate expertise more widely available:

“This project was in part, to say thank you for all the work our VCSE organisations do in our communities – for us to help in return, by taking this wealth of collective knowledge held by climate and environmental professionals and make it available to all.”

Simon Mould, Head of Resilient Communities at Cornwall Council, described the guide as a valuable resource for strengthening local resilience:

“The Green Footsteps Guide is a valuable resource to support organisations as we seek to tackle the challenges of Climate Change and increase resilience and preparedness.”

Councillor Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, welcomed the guide’s contribution to Cornwall’s Climate Change Action Plan:

“We welcome Cornwall VSF’s Green Footsteps Guide, which truly demonstrates the enthusiasm and commitment of the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector to engage in local climate action.”

Free Webinars to Support Organisations

To help organisations get the most out of the Green Footsteps Guide, a series of free short webinars will be held, providing opportunities to learn more, ask questions, and discuss challenges.

📌 More details and booking information available at: Green Footsteps Guide

The guide and webinars offer a valuable opportunity for community organisations in Cornwall to strengthen their resilience and take meaningful steps towards sustainability.