Wider networks of support after close out

As your area moves towards closing out from Big Local, you may wish to join networks that can support specific activities or projects you are continuing with beyond Big Local.

Below are some networks and resources to help you get started on making those links. We recommend that you do some research to find out if a network will suit your needs. Your area adviser or coordinator can also help link you with local or regional networks.

Community networks

Environment and climate change

Transition Network: A movement consisting of community-led groups working for a low-carbon, socially just future with resilient communities, more active participation in society, and caring culture focused on supporting each other. In practice, they use participatory methods to imagine the change they want to see, setting up renewable energy projects, re-localising food systems, and creating community and green spaces. Find out more about the current Transition Network groups.
Friends of the Earth Climate Action Groups: you can join up with an existing group or register as a new one. Climate Action groups are the local solution to a global crisis. They harness community power to make neighbourhoods more climate friendly, greener and safer for all. So far, they’ve secured some big wins, like 75% of newly elected metro mayors taking a pledge to adopt Climate Action Plans and create green jobs. You’ll be offered lots of support and training opportunities to be able to make a difference.
Groundwork website: Find out what grant funding is available in your area for poverty alleviation or environmental projects. You can also find training, support and advice for projects through finding your nearest Groundwork.
National Federation of Park and Green Spaces: this is the umbrella organisation for area forums and networks of local Friends’ groups for all public green spaces throughout the UK. There’s more information on setting up a Friends Group on the Parks Community website.
Conservation Volunteers Community Network: The Conversation Volunteers (TCV) developed a community network to support the thousands of groups across the UK who are passionate about the creation and protection of local green spaces. You will have access to TCV resources, help with health and safety guidance, safeguarding supports, obtaining insurance at a reduced rate, and volunteer recruitment and retention.
Woodland Social Enterprise Network: Making Local Woods Work have developed this Facebook group as a space for those who are involved with woodland social enterprise to access peer support and share ideas and information with the wider woodlands network. You can find other resources and join the mailing list on the Making Local Woods Work website.