Climate & Nature (CAN) Champions Launch Event
On the evening of 19 November 2025 I was lucky enough to attend a Zoom call along with over 70 other people from across Northamptonshire, all enthusiastic about working for the climate and nature in their local areas.
These people are CAN Champions, part of a scheme created by NCALC (Northamptonshire County Association of Local Councils). In July this year, NCALC asked Parish and Town Councils across Northamptonshire to nominate a CAN Champion to act as a point of contact and advocate for environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Less than 6 months later, 118 Champions have already stepped forward.
At this first meeting, the attendees asked questions on a range of topics, ranging from how they could help their parish preserve a pond, to stopping developers from tearing out hedgerows, and how to contact Champions in neighbouring parishes to work together.
The guest speaker, Ellen Pentland from the Wildlife Trust BCN, explained how the Trust can help get local projects off the ground through its Team Wilder programme. There was also a representative from the Nene Rivers Trust present to offer their support to towns and parishes.
At the very end of the meeting the CAN Champion for Harlestone, CA-WN’s very own Farming Correspondent Rupert Knowles, sounded a note of caution – there had been much talk about Nature and far less about Climate. Danny Moody from NCALC assured Rupert that Climate would not be forgotten.
With local government at a higher level in Northamptonshire looking the other way when it comes to climate and nature, it is refreshing to be reminded that there are many people in this county who remain focused on taking action in their neighbourhoods.
https://northantscalc.gov.uk/can-champions