Kingston Environment Forum

For the latest news, events and updates from KEF members and others, read and subscribe to the monthly e-newsletter, Kingston Environment News.

New environmental groups in Kingston are welcome to join.

XR local group

Began as an anti-plastic-waste campaign, affiliated to the wider London group Greener Upon Thames - http://greeneruponthames.org/. Has now evolved to include other waste and green issues including the need for "living landscapes".

Habitats & Heritage cares for the natural and historic environment in south and west London.

For help and advice on keeping bees, please contact us via our website.

"Formed in May 2013 we are a network passionate about Kingston’s wildlife, aiming to establish strong links between organisations and people who are interested in conserving and preserving the biodiversity of the borough. We are helping to design documentation including species and habitat management plans, drawing upon local expertise and previous research, as well as carrying out our own surveys to build a picture of Kingston’s functioning ecosystems..." See also KBN Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/529736513729812/

A food forest at Knollmead Allotments, Tolworth, planted for the long term with perennial edible flowers, veg and fruit, details on our website.

Environmental campaigning group in Kingston upon Thames.

We have had occasional representative from KU over the years, and currently would welcome one.

Kingston Upon Thames Local Exchange Trading System is a community-based barter system. Members pool their skills and resources to form a local network, which allows them to trade goods and services without using money...

An environmental creative arts, education and entertainment charity, based a The Circulatory, Berrylands. At SWC’s heart is a commitment to improving the well-being of individuals and communities and protecting the environment through inspiring and demonstrating imaginative skills and solutions and having fun, so we can all live in healthier and more sustainable ways.

A Facebook group for people who are concerned about the ongoing destruction of Seething Wells Filter Beds... a Site of Importance to Nature Conservation (now At Risk), located on Metropolitan Open Land in Surbiton's Riverside South Conservation area.

Transition Town Kingston (TTK) is a voluntary community-led initiative addressing the twin challenges of diminishing oil and gas supplies and climate change. We seek to raise awareness of these issues and implement practical projects to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and our dependency on oil.

APRIKUT – Animal Product Reducers in Kingston upon Thames - is a Facebook group for anyone who lives in or near Kingston upon Thames who is trying to reduce or eliminate their consumption of animal products, for ethical, environmental, health or any other reasons. The group is open to reducetarians, flexitarians, vegetarians, vegans, near-vegans, freegans, plant-based eaters, and others who are none of those things but who think they might like to be. We aim to be an inclusive and supportive community, built on mutual respect and empathy. Members can use the group to ask for advice, offer encouragement and support, and share relevant information, news articles, recipes and tips.

An invitation to, for just one day (or forever?!) try to live in a manner that has as little negative effect upon the earth as possible. As an individual, in a personal way. Just a tiny drop in the ocean, but every little helps.

a cross-community campaign about Kingston's polluted air.

Don't throw it away, give it away! You might not want it, but someone just round the corner might. And you might find something free too.

A collective of local volunteers aiming to take over a disused shop space in the town centre, transforming it into a climate emergency centre, a hub to benefit people and planet. ​

A Facebook group for everyone who ever picks up litter in Kingston upon Thames — to share ideas, organise litter-picks, and have a bit of a moan.

MASC is a community of S W London residents and local environmental groups working to improve the quality of the air we breathe.

"...campaigning for clean air for everyone — particularly children and babies."

- and get some advice on how to reduce it.

"The Climate Coalition, with our sister organisations Stop Climate Chaos Cymru and Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, is the UK's largest group of people dedicated to action on climate change and limiting its impact on the world’s poorest communities. Our combined supporter base represents more than 11 million people across the UK. Our coalitions bring together over 100 organisations, from environment and development charities to unions, faith and belief, community and women's groups."

Designed to help local authorities and other organisations working on climate change, or working with vulnerable communities, to respond to this challenge. The site has been developed in partnership by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Climate UK, the Environment Agency and the University of Manchester. Climate Just highlights which people and places are likely to be most vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather, including flooding and extreme heat, and actions that can be taken to respond. It provides a wealth of free resources, including:information on which people and places are most vulnerable to climate impacts;maps that identify areas of social vulnerability, exposure to flooding and heat and overall climate disadvantage in your local area;information about who is most at risk of fuel poverty and how to tackle this; case studies showing how different organisations are responding to climate change; tools, reports and presentations to help you to take action.

Formerly COIN, they "specialise in communicating climate change in ways that are inclusive and people-focused, appealing to common values and goals to unite us in a shared mission."

"A Rocha UK’s award scheme for churches in England and Wales who want to demonstrate that the gospel is good news for God’s earth. Our free online survey and supporting resources are designed to equip your church to express your care for God’s world in your worship and teaching; in how you look after your buildings and land; in how you engage with your local community and in global campaigns, and in the personal lifestyles of your congregation."

Includes sections on waste and recycling, energy, climate change and sustainability...

A web-based directory helping green-minded consumers find green businesses and community enterprises in and around Kingston upon Thames, and vice-versa.

The Kingston Green Pledge reflects Kingston's commitment to reducing environmental impact and provides guidance on how organisations and individuals can contribute. The Pledge recognises that lifestyles, attitudes and behaviour must change in order to achieve this goal. All organisations in the borough are invited to sign up to the Pledge. These include: businesses of all sizes; public bodies such as the police, NHS and education establishments; third sector organisations such as churches, charities and community groups; federations and associations. By signing up, you will be joining a community united in making a positive difference for everyone.

Living Landscapes - making space for nature in Kingston, is a collection of articles and resources, the outcome of a Transition Town Kingston hosted event in October 2012 which explored the connections between wild flowers, insects and our food supply, and how Kingston could help. The event included Kingston Environment Centre and other local groups' displays on bees and local biodiversity projects, and an expert panel discussion.

A list of useful websites

Report on a Kingston University project investigating whether members of a community can be facilitated to deliberately debate, develop and adopt new low energy norms, practices and lifestyles. Published June 2014.

and other green spaces - and here are lots of reasons why

This 2007 WWF report highlights individuals’ consumption by ranking the 60 cities in Britain by the average Ecological Footprint of their residents.

"Good energy, bad energy"