About
Vision: To create a climate-friendly Alwoodley.
Mission: Together we are working towards a healthy, resilient, sustainable Alwoodley for everyone, enabling people to move easily, joyfully and seamlessly into a low carbon and nature positive way of life.
Read our 2024 Annual Report to learn about how we operate and what we've achieved as of Dec 2024.
How We Work: Alwoodley 2030 is a group of local people living, working or frequently spending time in Alwoodley, Leeds (the Ward). We care deeply about climate and biodiversity breakdown and are taking urgent action together. Our aim is to do all we can in a short amount of time - by 2030 - to do "do our bit", in our corner of the planet, to help drive the transition to living in a way that our planet can sustain. Specifically, we take local, community-driven action to make Alwoodley zero-carbon, and to take local responsibility to restore our local habitats and eco-systems that have been severely diminished in recent generations.
Alwoodley 2030 is one of eight climate hubs across Leeds set up by Climate Action Leeds to facilitate community-led climate action within neighbourhoods. Hub locations have been selected carefully to reflect the diversity of different geographical communities in Leeds, for example; market towns, inner city, outer suburbs, and more. In each area we are supporting residents to develop a local climate action group who will work with us to create their own community climate action plan, based on local priorities. The programme provides each local hub with budget for the activities agreed in their plan and the employment of a local hub worker for three years (two days per week) to support the group, hub and activities. This funding is coming to an end in September 2025, so we are in the process of becoming an independently funded Community Interest Organisation. If you enjoy or are interested in helping to establish, govern and fund our unique and important local organisation, please do get in touch!
The Hub Worker for Alwoodley is Jennifer Walper Roberts who can be reached at info@alwoodley2030.org.
Steering Group
Steering Group. The Steering Group takes the eagle view, setting strategic priorities and providing governance and transparency. The Steering Group is responsible for ensuring that the work is community-led, empowering the community to take smart, supported, strategic, impactful action. Our current members are:
Louise Jennings, Chair
Professor of Medical Engineering, Feminist and Social Justice Activist
After dedicating much of my adult life to my academic career and family, I feel it’s time to channel the skills I’ve developed into something that directly impacts my community. My work has taught me to think critically, analyse complex issues, and collaborate toward meaningful goals—all of which are crucial for tackling the climate challenges we face. My motivation is deeply rooted in a concern for the future my child and future generations will inherit; I want to be part of creating a sustainable, equitable world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. By joining this group, I hope to help drive local initiatives that not only address environmental issues but also promote fairness and resilience in our community.
Liz Watson, Secretary
Retired Headteacher and DfE Consultant, Former Chair of Governors
I have a lot to learn and want to make that clear from the start. However, I am convinced that we need to significantly shift the way most of us think and act and so I would like to help this group to be effective. I was Headteacher of a Secondary School before working for a few years with the DfE, so helping to shape strategy and translate that into action planning was part of the job. After retirement, I was a Chair of Governors for several years again dealing with how effectively strategy can be translated into action. If I can be of help on the Steering Group, it will be because of this background.
Sarann Dean, Member
Web developer with general computer skills, keen on making things more efficient
I feel a sense of urgency about the crises we currently have and I would like to be part of something to help.
Cath Taylor, Member
Outdoor and Farm Educator for young adults with additional needs , Gardener, Activist
I have always been involved in my community whether charity work or volunteer work and I have always been a defender of nature, people’s rights and climate action so this role is a combination of both those aspects of my life.
Lorne West, Member
I am currently employed at West Oaks Specialist School as a Learning Guide.
I am passionate about nature recovery and finding ways to mitigate climate change. I believe strongly that our local communities are a crucial part of this. Since joining Alwoodley 2030 I have felt encouraged to meet so many like minded people who share my concern. I have been involved In volunteering all my life, in large and small organisations, volunteer, committee and organisation led. I can offer an ability to see the big picture, an understanding of recruiting volunteers, and lots of enthusiasm.
Charlotte Butler, Member
I'm already an active volunteer and would like to help with the strategy and direction a bit more. I have 29 yrs in all areas of marketing/strategy/product development. More importantly I'm absolutely passionate about nature and the environment and love collaborating and working with different groups of people
Nicola Kelly, Member
I am really inspired and motivated by all that Alwoodley 2030 has already achieved towards providing a better future for nature and people. I have been involved in supporting projects and I would now like to offer my help in a more formal, regular way. I work in public health, currently with a remit on mental wellbeing and know the benefits of nature for people.
Hiba Khurshid, Member
I am eager to join the Alwoodley 2030 group as a passionate member of the community, with limited knowledge around sustainability but a strong desire to learn and make a meaningful impact. I bring extensive experience in community integration, diversity, and public engagement, which I believe can significantly benefit the group and its mission. My fresh perspective, combined with an ability to engage with people across diverse age groups, stems from my longstanding involvement in various roles across Leeds. These include serving as a parish councillor, Leeds Volunteer, Leeds Community Champion, and as a West Yorkshire Suicide Prevention Ambassador. Through these roles, I have actively fostered well-being and community connection and I am enthusiastic about contributing to Alwoodley 2030 with the same energy and commitment.
Core Working Groups
These groups look at the bigger picture and set strategy and measures for our projects. They liaise with the steering group to touch base and maintain transparency, accountability and align with core values. Current groups include:
Nature Recovery - This group will use assessments, measures and local knowledge to set our strategy for nature. What are our strategic priorities for restoring our local habitats and eco-systems? How do we support nature to adapt to climate change? We seek local ecologists and members of friends-of groups to think together about a joined up approach to drive our local project groups.
Alwoodley Active Travel - This group convenes local public health, air pollution and transport experts to create a strategy for locally-driven actions to transition alwoodley to a zero-carbon, non-polluting transport and travel environment.
Zero Carbon Homes & Energy - This group sets our strategic priorities and aims for how we can reduce our very high carbon footprint from Alwoodley homes and energy consumption/sourcing.
Sustainable Food- This group sets the strategy for transforming our local food system so that we help drive the larger transition to a food system that relies less on transport, is adaptable to climate change, fosters local community around and connection with our food sources, supports our health and well-being, combats hunger, and nourishes the planet.