Organised by Friends of the Earth and supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, Earthmovers Awards recognise the inspiring work of local environmental groups in their communities.
From Margate to Merton, get inspired by what these local action groups have achieved.
South East
Congratulations to the 5 winners in the South East. Tunbridge Wells Friends of the Earth hosted an art and poetry exhibition, sparking conversations on nature and biodiversity. New Forest Friends of the Earth created a community quilt, symbolising concerns about sustainable home heating, which impressed its local MPs. Swale Friends of the Earth’s “Lovely World” event showcased green technologies, inspiring residents to take climate action. And South East Climate Alliance united young activists and local groups, sharing hope and strategies for change.
Thanet Friends of the Earth
Congratulations to Thanet Friends of the Earth for building a brilliant partnership with Al Birr Community Centre and Mosque.
Their work together included organising a community litter pick to clean up the local area and taking part in the United for Warm Homes Day of Action. Dr. Ashrah Salah, the mosque’s Imam, emphasised the shared responsibility of caring for the planet in Islam, highlighting the importance of addressing cold homes.
This collaboration highlights the power of communities coming together for a sustainable, just future.
London
Congratulations to Friends of the Earth groups across London. Barnet Friends of the Earth made strides in air pollution monitoring and awareness, with creative community events and attention from local leaders, including the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. Merton Friends of the Earth played a part in the ongoing campaign to save Wimbledon Park from the All England Lawn Tennis Club's proposed development, rallying community support. And Ilford United for Warm Homes secured commitments from the Health Secretary and local MP Wes Streeting. The group involved hundreds of local community members in quilt-making and petitions.
London Friends of the Earth Network
There was great work by the London Friends of the Earth Network, which played a pivotal role in the 2024 London elections campaign, securing nearly 50 signatures from London Assembly candidates on key environmental pledges.
Collaborating with the More Natural Capital and Healthy Air Coalitions, the network organised hustings, lobbying and City Hall actions that brought climate issues to the forefront.
North East
Well done to groups across the North East. Divest North East has been tirelessly advocating for fossil fuel divestment through protests and petitions, ensuring local leaders hear its call. Darlington Friends of the Earth celebrated group coordinator Kendra Ullyart's 15 years of creative leadership, energising the group’s efforts. And SINE (Sunderland Inner North Environment) partnered with Medact, adding expert authority to its campaigns and pushing local leaders to act.
Alnwick Area Friends of the Earth
Congratulations to Alnwick Area Friends of the Earth for taking part in the "What a Wonderful World" initiative. The event combined arts and science to raise awareness of the climate crisis, empowering communities to create meaningful change.
At the event, the group hosted "Change in the Air?", featuring Dr Laura Keast discussing air pollution’s health impacts, Professor Alasdair McDonald addressing the future of wind energy and Beth Chamberlain from the RSPB exploring climate change's effects on wildlife.
The group also distributed information on air pollution, climate change and biodiversity, promoting positive actions for a healthier planet.
Yorkshire
Congratulations to groups in Yorksire. York Friends of the Earth had a powerful first year, organising climate-focused events and demonstrations, and working closely with local networks on mayoral elections. David Tonge’s leadership in developing the North Yorkshire Climate Coalition united 25 community groups to influence local leaders and push for stronger climate action. And Huddersfield Friends of the Earth deepened community ties through projects like its Bee Keeper of Aleppo talk and The Buzz Project, fostering environmental awareness and engagement.
Fossil Free West Yorkshire
There was great work in West Yorkshire where the Pension Fund has committed to halting new fossil fuel investments, a victory for Fossil Free West Yorkshire.
The group celebrates this achievement but remains focused on pushing for full divestment. It encourages members of the Pension Fund to participate in consultations and amplify voices for continued climate action.
North West
Well done to Congleton Climate Action. The group reignited its efforts, gaining new members, securing council support and driving forward green transport and disability access initiatives.
Whalley Range Climate Action
Congratulations to Whalley Range Climate Action. The group has been a driving force for cleaner air, uniting the community through its "Let’s Talk Clean Air" project.
By hosting events, collaborating with schools and campaigning at the local and Greater Manchester level, the group has inspired action and worked to bring about real change for a healthier environment.
East and Central
Julie Furnivall's leadership in Luton has strengthened the group, building partnerships and achieving notable victories like getting its MP to raise the demand for warm homes in parliament. Meanwhile, Oxford Friends of the Earth has been central to impactful coalitions, halting new roads and championing clean rivers initiatives locally.
Fenland and West Norfolk/ Kings Lynn for Warm Homes
Well done to Kings Lynn for Warm Homes and Fenland and West Norfolk groups for running an incredible Warm Homes campaign. The groups engaged the local community, collaborated with foodbanks and garnered attention from local press and politicians.
This grassroots-driven effort has empowered the community to advocate for energy efficiency and sustainable living in a challenging region.
South West
From Tewkesbury Friends of the Earth’s impactful "Safe Avon" campaign to Wilts Climate Alliance’s engaging "Green Open Homes Week,” these groups are driving real change. East Dorset Friends of the Earth’s accountability efforts and West Cornwall Friends of the Earth’s 50-year legacy further showcase the power of community-led environmental action.
Bristol Friends of the Earth
Congratulations to Bristol Friends of the Earth for its inspiring "Nature Rising" initiative, in partnership with Black Seeds Network. Their collaboration hosted a range of events all aimed at Global Majority communities. One of the events was even featured in the local paper.
Their innovative work is not only protecting nature but also creating inclusive, empowered spaces for all communities to join the climate movement.
East Midlands
Well done to these 5 groups for driving change through bold campaigns and creative partnerships. From Climate Action Nottingham's success in Warm Homes advocacy to High Peak Green New Deal's alliance-building and Climate Action North East Derbyshire's community partnerships: each group is making a powerful impact. SoS Biscathorpe and North Kelsey creatively fought local oil extraction, achieving a legal victory that quashed planning approval.
Climate Action Leicester and Leicestershire
Climate Action Leicester and Leicestershire ran an impactful Warm Homes Day of Action event attended by 300 people, including a diverse range of campaign partners.
In parallel and for some years, the group has also been running a determined campaign to get the Leicestershire County Council pension fund to divest from fossil fuels. This has required dogged lobbying and campaigning and has resulted in nearly all the district councils in Leicestershire passing motions (several unanimously) in support of divestment.
The group's campaigns and activities have also been promoted through strong social media communications.
West Midlands
A lot to celebrate in the West Midlands, from both local action groups and numerous focused individuals. Groups that deserve special congratulations include Moorlands Climate Action for being brilliant climate and biodiversity advocates and Bromsgrove Climate Action for engaging the community through tree planting and creative events. And a shout-out to some incredible individuals: Toqueer Ahmed Quyyam connects local faith communities with nature and energy efficiency, Stephen Norrie fosters climate leadership in Stratford, Paul Cawthorn tirelessly raises awareness of toxic waste issues, demonstrating the power of grassroots activism, while Sue Elkin co-ordinates successful fundraising at festivals.
Shrewsbury Friends of the Earth and Better Transport for Shrewsbury
Congratulations to Shrewsbury Friends of the Earth. The group has been ever-present in a 30-year campaign against the North West Road, uniting many local groups (including BEST most recently) and political parties to oppose this destructive project.
The network's creative media stunts and collaborations have gained national attention, building a strong coalition for climate and biodiversity protection.
