How to start a local Friends of the Earth group

A group of people stand outside a building holding a sign that reads 'Be a friend of the earth'

Step 1: gather enough people

If there's already a group near you, join that. Use our map to find your nearest in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. We also have groups in Scotland. 

No existing local action group near you? The first step to starting a new local action group is to make sure you have enough people to do so.

  • A local action group needs at least five people (or three in Wales and Northern Ireland) to start up.
  • If it's just you for now, think about how to recruit others to join you.
A group of people stand outside a building holding a sign that reads 'Be a friend of the earth'
Four people sitting round a table in a kitchen.

Step 2: meet up

Once you have a crew of five, meet to talk about why you want to start a group.

  • Talk about what issues each person cares about, locally and globally
  • Find out if there are particular issues each person would like to campaign on
  • Ask how much time each person can commit
  • Find out what skills and experience everyone can bring to the group
  • Pick a name for your group
  • Work out who is going to contact Friends of the Earth to register as a group
Four people sitting round a table in a kitchen.
A group of people standing outside on grass with an orange banner that says 'For people and the planet' and 'Ermwyn pobl a'r blaned' and the web address foe.cymru

Step 3: register your group

 Had your first meeting and confident you have enough people and capacity to start a local action group?

  • Fill in the form with some brief information about your group, where you're located and some contact details.
  • A member of staff will then reach out to get to know more about your group and how we can provide support.

You can email [email protected] if you need any support with the form.

 

Register a group
A group of people standing outside on grass with an orange banner that says 'For people and the planet' and 'Ermwyn pobl a'r blaned' and the web address foe.cymru
Group members sit at tables writing notes while listening to a session run by a Friends of the Earth staff member.

Next steps

Soon after your group has been registered, we recommend you hold your first open meeting. Think about:

  • How to recruit new members
  • How to welcome new members 

Local action groups can access a wide range of support from Friends of the Earth staff and the wider network, including training for activists, event promotion and support, strategic and campaigning support, and resources like insurance, banners, and other materials.

Group members sit at tables writing notes while listening to a session run by a Friends of the Earth staff member.

Other ways to get involved