Devon Libraries and community groups unite for £1.5m climate action programme

A transformative new climate action initiative is set to launch across Devon, as Libraries Unlimited teams up with grassroots sustainability groups for a five-year programme aimed at empowering communities to tackle environmental challenges locally.

Backed by £1.5 million in National Lottery funding, the Together for Tomorrow project will harness the unique reach of public libraries and the strength of local partnerships to encourage sustainable living and practical climate action.

The initiative is being led by Libraries Unlimited, the charity responsible for library services in Devon and Torbay, in collaboration with CAG Devon – a network of community-led sustainability groups supported by environmental consultancy Resource Futures. A diverse mix of partners and local organisations will play a key role in delivering the programme across the region.

At its core, Together for Tomorrow aims to turn libraries into hubs for climate engagement, hosting projects such as repair cafés, community fridges, growing schemes, low-waste workshops, and more. The project will also offer training, resources, and mentorship to help both new and existing groups bring sustainability ideas to life.

The initiative promises to foster inclusion, resilience, and stronger community connections under its guiding principle: “more people, doing more things, more of the time”. Key contributors include local climate groups such as Action for Climate Teignbridge (ACT), Proper Job, Sustainable Tiverton, and Transition Exmouth, who will support networking, skill-sharing, and toolkit development.

Outreach organisations such as Active Devon, Honeyscribe, and Ride-on Cycling will also contribute, while Devon Community Foundation and Devon Communities Together will assist with fundraising and engagement.

The project supports the Devon Carbon Plan, which outlines the county’s path to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

“Devon faces a range of climate-related challenges - from coastal erosion and flooding to declining biodiversity, poorly insulated homes, and limited public transport, which forces people to rely on cars,” said Alex Kittow, Chief Executive of Libraries Unlimited. “Tackling these issues requires local, adaptable solutions shaped by the people they affect.

“Libraries are at the heart of our communities, so it makes perfect sense for them to be a catalyst for change. Together for Tomorrow will bring people together through collaboration, creativity and shared learning – creating a model of community-led climate action that others across the UK can follow. Real change starts where people are – and for many, that’s their local library.”

Charlie Eddisford, Communities Lead at Resource Futures, echoed the enthusiasm for the initiative: “We’re thrilled to be co-leading this ambitious initiative that empowers communities to take meaningful, everyday climate action. CAG Devon has shown just how much creativity and commitment exists locally. To build on that, and to help new ideas get started, groups need time, space, and opportunities to connect. Together for Tomorrow will help create the conditions to make that happen.”