Category: Updates

ECO Action Celebrates Three Years — And Launches a New Chapter

More than 70 residents, volunteers, partners, councillors, and supporters came together to celebrate ECO Action’s 3rd Anniversary in a positive and inspiring event marking both the organisation’s achievements so far and the launch of its next chapter.

The celebration combined music, conversation, and presentations with opportunities for guests to connect with local groups, initiatives, and volunteers helping to build a greener, healthier future across Windsor & Maidenhead.

The event also introduced ECO Action’s new strategy, which sees the organisation move beyond a single physical Hub and instead focus on reaching more people through communities, libraries, local events, partnerships, and neighbourhood initiatives such as Love Our Street.

Guests heard from local MP Josh Reynolds, who spoke about the growing importance of local action in tackling climate and environmental challenges. He highlighted his support for the cross-party National Emergency Briefing call, urging Government to provide the public with clear, science-led information on climate and nature risks.

Josh also spoke about his ongoing work challenging sewage pollution in local rivers and emphasised the importance of community pressure in driving change. As he told attendees: “Pressure works. Show up, make the case, refuse to go away, and things do shift.”

Although unable to attend in person, broadcaster and environmental campaigner Peter Gibbs sent a supportive message praising the role the ECO Action Hub has played in helping residents access trusted advice, practical support, and local expertise.

Peter said: “To do ‘the right thing’, people need reliable advice… which is why something like the ECO Action Hub is so important.” He also highlighted the importance of supporting nature locally, including making gardens more wildlife-friendly across the borough.

Three years on from its launch, the message from the event was clear: ECO Action’s next phase is not about slowing down — it is about growing outward into the community and inspiring even more people to take practical local action.

“Where your money goes shapes the future.”

What if your pension, savings or bank account were quietly funding fossil fuels, pollution or deforestation — without you even realising it?

Ethical finance is moving rapidly into the mainstream, with more people now asking where their money is invested and whether it aligns with the future they want to see.

Money is never neutral. Read our upcoming ECO Matters Article here to discover how your small financial choices can help shape a greener future.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash1

AI, Sustainability & Community Values

A Two-Page Thought Leadership Perspective from ECO Action

Technology, Responsibility & Opportunity

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming embedded into modern society. From communications and web design to research, administration and creative work, AI tools are increasingly shaping how organisations operate.

For values-led organisations like ECO Action, this raises important questions around ethics, sustainability, authenticity and responsibility.

That’s a conversation worth having. We’ve thought about these issues and have agreed an approach … you can read more about what we’ve decided here.

🌱 VOLUNTEERS COORDINATOR ROLE

Dear Volunteers and Supporters.

Our wonderful Volunteers Coordinator, Harpreet, is moving on to an exciting new role (great news for her!) — which means we’re now looking for someone to take on this hugely important role within ECO Action.

As you know, everything we do depends on volunteers. And as we evolve — especially with changes to how we run our Hub — supporting, connecting and growing our volunteer community is more important than ever.

This role sits right at the heart of ECO Action. It’s about welcoming new people, helping them find their place, and keeping our volunteer community active, informed and connected.

We’ll make sure there’s a smooth handover from Harpreet, so you’ll be well supported stepping in.

If you enjoy connecting people, organising things, and being part of a friendly, purpose-driven team — this could be a great fit.

👉 Interested?

We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you into our team!!

Eco Question Time & Peoples Emergency Briefing Film

Norden Farm Saturday 18th APRIL 10:30 to 12:30

What to expect

Based on the National Emergency Briefing in Westminster, as covered by ITV, C4, & the Times. Followed by a short open discussion about what we can do and what it means locally.

  • A powerful 45-minute “level-setting” film featuring Chris Packham, Mike Berners-Lee, Deborah Meaden, surprise guests, and a wide range of other Brits.
  • Clear, evidence-based insights from leading UK experts with a shared understanding of the challenges — and the solutions

Join the conversation

Come along, watch the film, and be part of a constructive, solutions-focused discussion about what we can do next — as individuals and as a community.

After the screening, there will be a live Q&A discussion with Joshua Reynolds MP and Cllr Karen Davies. This is your chance to ask questions and join the discussion.

When and Where?

  • Saturday 18 April from 10:30 – 12:30.
  • Film runs for approximately 45 minutes
  • Followed by an open Q&A discussion.

What next?

* £4.70 donation to ECO Action and 30p cover charge to Norden Farm

Last Thought

The film is only being shown at in-person screenings, not online. Bring a friend or neighbour. Please book your seat asap. Click the QR Code for more information on the film and the Briefing.

Eco Matters – the “First 50” book

We’ve been running since 2022 to help raise local people’s awareness and improve their wellbeing on climate change. As you may know, we’ve published the Eco Matters column every fortnight in the Maidenhead Advertiser. At the end of last year we ran our fiftieth column.

So we have compiled the first fifty into a small book. 

Each Eco Matters column is written by a different person. We’ve covered a wide range of eco topics from heat pumps and electric cars through to bees and Christmas gifts, offering practical advice, information and tips.

Our aim in publishing the book is to make sure that all this great insight and advice reaches as wide an audience as possible beyond the circulation of the newspaper itself. We decided to physically print it (on recyclable paper of course) to ensure it has a more lasting life and makes more impact than a digital-only document.

If you would like one of the remaining FREE copies of the book (otherwise with a cover price of £8.99). If so, just fill in your details on this link and we will send you one of the free copies – assuming they haven’t run out yet.
And if you’d like to help us cover our ECO Matters and ECO Action costs please check out this link too! All contributions very much appreciated.

Lastly, thank you to our co-sponsors; Maidenhead Advertiser, SaveEnergy, and The Louis Baylis Trust. Keep looking in the Maidenhead Advertiser for even more ECO Matters articles: we publish one every 2 weeks, so here’s to the next 50! 
 
Andrew Ingram

ECO Action Event Coordinator 

Join Our Mission: Reduce Carbon, Increase Nature, Improve Wellbeing!

ECO Action are a grassroots movement to inspire and empower our community to create a greener, healthier future within our borough.

We’re looking for someone who can help bring that energy into local events across the community.

We’re seeking an Event Coordinator – a volunteer who can coordinate others running events, organise and support our presence at community events, helping us reach more people and share our mission.

What You’ll Do – As our Event Coordinator, you’ll help us coordinate engaging, high-impact experiences that showcase ECO Action. You’ll play a key role by:

  • Working with volunteers (via our WhatsApp group) to help them run events
  • Coordinating our participation in local events, fairs, markets, and festivals
  • Working with our existing Engagement Coordinator who will choose the most suitable local events
  • Aligning logistics: stall or room bookings, materials, timings, volunteer rotas
  • Creating simple, engaging event ideas — from mini-workshops to talks
  • Ensuring our message shines through: Reduce Carbon, Increase Nature, Improve Wellbeing

Who You Are:

  • Organised, practical, and comfortable juggling details
  • Friendly, confident, and able to support volunteers on the day
  • Passionate about climate action, sustainability, or community events
  • Comfortable with WhatsApp and basic planning tools
  • Ideally with some event experience — or simply keen to learn and get stuck in

What You’ll Gain:

  • Hands-on experience in event planning and community engagement
  • A chance to bring people together around a shared mission
  • Skills in coordination, communication, and volunteer management
  • Connection with a supportive, positive, values-driven team

Interested? To find out more or express interest, email us here 

Together, let’s spark change — one event, one conversation, one moment of inspiration at a time.

Beyond the summit: what COP30 means for the Global South

What it is: We will be live streaming a Royal Geographic Society event taking place at the end of COP30.

Hosted at the end of COP30 in Brazil, and shared by the Royal Geographical Society, this discussion will reflect on the emerging agreements and especially their implications for the Global South – the regions most affected by the climate crisis.

Why go: Understand the implication of COP30 for the Global South

Time/location:

  • Tuesday 18th November
  • From 7pm to 8:30pm
  • Eco Action Hub in Maidenhead

Please arrive early as the event will start on time. Please use our Delivery entrance – walk down the lane between McDonalds and Holland & Barrett on the High Street.

There will be discussion before and after the event, and opportunities to meet the ECO Action Hub team – come and join in the conversation!! #COP30 #COPtober

🌍 What We Can All Do to Tackle the Climate Crisis

🗓 Saturday 15 Nov | 11am–12pm

📍 ECO Action Hub, Nicholsons Centre, Maidenhead

🌱💚Feeling concerned about the climate but not sure what really helps? 💭
Join this interactive, feel-good session to discover the actions that make the biggest difference — for your home, your community, and your wellbeing. You’ll:

  • Learn which everyday choices really count
  • Create your own personalised climate action plan
  • Connect with others making Maidenhead greener, cleaner & happier

Everyone welcome — whether you’re just curious or already taking steps.
Come along, get inspired, and take action that feels right for you! 💪

➡️ Free event | No booking needed

Don’t forget our ECO Cafe; Free Tea, coffee, bubbles and other refreshments available from ECO Action Cafe. Keep an eye out for more great events at the ECO Action Hub! COP30 #COPtober

Eco Question Time with Josh Reynolds MP & Cllr Karen Davies

ASK YOUR CLIMATE QUESTIONS & meet Joshua Reynolds MP & CLLR Karen Davies Saturday 25th October
What’s Happening: They will both be in our Hub answering your questions on all eco topics starting with the Climate & Nature Bill.

Join our conversation from 11:00 – 12:30!

Why? Ask your questions about local or national eco issues. Discuss with your local MP Joshua Reynolds or Cllr Karen Davies on Eco-Action topics, on the Climate Action Bill – And help get their support in #COPtober!

How? To let us know you’re coming AND ask Josh a question: please email us here

When: Join our conversation from 11:00 – 12:30 on Saturday 25th October.

Where: ECO Action Hub WAM Nicholson Centre Maidenhead

ECO Cafe; Free Tea, coffee, bubbles and other refreshments available from ECO Action Cafe. Keep an eye out for more great events at the ECO Action Hub!

#COP30 #COPtober