Climate Action
This programme is resourced through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) which is co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development & the Gaeltacht, and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme 2021 -2027 www.eufunds.ie.
We recognise that while climate change is a global challenge, local action plays a vital role in creating a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone.
By working together as a community, we can reduce waste, lower our collective carbon footprint, support biodiversity, and take meaningful steps toward environmental sustainability.
We support the development of a range of local climate initiatives – from the annual Tree Festival, which celebrates biodiversity and facilitates rewilding efforts, to practical workshops that help local groups take action on climate issues. Through education, collaboration, and community engagement, we aim to increase awareness of the issues and inspire positive environmental change at a local level.
The Tree Festival
The Tree Festival was pioneered by 80Max, a local group committed to climate action and reducing emissions, in collaboration with Belmont Demesne, in 2020. It grew steadily year on year, and in 2025, BNWAP came on board as a partner, resourced through the SICAP programme, and welcomed 3,000+ attendees on a gorgeous March morning signaling the start of Spring.
A commitment to nature and sustainability is at the heart of the festival’s ethos. In an effort to support local biodiversity, the festival provides native bare-root trees – oak, alder, beech, birch, silver birch, sweet chestnut and hazel – for free to the public. Experts from Green Friends and Rewild Wicklow are there on the day offering advice on soil suitability and planting. The idea is to equip individuals and the local community with the knowledge and the actual tree saplings to go forth and plant trees, rewild and grow native.
This vibrant community festival is already a beloved calendar fixture, with a range of family-friendly activities including a Birds of Prey show, archery lessons, a wildlife trail, pottery demonstrations, puppet-making and lots more.
Read more about the Tree Festival 2025 (link to news post)
Awareness & Collaboration
In November 2024, we organised a Climate Action Awareness Event, with the aim of highlighting practical ways for people to engage with climate action in their community. While many groups and individuals are aware of climate change, they are often unsure how to get involved. This event brought together around 30 contributors to showcase projects, spark collaboration, and open up volunteering opportunities. With interactive, educational and fun elements, the event focused on making climate action more accessible, inclusive and engaging for everyone locally as well as being an excellent networking opportunity for future collaborations.
Read more about the Climate Action Awareness Event (link to news post)
Education
We also deliver climate action related workshops to local groups. In 2025 we delivered a composting workshop to Bray Men’s Sheds. We also facilitated a talk on Climate Action for community groups, exploring simple, practical steps they can take to respond to the climate crisis.
To find out more, contact our Community Development & Climate Action Worker, Michelle Phillips, at michellephillips@bnwap.ie.