RESIDENTS across the Forest of Dean are being encouraged to take a closer look at how energy efficient their homes really are, thanks to an expanded thermal camera loan scheme backed by European funding.

Forest of Dean District Council has added more pick-up locations to its Thermal Camera Loan Scheme, making it easier for householders to borrow specialist equipment to identify where heat may be escaping from their property.

The scheme allows residents to borrow a FLIR thermal imaging camera free of charge for up to a week.

The cameras use infrared technology to highlight hot and cold spots around the home, helping to pinpoint issues such as draughts around doors and windows, missing insulation or poorly sealed glazing.

New locations have now been added across the district, with cameras available from Coleford, Cinderford, Newent and Lydney libraries, as well as Drybrook, Huntley, Lydbrook, Newent, Rudford and Tidenham parish and town councils. Residents borrowing through libraries will need to be library members.

Council officers say the scheme is designed to give people practical, easy-to-understand information about their homes, helping them decide what improvements could make the biggest difference.

The cameras work best during colder weather, when there is at least a 10°C difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, making heat loss and draughts easier to spot.

The Thermal Camera Loan Scheme is delivered in partnership with Forest Community Energy and the South West Net Zero Hub as part of the EU-funded AURORA Project, which aims to help citizens make more informed energy decisions and play an active role in the transition to net zero.

According to the European Commission’s research and innovation platform CORDIS, Forest of Dean District Council is a named UK partner in the AURORA Project, with a net EU contribution of €304,375 supporting local delivery of the scheme.