ACTIVE Gloucestershire has launched a new Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan.

The plan sets out a new approach to supporting the sport and physical activity sector across Gloucestershire to take action on climate change.

The strategy focuses on working with clubs, grassroots organisations, community groups, leisure providers and partners to help them become more sustainable, while also reducing Active Gloucestershire’s own environmental impact.

Richard Fishlock, Strategic Lead for Active Environments at Active Gloucestershire said: “Clubs, community groups and facilities are at the heart of helping people to be active in Gloucestershire, and we know they are already dealing with the impacts of climate change.

“This strategy is about supporting the sector to take action in a way that feels practical and achievable – whether that’s around travel, facilities, energy use or everyday decisions.

“You don’t need to be an expert to get started, and small changes can make a big difference when we act together.”

Active Gloucestershire believes climate change is affecting sport and physical activity locally, with flooding, extreme heat and poor air quality limiting access to pitches, facilities and outdoor spaces.

It says alongside this, the sector contributes to environmental impact through travel, facilities, energy use and events, so its strategy recognises that by working differently, sport and physical activity can play a key role in protecting the places people are active and supporting healthier communities.

The plan takes a dual-purpose approach of helping Active Gloucestershire reduce its own environmental footprint, and supporting organisations across the sector to take practical, achievable steps towards sustainability.

It was developed with input from partners locally and nationally, and aligns with Sport England’s Every Move strategy, with the wider Active Partnerships Network commitment to environmental sustainability.

Active Gloucestershire said it will work with partners over the coming months to provide events, tools, resources and opportunities for collaboration, helping to build confidence and momentum for sustainability across the sector.